Shannon, 4th May 2007: REAGECON, a leader in the manufacture and distribution of chemicals, apparatus, consumables and equipment to laboratories world-wide has today opened a new manufacturing laboratory in its Shannon-based plant. The new facility was opened by Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley.

Through its study and application of LEAN THINKING principles, the company has completely re-designed its batch-production of chemical standards (in which it is a world leader), and which are supplied to the Pharmaceutical, Environmental, Life Sciences, Clinical and Education Sectors globally. Resulting from this the project plan forecasts an increase in production of up to 50% to meet Market Demand and the Customer Service Level Agreements it provides for “on time and in full” delivery.

In line with the opening of the new manufacturing laboratory, REAGECON will be up-skilling and cross-training its personnel to work in customer-facing departments such as Technical Services and Research and Development to support its customer service targets.

After conducting a tour of the new manufacturing laboratory, in an address to all of REAGECON’s staff, Senator Dooley welcomed the initiative which provides a refreshing story against the current back-drop of economic hardship that Ireland is witnessing in the manufacturing sector. Welcoming the new facility Senator Dooley said “It is very encouraging to see new innovations being brought into the manufacturing sector in Ireland, where competition is becoming more aggressive by the day. I am impressed with the approach that has been taken in the set up of this new laboratory, and look forward to seeing the results. I am confident that with this new development and the business excellence that you are employing, REAGECON will continue its success into the future”.

Acknowledging the difficulties of continuing to manufacture and supply from its Irish-base, given the increase in overheads, costs and wages, to compete more aggressively abroad REAGECON is determined to remain creative in its approach to deliver service above and beyond the expectations of its customers, and continue to grow its market share.

John Barron, Managing Director at REAGECON stated “We first began studying LEAN principles around 3 years ago, and have witnessed measurable improvements throughout the company. We have a Lean Co-ordinator and a Lean Team, who are responsible for deploying the same principles as those embarked upon by Toyota in the 1950’s. Successful Lean Thinking application requires taking a crow bar into the plant to begin making changes, rather than a pen and paper, and that is exactly what we have done in this extreme overhaul of our manufacturing laboratory”.

Continuing John stated “Since the planning of the new manufacturing laboratory, we have developed a new business model called “The Mission Matrix” which combines Lean Thinking and the Balanced Scorecard with a Strategic Business Plan. In developing the “Mission Matrix” we interviewed over 20 owners of Companies whom had experienced transformational change, and studied how they had achieved their growth and sustainability, putting them in a different league to their competitors”.

REAGECON’s objective is to become a similar success story by 2017. “The principles behind this project will now be extended into six other projects, each one championed and led by members of the Leadership Team to ensure that REAGECON becomes another Irish Success Story, in a different league to the other laboratory supply companies currently operating in the market”.

The company is also building a new, state-of-the-art Supply Chain Warehouse in Shannon in March 2008.

To visit the plant on one of its forthcoming Customer Open Days, email Susanne Whiteman, Marketing Manager at susanne.whiteman@reagecon.ie