CIVIL engineering group Chun Wo Holdings has attained the ISO 9000 certification to better position itself in the keenly competitive industry. Chun Wo Construction and Engineering Co, in charge of the holding company's principal construction operation in Hong Kong, was awarded the accreditation, which covers quality assurance measures in all stages of production and installation. ISO 9000 is a series of international standards for the quality management of products and services. ''The certification will enable us to bid for public projects and will also help us secure more contracts in the private sector as it will enhance our reputation,'' said director Clement Kwok Yuk-chiu. The Housing Authority, which itself obtained the ISO 9000 last week, has made ISO 9000 certification a prerequisite for construction companies bidding on its projects. More than 30 construction companies in the territory have attained the ISO 9000 qualification. Mr Kwok said the qualification was especially desirable at a time when competition in the construction and civil engineering industry was intense. ''There's very keen competition particularly in the public sector. There are a lot of firms but not very many projects on offer,'' he said. Mr Kwok said that a lack of good managerial staff was another headache. The group posted a 70.19 per cent rise in net profit to $44.47 million for the year to March 31, despite the sluggishness in the industry that has cut profits for some major players. Mr Kwok attributed its growth partly to the group's diversification. Apart from its core businesses of civil engineering and building construction, the group also provides maintenance services, including roads and drainage, waterworks and building maintenance, for the Government and statutory organisations.
