The new building is commissioned to align with the company’s strong sustainability agenda, designed in accordance with the latest environmental standards to obtain BREEAM certification, the world’s leading sustainability assessment for buildings. A ground-breaking ceremony took place to mark the commencement of building work, attended by the Chairman Mark Owen, son of one of the original founders, as well as CEO Jarl Severn.
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 there has been no negative impact on biodiversity, and targets have been set to show biodiversity gains during and after construction. The latest technology and materials are being used to ensure the effective deployment of energy, heating and cooling.
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 production of the company’s recently launched, next generation auto-injector Aidaptus®, the industry’s first single-use auto-injector for 1mL and 2.25 pre-filled syringes as well as its pioneering springless safety syringe Unisafe® and the latest lancets for blood sampling.
“Since we first started to significantly ramp up our sustainability agenda in 2014, we have achieved many important milestones, and today’s ground-breaking ceremony at our new Witney site is a fitting tribute to the journey we are on,” said Jarl Severn, CEO at Owen Mumford. “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.