All of our quality controllers are well trained to ensure that the products we produce conform to the customer’s requirements and meet or exceed our high quality standards.
All raw materials used in the process of producing cigarettes are inspected as we receive them from the suppliers.
The suppliers also provide a certificate of analysis that confirms that the materials conform to our requirements.
1. The tobacco
- The moisture content of the tobacco is tested with the F20 meter and the results are verified with the Hearson oven which is much more accurate but the test last up to 16 hours.
- The strand length of the tobacco is tested using the screening machine, which sieves different tobacco strand lengths across a grain of different sieve holes. This test gives an indication of the quality of the tobacco and the amount of tobacco dust in it.
- The filling power of the tobacco indicates the ability of the tobacco to form a firm cigarette rod at given moisture content.
2. Packaging materials
- All packaging materials are tested for correct print, colour, dimensions and bar code scanning.
3. Cigarettes
Our employees are well trained and are skilled in inspecting the product during the production process. The operators, quality controllers, waste controllers and technicians constantly measure and monitor the quality of the cigarettes.
There are two on-floor workstations with weighing balances and cigarette diameter measuring units. This allows for continuous checks on the weight and diameter of the cigarettes at the machines.
The following tests are performed on the manufactured cigarettes, in the lab:
- Pressure drop of the cigarettes and filters
- Ventilation of the cigarettes
- Hardness test of cigarettes and filters
- Measure the weight of the tobacco in cigarette (net. tobacco weight)
- Moisture of the tobacco
Our laboratory equipment is interfaced with an external computer to transfer the measured values and statistics, which are illustrated in graphic form.
The Quality controllers also inspect the packets, cartons and master cases as the cigarettes are packed. The finished goods, while stored in our warehouse, are inspected daily for any accidental damages. Loading of finished goods into containers for shipping worldwide takes place in the presence of a quality controller.
4. Smoke test and Quality rating system (QARS)
We have an expert panel of employees that smoke test our cigarettes. This practice is done regularly to ensure that our product consistently meets our customer’s expectations.
For every brand produced, three cartons of cigarettes are kept for smoke testing and quality rating. We use a QARS scoring rating system, which rates the quality and appearance of the product. This system enables us to identify areas that need improvement.
