Benjamin J. Harp from Polymer Conversions, a solution provider at the marcus evans Medical Device Manufacturing Summit Fall 2011, on the importance of Lean Manufacturing in the medical device sector. Interview with: Benjamin J. Harp, Chief Operations Officer, Polymer Conversions

1. November 13-15, 2011 | The Ritz-Carlton | Amelia Island | FL
Polymer Conversions:
The Significance of Lean Manufacturing
Benjamin J. Harp from Polymer Conversions, a solution provider at the marcus evans
Medical Device Manufacturing Summit Fall 2011, on the importance of Lean Manufacturing
in the medical device sector.
Interview with: Benjamin J. Harp, Chief Operations Officer, Polymer Conversions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE operations will result in quality improvement, waste
elimination and a reduction in time and costs.
“Improving quality is critical in today’s marketplace, therefore
organizations must understand what customers want and Improving quality is critical in today’s marketplace, therefore
need early on in the design process to meet their expectations organizations must understand what customers want and
and requirements”, says Benjamin J. Harp, Chief Operations need early on in the design process to meet their expectations
Officer, Polymer Conversions. Lean Manufacturing results in and requirements. By tracking waste statistically, we can see
quality improvement, waste elimination and a reduction in where our errors are being made.
time to market and total program costs.
Improving time to market is one of the most effective ways
From a solution provider company at the upcoming for eliminating waste and lowering costs. All parties involved
marcus evans Medical Device Manufacturing Summit Fall in the process must be brought in sooner, so that any
2011, taking place in Amelia Island, Florida, November 13-15, problems can be solved before the device goes through
Harp discusses the opportunities that Lean operational research and development, clinical trials, prototyping and
processes can bring to organizations. manufacturing. Reducing the wait time of products will
inevitably minimize costs, which satisfies both the customer
What three challenges are Medical Device Manufacturers and the organization.
currently facing?
Maintaining high quality standards would not be possible
Benjamin J. Harp: Firstly, complex government regulations without a great workforce. Lean training provides employees
unique to each market and country; we must identify what with an important mindset and culture. We set up every
the regulatory differences are, so that we can adapt product manufacturing cell with Lean in mind, that way we have the
to serve those markets. best possible cost matrix and value proposition for our
customer and for our business.
Secondly, technology continues to change and we must learn
how to incorporate these changes into the device. Lastly, What developments should Medical Device Manufacturers be
technical skills are an issue, so we need the appropriate prepared for?
workforce to be able to support the product development and
manufacture of high technology medical devices Benjamin J. Harp: Miniaturizing high technology devices while
increasing functionality in a patient-friendly manner is an
Finding staff, especially staff for skilled trade positions is upcoming trend that will change the way products are made.
difficult. Universities do not provide students with this type of
education. Our only solution is to continuingly train With the role of healthcare changing, patients are now using
employees, work with younger staff through apprentice medical devices at home, so products must become handheld
programs and try to retain them. and easy to use.
Why is Lean Manufacturing important in today’s market? We must keep up-to-date with healthcare regulations
worldwide, as these will affect the supply chain and product
Benjamin J. Harp: With the constant shifts in the market, development immensely. The Healthcare Reform Act has led
having a Lean operation in place is critical. The market no to an increase of taxation on devices, so some organizations
longer accepts waste caused by out of control production or are moving their product development dollars to countries
inefficient processes. A commitment to quality and Lean with less restrictive regulatory policies.
www.medicalmanufacturingsummit.com

2. November 13-15, 2011 | The Ritz-Carlton | Amelia Island | FL
Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division
Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com
About the Medical Device Manufacturing Summit Fall 2011
This unique forum will take place at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida, November 13-15, 2011. Offering much
more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry
thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes
presentations on the future of medical technology innovation, driving growth and making use of sustainable
approaches.
For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at
www.medicalmanufacturingsummit.com
marcus evans group - manufacturing sector portal
Please note that the summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.
About Polymer Conversions
Polymer Conversions, Inc., is a Full-Service, Contract Manufacturer that specializes in precision Tool Design &
Manufacturing, Engineering, Thermoplastic Injection Molding, Clean Room Operations and Value-Added Services.
Further information can be found at: www.polymerconversions.com
About marcus evans Summits
marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and
discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a
unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one
business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com
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www.medicalmanufacturingsummit.com