Huisken Meat Company Achieves ISO 9001:2000 Certification


Sauk Rapids, MN, December 21, 2004 - Huisken Meat Company, a JNR Corporation company, has just received ISO 9001:2000 Certification following an audit assessment performed by an independent third party auditor. ISO 9000 has become an international reference for quality management requirements and incorporates a firm foundation of state-of-the-art quality practices. To achieve certification, a company must implement quality systems using a process approach for product design and development, operations, and business support areas, with a focus on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Very few meat companies have achieved ISO Certification, making Huisken Meat Company one of the leaders in the industry. Rochester Meat Company, another JNR Corporation company received ISO 9001:2000 Certification in April 2004.

Huisken Meat Company has always been very proactive in quality and food safety. In 2000, Huisken became the first manufacturer to introduce electronically irradiated beef patties to the market. Implementation of the ISO Quality Management System, in conjunction with already established procedures, brings their quality program to a new level. In addition, the ISO system puts a very strong emphasis on continuous improvement for all areas of a business. Implementing ISO provides consistency, not only across the company, but also across the corporation, helping employees focus on continuous improvement and proactive customer satisfaction.

From Jim Hanson, JNR President, “For years we’ve attempted to separate ourselves from competitors by sourcing the highest quality raw materials the industry has to offer and through the processes by which our products are produced daily. However, the driving force behind us seeking the ISO endorsement is all about raising the bar internally and making the commitment to be the very best we can be. We’re not just out there selling product, we are trying to capture our customer. In order to do that, we needed to embrace the ISO process”.

"When we came here in 2001, we were told that the quality of employees and Central Minnesota work ethic was extraordinary," said Cliff Albertson, general manager & COO of Huisken Meats. "Receiving the ISO certification proves that point very well. There is no question that our employees and the support of this community have helped us achieve this success."

Huisken Meat Company is a leading meat processor committed to food safety, quality, and customer service. For over 60 years, the company has provided top quality meat products for the retail industry nationwide.