3M Gulf announced it has received the ISO 9001:2000 certification for its quality management system from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Limited, Dubai.

"Obtaining this certification was absolutely critical to our long-term success in the region. Many of our customers serving in various industries ranging from health care to telecommunication, expect suppliers to meet the standards of ISO 9001: 2000 or its equivalent as a condition of doing business," said 3M managing director Dr Horst Hoeller.

"This strengthens our belief in pursuing our shared vision of creating value and accelerating growth. We demonstrated that an ISO quality system supports and uses Six Sigma both as a continuous improvement methodology and a tool set for the commercialisation of new products. Our quality management system helps identify opportunities and then sustain those gains through Six Sigma and process control."

Six Sigma, adopted by 3M in February 2001, is a methodology for pursuing continuous quality improvement and reducing inherent variability. It requires a thorough process and product understanding and is clearly focused on customer-driven expectations.

Hoeller said the ISO requirements along with Six Sigma would continue to bring in changes resulting in customer satisfaction and loyalty toward 3M.

"It is our vision to be the most innovative enterprise and the preferred supplier in the markets we serve. This strengthens our belief in pursuing our shared vision of creating value and accelerating growth...3M exhibits a solid commitment to the growth of the Gulf region with a sharp focus on innovative technologies and a strong customer-oriented marketing approach."