Firm gets SAZ certificates
SAINT Gobain Construction Products Zimbabwe, has been conferred with certifications in Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) after fulfilling the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) certification requirements.
The company manufactures a wide range of building materials including plasterboards, ceiling tiles, insulation materials, and drywall systems.
Its products are manufactured to meet the needs of different construction projects, from residential to commercial buildings.
Saint Gobain’s is an addition to the company’s earlier certification in Quality Management Systems.
The ISO certifications validate that an organisation has complied with the required set of standards for effectively implementing environmental management and safety and health standards systems and processes.
Attaining an ISO certification requires a thorough review and assessment of the organisation’s processes by a certification body accredited by ISO.
According to SAZ, EMS certification represents Saint Gobain’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, including through choice of resources, efficient energy waste management, and optimisation of supply chain processes, while the OHS certification demonstrates the company’s prioritisation of safety and prevention of accidents in the workplace.
Compliance with the systems and standards are expected to improve the company’s corporate image, market competitiveness, and standardisation of processes.
Saint Gobain General Manager-Zimbabwe, Mr Alois Mudavanhu said the conferment of the certifications will elevate the company’s prospects in its quest to become a globally excellent business unit operationally.
Mr Mudavanhu said the firm was committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment.
“This fundamental achievement is a culmination of commitment and dedication, within our team, there was an element of obsession to get this certification from a number of our team members.
“This is a paramount achievement that will change the way we do business as a Zimbabwean entity, it will make us become more competitive nationally, on the continent, and globally.
“This is proof that we can achieve any goal within our business when we work together as a team,” added Mr Mudavanhu.
He implored the Saint Gobain staffers to incorporate and observe the set standards following the certification achievement when conducting their daily tasks, adding that certification would not work alone in propelling the company’s reputation.
“Certification alone cannot earn us the reputation we want, but it has to become a way of doing business and it has to be sustained in the definite future.”
Benefits of ISO certification include enhanced customer satisfaction, increased operational efficiency, higher reliability, better risk management, and improved competitiveness in the market
SAZ’s acting general manager, Mr Cosmus Mukoyi said Saint Gobain’s certification came from a realisation that an organisation could reap more benefits when certified by more than a single standard.
“Obtaining certification for both EMS and OHS standards in addition to QMS shows a commitment to ensuring sound environmental practices and safeguarding the health and safety of the employees, contractors, and visitors within your organisation.
“As SAZ our role is to provide independent verification and validation of organisations compliance.
“We pride ourselves in aiding organisations to build and maintain their reputation for trust, credibility, and excellence,” Mr Mukoyi said.
French Embassy Mission Officer for Economic and Political Affairs, Miss Lucie GalOng said the commitment by Saint Gobain was in tandem with the French Embassy’s aim to strengthen economic relations and build partnerships between Zimbabwe and France.
“These certifications reflect Saint Gobain’s commitment to excellence in terms of management and well-being of the workforce, we are glad that Saint Gobain is operating in Zimbabwe and making a positive impact on the economy,” said Ms Gal-Ong.
ISO certification is issued by an independent, recognised local or international standardisation organisation that develops and sets standards for various industries and sectors.