ZAO House Building Company Blok (a subsidiary of LSR Group) has successfully passed a certification audit conducted by SGS, the world’s leading independent certification body with headquarters in Switzerland. In the course of audit, the specialists of SGS Vostok Limited, the Russian subsidiary of SGS, verified the Quality Management System (QMS) of DSK Blok for compliance with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2000 international standard and delivered a positive opinion to issue an International Standard Certificate for a term of three years. Thus both of the house building companies of LSR Group (OJSC Gatchinsky DSK and ZAO DSK Blok) are now the holders of International Standard Quality Certificates.

The key reasons for QMS introduction and certification at ZAO DSK Blok included the company’s decision to systematize its business processes in order to improve product quality as well as the likely abolishment of mandatory licensing in the construction sector.

The milestones of QMS development and assimilation included auditing and assessing the existing management system, identifying the key QMS processes, developing the quality policies and objectives for the company as a whole and its 46 divisions in particular, describing the processes and their performance criteria, documenting the responsibilities and powers of the divisions and personnel and their competency requirements, streamlining the process infrastructure as well as training auditors and setting up an internal audit system. All of the employees of ZAO DSK Blok (over 1,500 people) got involved in the QMS implementation and preparations for certification.

Alexander Gobeev, General Manager of ZAO DSK Blok commented:

“The award of the certificate confirmed to us that our products and organization of all business processes meet the highest world standards of quality. All this provides us with evident benefits such as increases in the efficiency, productivity and investment attractiveness of the company. Moreover, it will help us build mutually advantageous relations with our customers and control strict compliance with all contractual obligations.”

Konstantin Timoshechkin, Head of Systems and Services Certification Department of SGS Vostok Limited commented:

“The abolishment of licensing in the construction industry will encourage the conscientious selection of voluntary certification systems by the market players. The ISO 9001 certification is considered an efficient quality management tool worldwide. Opting for this standard DSK Blok enhances its competitiveness not only within Russia but in the global markets too.”