Covidien in Athlone has received international recognition for enterprise excellence, by being awarded the Shingo Bronze Medallion.
The prize was awarded by the Shingo Institute, part of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.
According to Robert Miller of the Shingo Institute, the award signifies an organisation’s strong use of tools and techniques for business improvement.
“Those organisations that receive the Bronze Medallion are on their way to true enterprise excellence,” said Mr Miller.
Covidien’s Athlone facility manufactures airway management products used during surgical operations and post-operation care throughout the world.
Donal Balfe, vice president of manufacturing, Covidien, said the company was delighted to be recognised by the Shingo Institute.
“Receiving the Shingo Bronze Medallion means a lot to all of the employees here at our Athlone facility. Every day we focus on listening to our customers and finding new, innovative ways to solve their problems. We’re delighted to be recognised for our achievements in this area and thank the Shingo Institute for the recognition.”
Covidien in Athlone has experienced a number of achievements including a consistent world-class safety record over the last five years. These include a reduction in lead-time from 25 days in 2000 to 10 days in 2012, and a 31 per cent improvement from 2007 to 2013 in direct labour hours for the top five products.
Covidien will receive the Shingo Bronze Medallion at an awards ceremony in Sandusky, Ohio in May.
