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Statebourne Cryogenics - the name suggests something straight out of a science fiction novel, but this company is not a product of the imagination, but a successful, state-of-the-art manufacturing concern.

The company makes ultra-low temperature cryogenic tanks (pressure vessels), which are used for storing liquefied gas, such as nitrogen, argon, oxygen and carbon dioxide. The temperature of these gases can range from -80⁰C right down to -269⁰C. An enormous range of industries use Statebourne's cryogenic tanks, including food processing, domestic gas supply, medical, and drinks carbonation.

The technology is leading-edge and so is the company's attitude; it has recently become the one of the first to achieve certification to module H/H1 of the Pressure Equipment Directive. This is no mean feat.

Jim Haley, managing director, explained why he chose to take this route to approval. "Modules H and H1 of the Directive are the most onerous levels you can reach," he says. "It means we have a significantly heavier audit and inspection load from BSI, but it's been worthwhile. It means we can manufacture our tanks continuously without having each design individually inspected by external surveyors."

Unlike some companies, Statebourne didn't have an established relationship with BSI prior to PED certification. So why choose it as a Notified Body ? Jim Haley says, "We felt that of all the options available to us, BSI had a much greater insight and knowledge of the whole process. BSI's help was invaluable."

In addition, Statebourne found BSI's service met its needs by ensuring that production could continue uninterrupted, audits were kept to a minimum and consequently costs were kept down. Jim Haley had a clear idea of what he wanted from a Notified Body and BSI met his brief. He says, "Because our certification is linked to our quality system, we wanted a one-stop-shop for ISO 9001 and PED. BSI's audits work out at one per quarter, which means any disruptions are minimised. It also saves us on audit costs and it made sense to do it this way."

Somewhat unusually, Statebourne welcomed the introduction of the Pressure Equipment Directive and the level playing field it has created throughout Europe. Jim Haley acknowledges that the certification process was hard work, but he believes it is short-term pain for long-term gain. "Initially, it was nerve wracking when we were putting a European design together," he says. "But it's paid dividends - we have recognition from our customers, many of whom are worldwide operators. They can see the benefits of having an asset that's useable in countries throughout Europe. For us it's also made commercial sense - We can now use one standard and build one tank that can be used throughout Europe."