Company insight Expanding for the future
Modern packaging manufacturing isn’t easy – especially for companies with worldwide ambitions. Medical Device Development talks to insiders at Oliver Healthcare Packaging to learn more, exploring how a range of global investments is preparing them for the future.
ervice, quality and logistics are just a few of the challenges facing modern medical packaging, not to mention the growing push for sustainability. However, with strategic planning and investments in the latest technology, these obstacles are far from unconquerable. Oliver Healthcare Packaging, a leader in medical packaging for over 50 years, is proving this through its continuous improvement. Originally rooted in the 19th century, Oliver shifted its focus to the medical field in 1968. Over the decades, it has built a strong reputation by producing high- performance packaging materials, including die-cut lids, roll stock, pouches and CleanCut cards. Yet, company leaders are always seeking ways to strengthen their position in the market. A key example, as Tommy Smith, technical director EMEA, explains, is the sourcing of film and foil, essential components in medical packaging that ensure product protection and integrity. According to Smith, Oliver’s leadership identified an opportunity to improve supply chain efficiency by strengthening its access to these materials, which ultimately led to the strategic acquisition of German company EK-Pack in June 2023. “Acquiring EK-Pack in Europe expands our footprint, which aligns with our long- term global strategy,” says Charlotte Mavor, strategic programme leader at Oliver Healthcare Packaging. She emphasises that bringing manufacturing in-house offers greater flexibility, innovation and shorter lead times – key advantages in today’s fragile supply chain environment.
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Growth and sustainability through expansion Certainly, these advantages become apparent when you consider the breadth of products Oliver Healthcare can now offer customers, with a range of flexible packaging films and foils, suitable for medical, pharmaceutical and diagnostic applications. At the same time, what Mavor
Oliver has invested in state-of-the-art machines at its facility in Venray, the Netherlands.
calls the “vertical integration” of the business promises advancement in other areas too. That’s perhaps most notable in the realm of sustainability; Oliver is now capable of developing new, innovative structures, already resulting in easy-to- recycle films and downgauging of material structures, so using less material. This has undoubted benefits for the planet, so with that the team is responding to rising industry calls.
A world view with additional capabilities Oliver Healthcare’s investments are broad and strategic, reflecting its ongoing global expansion efforts. The company is enhancing its facilities and technological capabilities across various locations, including the installation of state-of-the-art equipment at its Venray facility in the Netherlands and the building of a new manufacturing space,
“We’re definitely seeing a big shift towards environmentalism with our customers.” Tommy Smith, technical director EMEA
“We’re definitely seeing a big shift towards environmentalism with our customers and prospects, as well as stricter EU environmental targets,” Smith says. These considerations imply a forward- thinking attitude and there are other signs Oliver Healthcare is reflecting on tomorrow. Once again, the EK-Pack deal offers a good case study here, especially when it comes to new machinery. “They purchased a multilayer cast line in 2018,” Smith says of EK-Pack, suggesting the technology is forward-thinking and will remain relevant for many years.
Medical Device Developments /
www.nsmedicaldevices.com
with ISO-7 and ISO-8 certified cleanrooms, in Malaysia.
These advancements demonstrate
Oliver’s forward-thinking approach, integral to its global business strategy. The EK-Pack acquisition is clearly part of a larger, well-coordinated plan. As Oliver continues to modernise and prioritise sustainability, it is not only addressing present challenges but also positioning itself as a leader in the future of medical packaging. ●
www.oliverhcp.com 135
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