The flags were out at Abbott UK recently when it became the first company within the Abbott group worldwide to achieve Class A status within the group's MRP II initiative. The system gives Abbott a complete overview of all steps in its manufacturing process and supply chain, resulting in less inventory on site, lower costs, a happier workforce and a more focused business, as well as happy customers, the company believes.
To mark the occasion a special presentation took place at Abbott's Queenborough site. Jack Gips, president of a US-based consultancy dedicated to MRP II Worldwide, presented Abbott UK managing director Mark Haywood and manufacturing director Neil Fenn with the award in the company of 150 invited members of Abbott staff.
Haywood commented: '80% of companies aiming to achieve Class A don't get there and fewer than 1% of manufacturing companies have achieved it. It's taken three years and has been a real team effort. The processes have also encouraged suppliers to focus on greater efficiency - so it has had beneficial knock on effects.'
'Class A is not a project but an ongoing process that we will be looking to constantly improve upon and extend into other aspects of the business,' added Fenn.