TAYLOR MILL, KY - The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) has launched its reengineered and expanded Certification Programs, which support the powder coating marketplace by assessing a company’s capability to produce quality parts.

PCI Certification is an extensive audit program that evaluates the candidate’s business practices, process elements, equipment, maintenance practices and quality control capabilities. Certified coaters can show, through demonstrated audit performance measurement, that they have the capabilities to correctly clean, coat and cure products to produce quality coated parts.

“Process measurement and repeatability are key to giving customers confidence that a certified finishing operation has the processes in place to do the job well,” said Trena Benson, PCI’s Executive Director. “Those who pass the comprehensive audit demonstrate that they have the ability to meet a high professional standard in the industry.”

The program offers two certification types. PCI 3000 Certification is available to custom coaters, while PCI 4000 Certification is specific to original equipment manufacturers.

Powder coaters achieving PCI certification are afforded a number of benefits. PCI Certification allows a company to differentiate themselves from other coaters and can provide access to business opportunities requiring the use of a PCI Certified powder coater. They are able to use the audit as a basis to create a continuous improvement process for enhancing their powder coating operation. In addition, they have access to the PCI Certified logo to promote their certification status and benefit from the image elevation associated with the high standards of certification.

PCI Certification is offered to all companies who apply powder coatings, and is available to both PCI member and non-member companies. PCI members that apply for certification qualify for substantial program discounts.

To learn more about the PCI Certification programs or to receive an application, visit www.powdercoating.org, click on the Resources tab, and select PCI Certification, or e-mail certification@powdercoating.org.