DRIVE DEVILBISS HEALTHCARE DELIVERS ON THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, the only medical bed manufacturer producing in volume in the UK, has just completed the first deliveries in a substantial export contract calling for electrically profiling beds destined for use within the homecare market in France.
The beds in question are produced for Drive DeVilbiss' French sister company, and the contract is of particular interest because it has seen production of this model move from Vietnam to Halifax in West Yorkshire, driving forward manufacturing efficiencies, enhancing product quality and leading to substantial investment in plant and people.
Increasing demand for performance, functionality and quality prompted Drive DeVilbiss to reconsider the sourcing of this popular product, identifying clear economic benefits to UK manufacture. Although the bed has been produced to meet similar specifications to the original model, it has been upgraded and improved to offer enhanced clinical and practical benefits in use.
The decision to manufacture in the UK has impacted positively on the company's production plant in Halifax. The factory has been reconfigured with dedicated production cells and a total restructure of the assembly areas, bringing in lean processes to streamline manufacture. Upskilling of the workforce and creation of a number of additional jobs is already complete, and Drive DeVilbiss has invested more than £350,000 in new equipment to speed up throughput.
The new model developed for the French market is a standard medical bed designed for the homecare environment. It is a four section electrically profiling bed with head and foot ends in a wood finish to match a more domestic setting, with an attractive textured paint finish which is both practical and hardwearing.
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare is currently in the process of developing a second new medical bed aimed at the healthcare markets in North America, France and the UK, which will be launched later this year, featuring a range of enhancements designed around increased ease of use.
For further information, please contact:-
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Ltd, Heathfield Lane, Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire BD11 2HW
T: 0845 0600 333
E: sales@drivedevilbiss.co.uk
(Editorial)
Ann Horan
T: 01422 371633
E: pr@dmddesign.co.uk