NC State University helps increase new sales by 15 percent with help of management system
On October 2, Phuong Nguyen, president and owner of Quality Electronic Manufacturing Services, Inc.,
(QEMS) added one more brick to the foundation of his American Dream.
QEMS accepted a banner signifying the
company’s accomplishment of ISO 9001
certification with assistance from the
North Carolina State University
Industrial Extension Service (IES). This is
one of the many milestones that
Nguyen has achieved in his lifetime;
with his ultimate goal of repaying a debt
he feels he owes to his country, the
United States of America.
Nguyen, a native of Vietnam, became a
refugee as he fled the war‐torn
Communist regime with his father. He had been shuffled to a refugee camp in Malaysia, but since he
had learned English, he was able to apply for an interpreter position with the United Nations.
Seventeen months as an interpreter made a profound impact on the then teenager. He said it opened
his eyes to the importance of freedom. He knew he wanted to be in a free country and since his father
had since become a U.S. Air Force officer, the choice was clear. When Phuong asked his father’s advice,
Nguyen senior said without hesitation, “The U.S. is the best.”
American dream becomes reality
In 1982, Nguyen arrived in Charlotte and began a career with Siemens and became a U.S. citizen in ‘86.
But when much of the operation was moved to Mexico, he
decided to embark on yet another journey. He explored niche
markets and with four employees, he and a partner started QEMS
in 2002.
QEMS is a contract manufacturer that assembles printed circuit
boards used in personal protection devices, telecommunications,
industrial kitchen equipment and vehicle applications. They also
produce solutions for computer and defense applications.
Spoken by a true advocate of continuous improvement, “This is
just the beginning,” said Nguyen as he addressed his team of now
40 employees at the banner celebration. “Today is the beginningof our glory and I thank you for your commitment and your support. Today, we celebrate with lunch.”
He and his wife, Nancy, hosted a celebration for all
their employees plus special guests Jim Carpenter,
president of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce,
and Nancy McCoy Duncan, director of business
development; and Chris Plate executive director
of the Monroe Economic Development
Commission, as well as Sonya Hughes, Gene
Beneduce and Kevin Grayson with NC State IES.
Nguyen formally thanked the Centralina Workforce
Development Board for supporting QEMS through
funding opportunities for the ISO 9001 project.
ISO equals growth
Nguyen confirms ISO as a means for growth. He attributes a 15‐20 percent increase in new business
thanks to the certification which documents quality procedures and customer satisfaction. It’s also
another realization toward becoming a world‐class manufacturer.
QEMS’ diligence is paying off. They’ve won back contracts previously outsourced overseas and they
place great importance on keeping all manufacturing in the U.S.
P.J. Marshall, quality manager, credits the company’s success in large part to the respect and exemplary
leadership demonstrated by Nguyen. It’s also an organization that encourages contributions from
everyone and the team concept is paramount to their success.
Systems Manager, Hannah Pham adds that their team approach is essential to keeping pace with the
dynamics of contract manufacturing. “Our customers rely on us for our expertise and responsiveness to
product and delivery changes. Team communication is key, and cross‐training is provided at every
opportunity and at all levels so that everyone is informed and involved with meeting needs of our
customers,” she said.
Paid in full
When Nguyen came to this country, he made a promise to do whatever it took to return the goodwill.
“This is not just a personal interest, I do it to pay back what I have gained,” said Nguyen
Month: September 2014
Union County Chamber of Commerce 60th Annual Meeting and Year-in-Review Sponsors
60th Annual Meeting and Year-in-Review Sponsors
December 2, 2010
The Union County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 60th Annual “Year in Review” with over 280 members and community leaders in attendance at Rolling Hills Country Club, in Monroe, Thursday, December 2, 2010.
This annual event celebrates the Chamber’s accomplishments during the year and sets expectations for the upcoming year. In addition, the Chamber recognizes members for their contributions to the community and business community. This year’s honorees included:
- Marti Stegall (Sparq Solutions) – 2010 Volunteer of the Year
- Lorayn Deluca (Lorayn Deluca Photography)– 2010 Ambassador of the Year
- Phoung Nguyen (QEMS, Inc.) – Minority Business Person of the Year
- Judy Hinceman (Gino’s of Wingate/Jim & Judy’s Kitchen/Catering by Judy) – Business Woman of the Year
- Jon Schrader (Omnova Solutions) – Business Man of the Year
This year, Dr. John McKay, President of South Piedmont Community College,
(pictured left with Pat Kahle, Chair of the Chamber) received the 2010 Special Recognition Award for his leadership of SPCC and his many contributions to the business community. 2010 Chairperson, Pat Kahle, stated “It is a privilege to recognize the many contributions John has made not only to the business community, but to the entire Union County region during his tenure at SPCC. “ |
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The Chamber also recognized two business leaders posthumously for their outstanding contributions to Union County. Andy Boggs and Phil Hargett were both inducted into the Chamber Business Leadership Hall of Fame for their achievements in business, their contributions to the community, and for their vision. (Photo to left: Sue Boggs accepts the award.) | |||
Kahle listed the Chamber’s many accomplishments in 2010, including completion of an Economic Impact Study, several small business initiatives, and receiving an “Excellence in Communications Award” from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).
Tony Herrin, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Union Power Cooperative was named 2011 Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Chamber. Kahle commented, “Tony will be an excellent Chairman for our Chamber as we head into a new and exciting decade for our Chamber.” |
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Chamber Chair, Pat Kahle with Marti Stagall of Sparq Solutions
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Chamber Chair, Pat Kahle with Lorayn Deluca of Lorayn Deluca Photography
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Chamber Chair, Pat Kahle with Phoung Nguyen of QEMS, Inc.
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Chamber Chair, Pat Kahle with Judy Hincemen of Gino’s of Wingate/Jim & Judy’s Kitchen/Catering by Judy
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Chamber Chair, Pat Kahle with Jon Schrader of Omnova Solutions
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