Witney Insights
Owen Mumford is a global leader in medical device design and manufacture, leading innovation in this space and delivering medical device solutions that respond to customer and market needs. To keep up with industry demands and maintain our position at the forefront of the industry it is essential that we remain committed to evolving our infrastructure and facilities to improve efficiency and reduce our environmental impact. Over the past three years we solidified that commitment with the practical completion of our new state-of- the-art facility in Witney, Oxfordshire.
The site has 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 be the location for production of our recently launched, next generation auto-injector Aidaptus®. Compatible with either a 1mL or 2.25mL prefilled syringe, Aidaptus features a minimal number of change parts, in the same base device, making it a very flexible and intuitive device for drug delivery. Furthermore, the facility will be home to the manufacturing of our pioneering springless safety syringe Unisafe® and the latest lancets for blood sampling.
By investing £14 million into the site and the advanced manufacturing technologies, we aim to not only address the immediate market needs but also solidify ourselves as a leader within the medical device industry. This strategic move aligns with the company's 2030 vision to grow profitably and make a positive difference to our customers, our users, our associates and our environment. The Witney facility not only signifies a commitment to quality and efficiency but also serves as a platform for Owen Mumford to explore and embark on new and exciting projects, demonstrating the company's dedication to continuous improvement. Whilst striving for year-on-year growth, as a certified B Corp, member of the United Nations Global Compact, and supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, our sustainability agenda is strong, and in turn we ensure that our business growth strategy follows suit. Our construction process for Witney is an example of this ethos at play.
As a global business and significant local employer, we have a commitment to carry out our business responsibly across all our markets, however, due to our roots within Oxfordshire, the importance of our local community plays a markedly special role. That is why we are especially proud to say that our Witney site was constructed, right in our back garden, with sustainability in mind from the offset. It was crucial that construction caused minimal impact to the surrounding environment and eco-system, and so we are pleased that the building is set to be included in the top 25 percent of buildings assessed through the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).
The BREEAM certification 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. To achieve this status, we had to consider a multitude of different aspects in the facility’s construction, from sustainably focused planning to the final realisation of a responsible workspace that promotes productivity and welfare. Owen Mumford engaged with the BREEAM process from the beginning and emphasised to the project team that achieving certification is a key aspiration for the project. BREEAM enables the company to compare its developments to other BREEAM-rated projects, ensuring that a range of environmental issues are addressed throughout the design and construction stage. Certifying a building against BREEAM standards demonstrates the desire to build better and to build more sustainably.
BREEAM requires us to adhere to environmentally conscious planning, including consideration for the biodiversity of the site. At the start of construction, we worked in conjunction with sustainability and conservation specialists to best incorporate bat and bird boxes into the building’s design, alongside the integration of hedgehog gates and nature routes to ensure habitat connectivity and mitigate disturbance to local wildlife. One of the key ways in which we met sustainability targets during the build phase was through our disposal of construction waste, with 97 percent of it being diverted from landfill. Additionally, to maintain our sustainable practices, the site is using 100 percent renewable energy, with part of that being supplied by our own solar panels that generated 21,000 KwH last year. Following our other UK sites, 12 electronic charging points have been installed for EV users.
Further to this, we donated to a local charity, the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE), as part of the responsible development process. By donating to this reputable trust, we helped to deliver a biodiversity uplift project within the Oxfordshire region and, as a result, our site was awarded with a Biodiversity Net Gain agreement. The project in question is a grassland creation initiative near Enstone, in Oxfordshire. Using our donation, TOE will be returning arable land to species-rich grassland, using locally sourced seed from a diverse meadow. Managing the project in a traditional manner with a mix of low-level grazing and hay cuts, this long-term project will secure a high-quality species rich meadow for at least the next 30 years.
“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.” Paul Smith, Group Quality & Regulatory Affairs Director, Owen Mumford.
The new facility’s focus on automation and assembly represents a significant strategic advantage for Owen Mumford. Automation is a key driver of efficiency, allowing for faster production times, reduced error rates, and lower costs. This increase in production capability and efficiency is crucial for meeting the growing demand for Owen Mumford’s products in the most cost-effective manner.
The manufacturing facility in Witney is a strategic investment that places Owen Mumford at the cutting edge of medical device manufacturing. By leveraging automation, focusing on sustainability, and fostering innovation, the facility is set to significantly contribute to our growth strategy. It not only enhances our production capabilities and efficiency but also strengthens our commitment to quality products, sustainability business planning, and innovation for the future. As we continue to expand our product portfolio and market reach, this facility will play a pivotal role in securing our position as a leader in the global medical device industry.
About Owen Mumford
Owen Mumford is a B-Corp certified, global leader in medical device design and manufacture, leading innovation in this space and delivering medical device solutions that respond to customer and market needs. In 2022 the business was a double winner at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, including winning the headline ‘Thames Valley Business of the Year’ award.