Roger Keltz, quality manager, mechanical for Air Quality Management Company (AQMC), records test results for one of the systems, which come in 18 different sizes depending on the client’s needs.
Ranyae Fernandes knew there was a better way to do things. Air Quality Management Company (AQMC), the Ontario, California-based business she owns and leads, was thriving, but she saw room for improvement, particularly when it came to the documentation process.
AQMC produces an industrial odor control and air sterilization system — which her husband, Karim Fernandes, invented — that is installed into HVAC or ventilation systems. The system creates electrons that generate oxygen clusters, which are magnetic and attract pathogens, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and odors. One of the most significant environmental advantages of AQMC’s systems is that they are entirely self-sustaining once installed. The systems do not require any consumables, such as filters or chemicals, meaning that they generate no waste, reduce maintenance needs, and eliminate ongoing supply costs for clients.
Additionally, the systems are energy efficient, using minimal power to operate, making them highly sustainable for large-scale, continuous use. By relying solely on ambient air, the technology minimizes its carbon footprint while providing constant sterilization and odor control. This eco-friendly approach supports both sustainability goals and operational efficiency for clients, making AQMC’s solution ideal for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high performance.
AQMC offers 18 different models that vary in size depending on the client’s needs, all backed by a lifetime warranty and performance guarantee. Typically, the equipment is serviced once a year, further reducing the need for frequent intervention and resources.
“With the sewage industry, the odors can be intense, but they activate our system, and the smell is gone,” Karim Fernandes said. “Even the gases are neutralized. Some clients refer to it as ‘the magic machine.’ ”
Ranyae Fernandes takes a hands-on role in virtually all facets of the daily operations. She recognized that the lack of structure was slowing them down because the documentation process was not always clear to employees.
At the same time, AQMC was looking to expand into Saudi Arabia, but knew it would be challenging without ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems (QMS) certification. The company began exporting its systems in 2019, primarily to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Emirates Airline and its aviation school are its biggest clients, with others including hospitals, luxury hotels, sewage treatment plants, and factories.
However, many potential clients in Saudi Arabia require ISO 9001 certification, and Fernandes realized the importance of having this certification not only for accessing new markets but also for improving internal processes.
“We always aimed for ISO certification,” she said. “It was one of the very first things asked of us when exporting to Saudi Arabia. However, as a small business, budget constraints were always a consideration.”
As Fernandes delved deeper into ISO 9001 certification, she recognized the significant advantages it could bring, not just to open new markets but to enhance AQMC’s internal operations. The certification provides a clear framework for continuous improvement, streamlining procedures, and improving the consistency of documentation, which directly impacts efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“The certification has given us a competitive advantage, especially in markets like Saudi Arabia, where ISO 9001 is essential.,” she said. “Beyond that, it has allowed us to align with international standards and elevate our overall operational effectiveness.”
In January, AQMC enlisted the help of California Manufacturing Technology Consulting to guide it through the process. As they neared the final steps, Fernandes sought a local partner for certification and chose SCB (Systems Certification Body), part of IAPMO, headquartered in Ontario.
Left: Karim Fernandes, inventor of AQMC’s industrial odor control and air sterilization system, describes how it operates. His wife, Ranyae Fernandes, right, owns and leads the Southern California-based company. Right: AQMC systems are tested in the Ontario, California, headquarters.
PHOTOS BY GEOFF BILAU
Wanting to support and work with a local business, AQMC hired SCB to strengthen its commitment to the local economy.
“Working with SCB has been a fantastic way to support our local economy,” Fernandes said. “They provided us with immediate, accessible support throughout the process, and having them so close ensures we can continue receiving personalized, hands-on assistance as we move forward. It’s a partnership that aligns with our commitment to community engagement while helping us maintain the high standards we aim for as a company.”
SCB not only met the company’s target deadlines but impressed Fernandes with its professionalism and attention to detail.
“Their inspector was highly knowledgeable, and his explanations were clear and precise. The process was smooth and stress-free, which was a relief. Their level of service made the entire experience joyful,” Fernandes added. SCB Senior Vice President Shirley Dewi emphasized that helping small businesses like AQMC achieve ISO 9001 certification is central to their mission.
“Many companies are unaware that ISO 9001 certification not only helps them secure contracts but also increases their efficiency and customer service standards,” she said. “AQMC exemplifies how a small business can truly benefit from this certification. We hope their success story inspires others.”
Fernandes said that having ISO certification has already streamlined internal processes, particularly documentation. ISO standards ensure that records are consistently maintained, improving operational efficiency and allowing for better tracking of performance metrics and quality control across all departments.
Additionally, she said the certification positions AQMC to better meet global customer expectations and ensures compliance with international best practices.
“This framework fosters continuous improvement, which is essential as we work to maintain our leadership in the market,” she said.
Fernandes also credited the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service, specifically its Gold Key Service, which provides U.S. companies with matchmaking appointments with interested partners in foreign markets. This service played a pivotal role in entering new markets, especially in Saudi Arabia.
“As a small business, we don’t always have a large budget for marketing or sales reps,” she said. “The U.S. Commercial Service, through its Gold Key Service, has been instrumental in facilitating one-on-one meetings with key decision-makers. It saved us time, money, and resources,” she said.
Eduard Roytberg, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service office in Ontario, California, said they are proud to work closely with companies like AQMC, who are achieving remarkable results on the international stage with their support.
“AQMC’s ability to leverage our services, including the Gold Key Service, is an excellent example of how small diverse businesses can thrive globally with the right resources,” he said. “In fact, for many small U.S. companies, the kind of access provided by the U.S. Commercial Service’s global network is truly game-changing.”
Their success has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, after being nominated by the U.S. Commercial Service, AQMC received the President’s “E” Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a three-year period.
“We were deeply honored to receive the award,” she said. “It was a recognition of our hard work and faith, and the grace of God. The U.S. Commercial Service was impressed with our sales portfolio and our ability to break into key markets such as Europe, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.”
Fernandes was recently appointed as a member of the California Inland Empire District Export Council (CIEDEC), an organization of more than 30 local business leaders and trade professionals appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to provide expertise to businesses seeking to expand
internationally.
Dewi, the senior vice president of SCB, is also the current CIEDEC chair. Fernandes said she was surprised to learn about Dewi’s connection to SCB after seeing her name on the ISO 9001 certificate.
“I couldn’t help but laugh when I realized,” she said. “It’s a small world, and I never imagined we’d end up on the same council.”
AQMC recently hosted the quarterly CIEDEC meeting, and Fernandes is eager to continue engaging with the organization despite her busy schedule and international travel. She participates in virtual meetings and sees great value in her involvement.
“I’m excited about the opportunities to serve and network with others,” she said.
In addition to growing in Saudi Arabia, Fernandes said AQMC is setting its sights on the U.S. market. CIEDEC members have shared valuable contacts and strategies to help AQMC make that leap.
“They’ve been incredibly supportive, arranging meetings with potential U.S. and Mexico clients who could benefit from our products,” she said. “So far, I feel like I’ve gained more from them than I’ve been able to give, but I hope to change that in the future.”
Although AQMC only recently received ISO certification, Fernandes said the impact is already evident within the company.
“There’s been a noticeable change in how the team approaches their work,” she said. “They’re more diligent with documentation and quality control because they understand that any errors will come back to them. It’s improved our operations significantly.”
WHAT WE ARE NOT
WE ARE NOT UV TECHNOLOGY
UV technology treats the air as it passes over the UV tubes, and requires the air to be brought to the UV tubes to be treated. Our technology creates oxygen cluster enriched air that is introduced into the source of the problem directly, sterilizing all air and surfaces, and removing airborne gases and odor. The main difference is that our technology works in the area it is required 24/7/365, and does not require the air to come back to our equipment to be treated. UV technology usually creates Ozone as a by product of the UV lamps functioning.
WE ARE NOT OZONE TECHNOLOGY
Ozone technology creates O3 by splitting the Oxygen via high speed particles and binding to Oxygen (O2), and sends it into the area/ventilation for treatment. Ozone is a heavily regulated gas globally, is established as unhealthy and as such cannot provide the Performance Guarantee like our equipment. At concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, Ozone has little potential to remove indoor air contaminants to guarantee eradication of the problem.
WE ARE NOT A HEPA FILTER
High Efficiency Particulate Arresters (HEPA) remove particles and bacteria larger than 0.30 Microns, where any particles, gases and organisms smaller than 0.30 Microns pass through the filter even if the efficiency of the HEPA filter may be 99.99%. As the organic material gets trapped by the HEPA filter it can actually provide food for the trapped organisms, and could make a HEPA filter become a breeding ground and overgrown with many micro-organisms. As such, potentially the same HEPA filters made to protect you, if not maintained properly, can become a source of infection. In addition, as the air flows through the saturated HEPA filter, bacteria, fungus, yeast, mold, mildew spores and protozoa are continuously dislodged from the downstream side of the HEPA filter and spread through the room, where improper maintenance and replacement is done. Most filters are capable of trapping less than 12% of all viruses, and are very ineffective with airborne gases and odor, therefore are not effective in eliminating many pathogens. AQMC equipment sterilizes and disinfects pathogens of any size, shape or form, removes hazardous gases and odor.
Mike Flenniken is a staff writer, Marketing and Communications, for IAPMO. Prior to joining IAPMO in 2010, Flenniken worked in public relations for a group of Southern California hospitals and as a journalist in writing and editing capacities for various Southern California daily newspapers.
Last modified: December 12, 2024