T1 Transport, First Balfour’s heavy equipment hauling and sustainable people transport business, has officially received its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification from TUV NORD Philippines during a handover ceremony on 19 August 2025. This achievement underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, consistent, and high-quality services.
TUV NORD awards ISO 9001 to T1 Transport during the official handover ceremony on 19 August 20253
Established in 2015, Therma One Transport Corp. embarked on a journey of transformation to strengthen its operations and service delivery. Its rebranding as T1 Transport in 2021 marked a strategic pivot towards modernization and service diversification, including the integration of electric vehicles and maritime transport solutions.
The path to ISO 9001 certification commenced in 2018, with the company undergoing a series of rigorous internal audits and system enhancements. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, T1 Transport remained steadfast in refining its processes to align with international quality standards. This dedication led to a successful Stage 1 audit by TUV NORD Philippines on February 19, followed by a Stage 2 audit on April 8, both with zero major or minor non-conformities.
L-R: First Balfour Head of Strategic and Business Planning Vicente De Lima, First Balfour Head of Corporate Quality Joey Lagdan, T1 Transport Business Unit Head Jed Francis Decano, First Balfour President and Chief Operating Officer Joval Pantangco, First Balfour Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Fernandez, and TUV NORD Sales and Marketing Assistant John Louie Timajo
Marking a significant milestone in its commitment to operational excellence, T1 Transport Business Unit Head Jed Francis Decano shares, “Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification is a timely and strategic step for T1 Transport. As we continue to grow, it gives us the structure to maintain excellence while improving efficiency and risk management. This accomplishment also strengthens client trust and opens new opportunities for the business.”
Emphasizing the vital role of people in driving excellence, First Balfour Head of Corporate Quality Joey Lagdan adds, “One of the quality management principles we achieved during the certification is the engagement of people. Their enhanced involvement and competence will ensure continual improvement in our services, which in turn satisfies stakeholders and contributes to business growth. This is also the reason I recommended individual ISO certifications for T1 Transport and T1 Rentals—so that continual improvement efforts can be more focused on the specific services each provides.”
With this achievement, T1 Transport reinforces its commitment to dependable service that is efficient, safe, and reliable. Supported by proven systems and a dedicated team, the company ensures every journey is handled with precision, accountability, and excellence.
