FPMSI uses nearly $46,000 state grant to train employees
North Andover, Mass. firm also gains ISO 9001 certification
Fulfillment, Print & Mailing Solutions, Inc. (FPMSI), a North Andover-based marketing solutions provider, has secured a $45,675 state workforce grant enabling it to be one of the first companies in Massachusetts to introduce a management system that will drive higher levels of customer, employee and vendor satisfaction and performance.

FPMSI leaders and state officials said the workforce grant was critical for FPMSI to gain certification from United Registrar Services of Salem, N.H., an accredited agency that certifies companies in standards known as ISO 9001:2000.

ISO—the International Organization for Standardization based in Geneva, Switzerland—is the world’s largest developer and publisher of international standards and is recognized by 157 countries.

“Employees trained in ISO-based management systems are particularly valuable to employers as meeting customer quality requirements in a timely and efficient manner leads to more business,” said state Rep. David M. Torrisi, D-North Andover, and House chairman on the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. “This workforce training grant is a great opportunity for Fulfillment, Print & Mailing Solutions, Inc. to demonstrate importance of employee training in ISO systems to long-term economic growth.”

Gaining a competitive advantage
“Gaining ISO certification sends a strong message to our customers and future prospects domestically and abroad that FPMSI is continually striving to enhance our work processes so that we can better serve them,” said Laura Harper, president of FPMSI, recently recognized as one of the top 100 woman-owned companies in the state. “We’re very pleased that we have achieved this milestone and know that it will enable us to become better employees and business partners.”

According to ISO, “Standards ensure desirable characteristics of products and services such as quality, environmental friendliness, safety, reliability, efficiency and interchangeability - and at an economical cost.”

FPMSI secured a state Workforce Training Fund grant from the state Division of Career Services last fall, which allowed it to train key employees in various internal processes. In awarding the grant, state officials lauded the foresight of FPMSI.

Brian Hettrick, an FPMSI consultant who works for Soma Associates of Burlington, said FPMSI has taken the initiative to take a holistic view of the entire company’s work processes, not just one aspect of the company.

“Many companies still think that standards practices are the domain of a company’s quality department, not everyone in the organization,” said Hettrick. “But this really has to do with standards that make the entire company better. FPMSI has made a commitment to continually improve its overall work processes.”

FPMSI handles direct marketing efforts for nearly 500 clients nationwide by developing their direct mail campaigns and e-mail marketing efforts; offers fulfillment solutions such as kitting, pick/pack and shipping products or literature; and provides print services for clients seeking marketing mailers and postcards.

Coming in July

Company Profile:
Fulfillment Print & Mail Solutions, Inc.
North Andover, MA

Deadlines:
Ads Close: 6/9
All Editorial: 6/12
Non-Display Art: 6/12
Display Ad artwork: 6/19
Scheduled mail date: 6/27