Owen Mumford, a global leader in the design, manufacture and advancement of medical devices, has announced that work has started on the build of a brand-new, state-of-the-art production facility in Witney, Oxfordshire.
The new building is commissioned to align with the company’s strong sustainability agenda, and is designed in accordance with the latest environmental standards to obtain BREEAM certification, the world’s leading sustainability assessment for buildings.
A groundbreaking ceremony took place to mark the commencement of building work. It was attended by Mark Owen, the Chairman of Owen Mumford and son of one of the original founders, and Jarl Severn, CEO of Owen Mumford.
The £14 million investment project will facilitate the organisation’s ongoing development of innovative medical devices through sustainable design and manufacturing methods.
The design of the building will conform to BREEAM certification, which recognises the highest levels of environmental, social and economic sustainability performance, not only protecting natural resources but enhancing the well-being of associates who will be located there.
During the planning phase, Owen Mumford has worked closely with ecologist specialists to ensure no negative impact on biodiversity, and targets have been set to show biodiversity gains during and after construction. Effective deployment of energy, heating and cooling will be ensured by using the latest technology and materials.
Owen Mumford’s new Witney site will set a benchmark for world-class design and development in medical devices, establishing a centre of excellence for automation and assembly to deliver a portfolio that drives innovation and growth for the long term.
It will also be the location for producing the company’s recently launched, next-generation auto-injector Aidaptus®, the industry’s first single-use auto-injector for 1mL and 2.25mL pre-filled syringes as well as its pioneering springless safety syringe Unisafe® and the latest lancets for blood sampling.
Jarl Severn, CEO at Owen Mumford, said: “Since we first started to significantly ramp up our sustainability agenda in 2014, we have achieved many important milestones, and today’s groundbreaking ceremony at our new Witney site is a fitting tribute to the journey we are on.
“We are setting the benchmark high for manufacturing to do its part in the overall reduction of environmental impact. Our investment in this new facility supports the promises we make to all our stakeholders by providing the very best platform for innovation in our products, but most importantly by doing it in a truly responsible and ethical way.”
Earlier this year, Owen Mumford achieved B Corp certification after demonstrating strict compliance to the rigorous requirements of the assessment – covering governance, community, workers, environment and customers.
