PGO S.A. awarded the IRIS certificate
A global mark of railway quality.
PGO S.A. Group, the national leader in the foundry and forging industry, has been awarded the ISO 22163 – IRIS certificate – a prestigious confirmation of compliance with the highest quality standards in the railway sector. This is an important milestone not only for the company itself but also for the entire industry – in Poland, only several dozen companies hold this certificate. What is IRIS and why is it considered a symbol of global trust?
What is the IRIS certificate?
IRIS, the International Railway Industry Standard (ISO 22163), is a global quality management standard dedicated to the railway industry, developed by the UNIFE organization. It incorporates ISO 9001 requirements, further enriched with sector-specific conditions – including those related to reliability (RAMS), product lifecycle management, and compliance with the expectations of operators and rolling stock manufacturers.
In 2023, an updated version – IRIS Rev. 4 – was introduced, expanding the certification scope to include new categories, such as maintenance and testing of components. For PGO clients, the certificate ensures the delivery of reliable and safe products.
Quality levels: bronze, silver, gold
The IRIS system evaluates not only the presence of a certificate but also the maturity of a company's quality management system. Based on process effectiveness, requirement compliance, and customer satisfaction, companies can achieve bronze, silver, or gold certification levels. The highest level – gold – requires an audit conducted with the participation of a UNIFE representative and the fulfillment of strict criteria.
PGO S.A. joins an elite group
By obtaining the IRIS certificate, PGO S.A. has joined a select group of Polish companies meeting global standards for railway industry suppliers. The certification covers, among others, screw couplings and axle boxes – key components of rolling and coupling systems in rail vehicles. This is not a mere formality – IRIS certification enables companies to:
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participate in global tenders,
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eliminate the need for additional customer audits,
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strengthen their reputation as top-tier suppliers,
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reinforce trust among rolling stock operators and integrators.
IRIS in Poland: a standard for the fewAlthough IRIS operates globally (over 2,300 certified entities worldwide), it remains relatively rare in Poland. Currently, only about 70–80 companies in the country hold the certificate.
Why is IRIS an investment in the future?
IRIS certification is more than just a document – it represents a systemic approach to quality and continuous improvement. Railway-sector companies holding this certificate:
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improve transparency and control over product life cycles (which may span up to 40 years),
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implement best practices in process management, planning, logistics, and documentation,
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gain a competitive edge through alignment with global operator requirements,
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deliver reliable and safe products.
As rail transport undergoes rapid transformation, IRIS is becoming a new language of trust between suppliers and customers.
Direction: quality and development
For PGO S.A., achieving IRIS certification marks a significant step in its further expansion into the railway market. Strengthening its position in the supply chain, the opportunity to attract strategic international partners, and promoting the quality of Polish industry – these are just a few of the outcomes of this strategic decision.
In an era where the railway sector demands not only durability but also full compliance with international standards, IRIS stands as a symbol of readiness to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
