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3M needs little introduction. With a US headquarters the size of a small city, and operations in many countries, it is one of the largest companies in the world.

A company this size must ensure that its safety, quality and regulatory record is exemplary. In the UK, 3M Occupational Health & Safety Group chooses BSI to carry out its vast and demanding testing and certification programmes. This involves product type and development testing, testing and ongoing audits for the PPE Directive, ISO 9000 registration, and certification work relating to the company's various Kitemarks.

Mo Willcocks, European technical manager, 3M Occupational Health & Safety Products, explains why BSI is 3M's choice. She says, "BSI has a very good reputation for quality of work, is an independent testing and certification body, and is an internationally recognised authority. Our current programme of work with BSI Product Services is very large and it was placed with them because of the good service and price they offered and the fact they can do testing, product certification and manufacturing certification."

When 3M approached BSI earlier in the year to undertake a major respiratory products testing project, BSI responded by updating and improving its facilities to enable the work to be carried out more efficiently and effectively. Mo Willcocks says, "BSI adopts a practical approach to the complex issues of extensive testing and approval programmes. This enables both their customers and themselves to proceed through the EC type approval process and ensures high levels of compliance with European Directives."

It isn't just a matter of taking the best price and convenience into consideration. Mo Willcocks also believes that the company gets added value from the advice on offer from BSI's teams of experts. She says, "They are very willing to advise on appropriate testing/certification issues; they are willing to visit 3M locations to facilitate discussions and solve problems. They provide a high quality, very fast and reliable service; they meet our deadlines."