In the 28 years since Sun Transformer was formed, we have supplied custom components to high-reliability commercial, military, and aerospace programs. To get to the point where a company can effectively supply components for these types of projects, there are a number of key steps that must be taken first.

One of the first steps is to implement and certify an ISO quality program, which Sun Transformer has done continuously since 1999. In addition to the ISO quality system, there are other certifications that benefit both the supplier and purchasing customer (for example, IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001 certification, which address the soldering and acceptability of electronic components).

According to Sun Transformer VP of Operations Angie Calkin, much of the work beyond ISO certification is dictated by the projects themselves.

“You have to be willing to work with whatever requirements that are specified by the customer,” says Calkin. “Whether it be following first-article requirements or being proactive in reporting delivery dates, if you’re not willing to follow the requirements, you’re not going to make it as a supplier for these projects.”

As Calkin describes it, experience in working on these types of projects is invaluable.

“A lot of it is also building a reputation over the years. During the past five years, we’ve rarely been late on a delivery. At the same time, customers often ask us to push a date sooner, and we work with them as much as possible to do that.”

Calkin is able to describe, in detail, the requirements often specified by these types of projects, as well as the online supplier sites used to report accounting, manufacturing, engineering, and quality data. This focus on detail is shared by the entire Sun Transformer staff.

As an example, an Sun Transformer customer recently wrote:

“When I deal with Sun Transformer, I always feel that your company values our business relationship, and that you dedicate the time and energy to get things right. I always feel confident that when you communicate concerns, they are intelligent questions—asking about genuine issues that may affect acceptance… Your attention to detail simply displays to me that you care about doing things right, and by the book, and that you really care about delighting your customers. This is so refreshing. Thanks for all you do, and for your exceptional attention to detail.”

On behalf of the entire Sun Transformer staff, thank you. We’re doing our best.