Tom Thompson, who has worked for MPW as a Quality Systems Manager for MPW’s Container Management group for 17 years, announced in February that he would retire at the end of March.
“It’s been a good 17-year ride and I’m proud of the work I’ve done,” said Thompson. “I will be leaving with a strong belief that my efforts have contributed to making MPW better.”
“Tom’s analytical and process-development skills have been instrumental in improving many of our systems at MPW,” said MPW Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing Jim Neville. “As for Container, his focused efforts made the team much better.”
Thompson was responsible for ensuring the Container teams passed third-party ISO 9000 system audits of the quality of their work. In 2018, Thompson built a Quality Management System (QMS) for MPW that yielded perfect marks.
The six-day process-based audit included interviews, observation of activities and reviews of documentation and records. The auditor found zero major or minor nonconformities and identified zero opportunities for improvement. The auditor concluded that both Container operations demonstrated the “capability to ensure the continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the management system.”
“The auditor told us our quality system was one of the top three he’s ever seen,” Thompson said. “Considering the auditor has likely seen 1,000 or so QMSs in his career, our QMS is truly best Hangar in class. We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve done here.”
Neville said Thompson contributed to MPW’s success beyond the Container business. “Tom has developed processes for Porta Kleen, ICG and IW Logistics, supported the development of the current K2 process, Fabrication BOM/MRP and systems for tracking pool cars and entertainment, to just name a few,” Neville said.
Thompson thanked MPW personnel for providing the resources that enabled his professional success.
“On a personal note, I can’t claim pride in my accomplishments without acknowledging the support, freedom of action to ‘do the right thing’ and, when needed, mentoring MPW has extended to me over the years to achieve them.”
“Tom has been a pleasure to work with over the years,” Neville said. “He demands high standards and works toward that expectation at all times. Thank you, Tom!”