A leading aviation company in North Central West Virginia has secured a strategic advantage by earning registration to AS9110C, an international quality management standard that ensures the company’s processes meet global standards – enhancing safety and reliability.
NorthStar Technologies, LLC, of Bridgeport, was recommended for the aerospace registration in April after several intense weeks of quality management system assistance from Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC).
George Barber, president and managing partner of NorthStar, credits the “professional,” “honest” and “transparent” approach that was implemented and guided by MAMC’s Director of Quality Services Erica Cheetham, who helped navigate his organization’s course through final arrangements as it prepared for the intensive 3-day audit.
“Erica is very knowledgeable about Quality Management Systems and was exactly what we needed to steer us in the right direction,” Barber said. “This was not a short or easy journey, and we really needed help with understanding and prioritizing the tasks required to achieve certification. Her background as an auditor was invaluable to help gauge our preparedness prior to scheduling the third-party audit.”
NorthStar has operated for seven years from a facility based at North Central West Virginia Airport, Barber said. “Our facility is strategically positioned to serve clients throughout the United States and beyond with rapid access to key aerospace hubs.”
The veteran-owned small business provides airframe and power plant mechanics, engineering technical support, engine and aircraft brokering, turbofan and turboshaft engine part sales and specialization in turbofan, turboshaft and turboprop powered aircraft.
“Certain organizations have strict internal policy that prevents them from engaging in business with a company that does not have a certified quality management system,” Barber explained. “We now have the required credentials to engage in business relationships with many new potential customers.”
The AS standard is recognized for its proactive approach that mitigates risks to product quality and safety in aerospace maintenance operations. Companies who earn the certification often find it opens doors to new contracts, partnerships and markets, because many aerospace clients – including owners of civil or private aviation and military aircraft – prioritize conducting business with certified suppliers.
“We are a better organization post certification than we were before,” Barber said “This certification ensures strict compliance with aerospace industry-specific quality, safety, and documentation requirements. All of these bring extreme value to our customers, employees, and key stakeholders.”
NorthStar joins a growing list of more than 400 organizations that have received MAMC’s customized quality implementation services. As a direct result of its assistance, nearly 200 organizations are registered, or earned re-certification, to a series of industry-specific standards.
For more information about focusing MAMC’s quality management expertise on your organization’s processes to energize business opportunities, contact Cheetham by email at or phone at 304-781-1687.
May 23, 2025
