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06 May 2003

OXOID TO SHARE INSIGHTS AND EXPERTISE IN

MANUFACTURING BUSINESS PRACTICES

In recognition of their high performance standards and impetus for change, as one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of microbiological culture media and other diagnostic products, Oxoid Limited has joined the Inside UK Enterprise ( IUKE ) programme as a host company.

IUKE is a ‘Business Link’ service that arranges for business people to visit other companies around the country that have something to offer from their experiences of growth and change. Host companies are selected by IUKE for their best practice expertise, their innovative work practices and their ability to inspire others.

Oxoid’s Basingstoke factory is responsible for the manufacture of an extensive portfolio of microbiology products, from dehydrated culture media to highly specific immunological tests. This necessitates the use of a wide range of production techniques and equipment, capable of handling quantities from tonnes of peptone to micrograms of antibody.

A large scale and ongoing investment in the integration of the Supply Chain, using the SAP enterprise resource planning system, is being used, together with the training and development of staff, to achieve world class manufacturing capabilities. In addition, rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control systems ensure that customers receive products that meet the highest technical specifications and regulatory standards, achieving ISO9001 and EN46001 registration.

During a day visit to the company’s manufacturing site in Basingstoke, IUKE visitors to Oxoid Limited will cover a number of manufacturing issues, including continuous improvement, best business practices, performance measurement and leadership. During each session, Oxoid will share from their own knowledge and learning experiences with opportunities for feedback and discussion.

Some of the experiences Oxoid will share include:

• introducing a structured programme of ‘World Class Manufacturing’
• developing a performance measurement hierarchy
• planning and implementing a leadership behaviour template and training course.

Vice President, Mike Housham comments, “At Oxoid we are committed to providing an environment where all employees, no matter what their function, can contribute to performance improvement. Our “World Class Manufacturing” Award scheme recognises and rewards the individuals and teams involved in these improvements. This open environment benefits both our staff and our customers. It gives us a committed and enthusiastic team of people who are focused on continuous improvements to both products and customer service - factors that are the strength of our business.”

For more details about IUKE and to arrange a visit to one of the host companies, visit the IUKE website at www.iuke.co.uk.