A delegation of MHI manufacturers and staff met with HUD staff last week as a follow-up to a June 2009 meeting MHI had with HUD on its new process for conducting quality assessments in the plants. The meeting was quite productive with manufacturers and HUD and IBTS agreeing the process can be improved to minimize confusion, reduce burden and cost to the manufacturer and consumers, and protect the quality of manufactured homes. Most of the concerns raised by industry relate to lack of involvement by industry, lack of consistency in conducting plant audits, and poor communication amongst all parties. HUD, IBTS and industry all share an interest in assuring that the plants are doing a superior job of quality oversight and control and that the process for verifying plant quality procedures is fair, transparent and productive. HUD and IBTS recognized the need to make some adjustments in conducting the assessments, and welcome the participation and open dialogue from manufacturers. MHI and its manufacturer members will continue to work with HUD and IBTS on providing input on a regular basis. Industry also believes that the development of a model QC manual would help provide consistency and relieve cost burdens to manufacturers and industry. For more information, contact Thayer Long at tlong@mfghome.org.

Source: MHI Newswire