MRPC, a full contract manufacturer of medical devices, instruments, and disposables is attracting new business opportunities less than 12 months after achieving MedAccred® Accreditation.
The U.S.-based company is a turnkey manufacturing partner to some of the world’s largest medical device companies, and the accreditation is a clear indicator of the excellence of the company, and the quality of its critical manufacturing processes.
MRPC was looking for a proactive way to drive quality improvements and develop a competitive advantage and decided to explore MedAccred accreditation further after an OEM reinforced its significance.
MedAccred is the supply chain oversight program that focusses on critical manufacturing processes in the medical device industry to improve device quality and enhance patient safety. Its audit criteria are set by its Subscribers, who are among the largest companies in the medical devices sector, including Baxter, Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Philips Healthcare, Roche Diagnostics and Stryker.
Carl Lider, Chief Operating Officer at MRPC, said “gaining the accreditation aligns with MRPC’s continuous goal of being a world class medical device manufacturer”. He said, “this certification further demonstrates to our customers and perspective customers that we are dedicated to delivering on our promise of quality and service.”
MRPC was already partnering with the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, for a program called Medical Manufacturers MedAccred Accreditation Pathway (MedMMAP). The program allocates critical process experts to conduct on-site assessments and prepare manufacturers for a gap closure process.
Before the MedAccred Auditor visit, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership assessed the business’ current position and identified gaps that needed to be addressed. While various actions, such as documenting what people routinely do, were relatively simple, others took a few months, as a team designed, documented, and socialized new methods across the company’s sites, while focusing initially on gaining accreditation at the Hudson, New Hampshire facility.
MRPC reports that these steps enabled the company to pass its MedAccred audit assessment smoothly. Although it’s early in the journey, the company expects year over year improvements with key metrics such as the Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ), and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
An already proven benefit is an uptick in business enquiries, said Mr Lider: “MedAccred accreditation has enabled us to build relationships with some of the world’s leading medical device OEMs. We have seen significant interest and excitement.”
Bob Lizewski, VP MedAccred, said: “MRPC took a thorough, systematic approach to achieving MedAccred accreditation. We’re delighted they are already seeing the quality and business benefits, and are now pursuing MedAccred accreditation for a further site.”
MRPC achieved MedAccred Accreditation for Plastics Injection Molding, Insert Molding, and Overmolding at their Hudson, New Hampshire facility. The company also has facilities located in Butler, Wisconsin (headquarters); and Largo, Florida. Core competencies include Design For Manufacturability, Silicone Molding, Plastic Molding and Extrusions, Multi-Material Molding, Finished Medical Device Assembly, and Global Supply Chain Development and Management. It was one of the first manufacturing companies in Wisconsin to gain ISO 13485 certification.