BREWER – Despite tough economic conditions in the paper industry and its continued struggle to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Eastern Fine Paper finally has some good news.

The coated products division, which produces specialty papers for industrial and commercial use, has been recognized with the “ISO 9001:2000” certification for meeting high standards for quality manufacturing.

The certification by the International Standards Organization honors the division for its manufacturing processes and new product development, along with an increased focus on customer feedback and service.

After one of their largest customers gave the division a “C minus” grade for quality control in 2001, the mill’s management decided the two years and $500,000 needed to retrain all employees was worth it, despite financial troubles, according to John Forster, general manager of the division.

“For a company that prides itself on quality, to get a ‘C minus’ from your largest customer is kind of a wake-up call,” he said Tuesday. “Taking care of customers is what keeps jobs here.”

The cooperation of millworkers struggling to keep those jobs amidst Eastern’s growing financial troubles was integral to the certification process, Forster said.

“Every employee had to be retrained,” he said. “You have to get everyone to participate and commit to it and understand it.”

The efforts of the division’s employees, who make up about 25 percent of the mill’s work force, also contributed to the mill’s perfect conformance record with industry standards after a 21/2-day audit in March.

“That in itself proves that everybody has to be involved in the quality system we put in place,” said Jeff Armstrong, manager of product development and quality.

The flawless record and ISO certification have motivated many otherwise discouraged workers, according to Michael Stang, production manager.

“It’s something to rally around,” he said. “Now it’s time to say thanks. The division wouldn’t be certified without all of the people on the floor.”

Eastern Fine management also plans to certify Brewer’s paper division and is celebrating the Lincoln mill’s achievement of a highest operating classification on its recovery boiler.