International Process Plants’ Universal Glasteel Equipment subsidiary has successfully completed an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) ‘R’ Certificate joint audit.
 
UGE’s Făgăraș, Romania, manufacturing site holds multiple pressure vessel certificates, including the ASME U and R stamps. As part of this recently completed audit, UGE’s ASME R Certificate of Authorization (R-5700) has been extended to the South Carolina site, bringing its code shop capabilities to North America. The new authorization is temporary, but the company plans to convert the certificate to a permanent R and U stamp.
 
This certification marks a major milestone for the IPP Group, which can now perform pressure vessel repair and alteration activities at the South Carolina location, a 350,000-square-foot global superstore. The Eastover site was approved as a temporary R-stamp location under the licensing of UGE’s principal fabrication and repair facility in Romania. IPP intends to utilize this extended certification to alter and repair its inventory of glass-lined and alloy pressure vessels to more closely meet customer needs in North America while still offering compelling cost and lead-time savings compared to new equipment.
 
The audit was completed on Oct. 1, and the certificate was recently issued. The ASME audit team found UGE’s processes in South Carolina to be in full compliance with the quality management systems, with no major findings or non-conformities.
 
“This certification is a testament to the hard work of our teams in both the U.S. and Romania. They consistently have upheld our rigorous quality standards and compliance requirements to better serve the needs of our global customers,” said Jan Gale, Executive Vice President of IPP. “Being able to successfully navigate the dynamic standards of the National Board is a challenge, but one we’ve embraced because our customers must have absolute trust and faith in our work.”
 
“Now, our customers can have vessel alterations and vessel purchases done from one company, at one location,” Gale added. “We’re so proud to expand our operational capacity and reinforce our commitment to excellence and surpassing customer expectations.”
 
The audit, which focused on IPP’s quality control procedures, documentation, and operations, was part of the National Board’s NB-415 Accreditation of Repair Organizations program. The successful completion of the audit highlights IPP’s dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards at all its global locations.