Exel Composites Achieves IATF 16949 Certification for Automotive Parts Production at Joensuu Facility

Exel Composites, a global leader in pultruded and pull-wound composite solutions, has successfully achieved the IATF 16949 certification for its Joensuu factory in Finland. This certification will ensure consistent excellence in the production of automotive parts, guaranteeing high-quality manufacturing and contributing to the prevention of defects, reduction of variation, and minimisation of waste in the supply chain.

IATF 16949 is the automotive industry’s globally recognised quality standard, based on ISO 9001, but with stricter requirements related to supplier management, process traceability, and continuous improvement initiatives. Certification requires annual surveillance audits and full recertification every three years. It is essential for tier one suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive sector. Exel’s achievement complements its existing certifications, including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 9001.

The achievement of this prestigious certification followed a rigorous two-year process. In order to meet the IATF’s requirements, Exel Composites made significant improvements to its production workflow. These included enhanced traceability for raw materials, refined raw material approval processes, stricter inspections at every stage of production, and a focus on risk-based decision-making.

At every stage, from pultrusion to post-processing, the production process is carefully inspected, supported by comprehensive laboratory testing to ensure stringent quality control. The process includes measuring dimensions and evaluating the strength properties of the produced parts. IATF 16949 certification is a crucial step for Exel in ensuring zero-defect tolerance, which is the standard in the automotive industry.

Exel’s Joensuu facility, which also serves as the company’s largest R&D hub, played a central role in achieving this milestone. The site, home to a dedicated team of experts, is well-equipped for product trials and scaling up production. As the primary location for the development of new products, it was the natural choice for IATF 16949 certification.

Juha Lipponen, Quality Environment Health and Safety Manager at Exel Composites, said: “This certification strengthens our position in the automotive sector and sets a new benchmark for what we can achieve. By meeting the stringent demands of IATF 16949, we are demonstrating our commitment to delivering defect-free, high-performance components that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this demanding process. Their hard work, expertise, and commitment were essential in securing this certification.”

Francesco Ierullo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Engineered Solutions, added: “This certification is an exciting milestone for Exel Composites as we continue to advance projects in the transportation sector — a key focus area in our growth strategy. The adoption of composites in the vehicle sector is accelerating, and we are positioning ourselves to deliver the highest quality and reliability to our customers.”

Looking ahead, Exel is committed to expanding the IATF 16949 certification to additional facilities globally, further enhancing product quality and reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in high-performance composite solutions for the automotive industry.