Celebrating World Quality Week 2024: Meet Steve, our Quality Co-Ordinator

At MK Test, quality is at the heart of what we do. Our automatic test systems are relied upon by industries where precision and reliability are non-negotiable. As we celebrate World Quality Week 2024 (11th–15th November), we’re shining a spotlight on the person ensuring that quality remains a priority across everything we do: Steve Tron, our Quality Co-Ordinator.

From Production Lines to Leading Quality at MK Test

Steve’s career in quality management began with a simple but significant belief: doing things well and doing them consistently:  “Quality management allows me to make a tangible impact by helping to create reliable, efficient processes and products.”

Before joining MK Test, Steve spent over a decade in roles spanning production supervision, QC, and Kaizen initiatives. His time in these positions taught him to see the bigger picture, understanding how quality impacts every stage of production. Along the way, he became a Six Sigma Green Belt and a practitioner with the Chartered Quality Institute, sharpening his ability to combine data-driven insights with hands-on problem-solving.

Since joining MK Test, Steve’s expertise has been instrumental in ensuring our products meet the high standards expected by our customers in aerospace, transportation, and industrial sectors.

 

Quality at MK Test: More Than Just a Standard

As a Quality Co-ordinator, Steve’s role is a blend of data analysis, process auditing, and continuous improvement initiatives. He works to ensure that every MK Test product—from our flagship automated test systems to our bespoke software solutions—delivers the accuracy, reliability, and repeatability that our customers depend on.

“In our industry, quality isn’t optional. Our customers expect products that perform reliably under strict conditions, whether it’s for testing an aircraft’s electrical systems or a train’s safety-critical wiring. Quality ensures that every solution we design performs as intended, time and time again,” Steve explains.

MK Test’s reputation for quality isn’t just about meeting industry standards; it’s about striving to exceed them.  “We don’t invest in these processes simply because we must. It’s part of our identity as a company,” Steve says.

 

World Quality Week: Driving Progress in Our Industry

This year’s theme is “Quality: from compliance to performance,” a message that resonates strongly with Steve and the wider team at MK Test. He explains: “We aim for more than compliance. Our focus is on finding ways to improve performance, not only for our products but for the systems and processes behind them.”

For Steve, this week is an opportunity to celebrate quality as a tool for driving progress and innovation. “Quality shouldn’t be seen as restrictive. It’s a way to keep pushing boundaries and achieving better results for our customers.”

 

The Role of Quality in Innovation

Steve highlights how quality contributes to the development of MK Test’s automated solutions. By maintaining strict attention to detail during design, manufacturing, and testing, the team ensures that systems are both robust and future-proofed.  “Customers rely on our systems to improve their own operational efficiency. If something isn’t right, it undermines their confidence—and that’s not something we’ll compromise on,” Steve says.

 

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Collaboration

Steve is optimistic about the future of quality at MK Test. His focus is on embedding even more data-driven decision-making and collaboration across departments to build on the company’s already strong foundations. “I see us using advanced tools for real-time data analysis, allowing us to spot and address potential issues even earlier. It’s about constantly refining our processes so we can deliver the best outcomes for our customers,” he explains.

 

Pride in the Role

When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Steve is quick to point to the variety and impact of his role. “I like that it touches every part of the business. Whether it’s problem-solving with production or analysing performance data, I can see how my work helps the company move forward.”

A firm believer in Henry Ford’s adage, “Quality is doing it right when no one is looking,” Steve takes pride in maintaining high standards without cutting corners.

 

Advice for Aspiring Quality Managers

For those considering a career in quality management, Steve offers this advice:  “It’s a rewarding field where you can make a genuine difference. Be curious, stay focused on the details, and look for ways to improve. It’s challenging but worth it when you see the results of your efforts.”

This WQW, we’re proud to celebrate the role of quality in shaping our work at MK Test and the contributions of team members like Steve, who ensure that our systems continue to set the standard in automated testing.