It’s gratifying to see the changes contribute to sustained profits of TPA.

Updated on Jan. 26, 2010.  The validity of this article may expire without notice.

U.S.A.
Frank Bonafede
Quality Assurance Department
Toray Membrane USA, Inc. (TMUS)

  1. Q1. What does your company do?
    TMUS manufactures reverse osmosis elements used for producing drinking water from brackish and sea water in desalination plants all over the world. TMUS also produces elements used in the dairy industry.
  2. Q2. What does your department⁄section do and what work are you in charge of?
    The Quality Assurance Department has many functions. We inspect raw materials from suppliers, perform in-process inspections, ensure all products shipped to our customers meet their performance requirements, perform calibration of measuring devices, issue corrective actions, maintain document control program, and provide manufacturing support where needed. As the QA Supervisor, it is my responsibility to oversee all of these activities.
  3. Q3. What kind of job do you mainly put a lot of effort into?
    We have been focusing on getting our process documentation in order for the ISO certification audit. Along with administering the internal audit program, these activities have been my main focus.
  4. Q4. When do you feel rewarded at work?
    I feel rewarded when I see the end product of something I have put time and effort into. I also enjoy teaching something new to someone and how they learn from it or develop a better way of doing business.
  5. Q5. What was your most impressive work?
    Since joining TMUS two years ago, I have been involved in documenting QA processes and procedures as well as assisting other departments with their documentation. The dedication and hard work by everyone has resulted in TMUS becoming ISO9001:2008 certified. It is rewarding for me to see how we as a company have grown and matured over the past two years.
  6. Q6. What is it that you put a lot of effort into in your personal life?
    Since March of 2003 my best friend, Dave Berglund, and I have been writing and recording our own original songs. Together we have written approximately 150 songs and continue to produce our own CD albums. We currently have 4 CD albums available worldwide through our website (www.berglundbonafede.com), an on-line music store called CD Baby, and also through many digital download sites such as iTunes. Each song requires a lot of effort and time but is well worth it when completed.