Certification of products of the Verkhyaya Salda Metallurgical Production Association by foreign companies

Abstract

The Verkhnyaya Salda Metallurgical Production Association (VSMPA) is one of the world's largest producers of titanium alloy ingots and rolled products. The Association also produces ingots, long forged panels and shapes, and circular forgings made of aluminum alloys, cold-rolled stainless steel sheet, high-percentage ferrotitanium, and other metallurgical products.

The conversion of defense plants in Russia put the Association in a difficult situation, due to the abrupt decline in orders for its products from the military. One solution to the attendant problems has been to integrate the VSMPA into the world economy and enter the international market for titanium products. However, to implement this strategy, the Association has had to provide assurances of the quality of its products and, through certification, prove that it can consistently maintain the level of quality.