When we started the certification procedures, mid May 1998, we knew how important was that task. We were also aware how complicated a Quality System implementation can be and all the investment involved to achieve this goal - target pursued by ten among the ten best companies in the world. However in the top of all we realized that, in seeking Quality, we would be much closer to our customers; better prepared to face the next millenium market fast changes.

It is a fact that, in implementing the Quality System in the branches, much work was reduced due to the standards already in place. The criteria was, mostly established. The challenge was to have a system already good, created over twenty years ago, adapted to the ISSO 9002 strict demands without turning down or complicating the existing process. For this reason we have started to prepare our quality system manuals upside down, i.e. taking out of the existing operation the day to day criteria, methods and details.

After verifying and assessing each step of a branch production process - that goes from call center and outfit standards to the complex procedure of performing the newstands allotment - the procedures started to be written. But it was not enough to convey what was done. It was necessary to face the operation with the ISSO 9000 standard.

To our surprise, part of the procedures already complied with the standard. Other points needed minor adjustments and part of the process, actually needed a deep change. However not in the core as much as in the shape. Modesty aside, the distribution operation in the branches has always exhibited an excellent quality standard and this made the certification process much easier. The extremely short time it took us to get the certificate - six months - evidences it.

However, after completing the Quality System manuals, there was still work to be done. To tell the truth, we were half way through the process. Next step was to validate our written procedures, by means of a strict internal auditing program. Countless audits took place till we were mature enough to request the DNV - Det Norske Veritas, a certification company active in over 140 countries.

Thus, in October 1998, FERNANDO CHINAGIA DISTRIBUIDORA S/A became the world's first publishing material distributor to get the ISSO 9002 quality certificate. However the certificate was not an end but a mean to an end. In our continuing search to render excellent services we are at all times improving our Quality System. Today we operate in over 3.000 cities, with the reliability, safety and speed modern market demands. We are proud to distribute the great and the small ideas, from independent thinkers to large editorial groups so that the reader is able to have all the information he wants, whenever he wants anywhere in Brazil.

For this reason we are able to say:

We do not distribute just publishing material,
We distribute Quality.