Supply chain – Manufacturing
Squirrel Medical owns the intellectual property rights for all its current range of products. These are designed in our UK offices. Prototypes are constructed and undergo initial testing at the manufacturing base. Specific pressure mapping studies to assess pressure relieving performance are carried out through the University biomechanical research department.
Manufacturing of the product range is undertaken within two factories based in south east Asia. Agreements are in place to ramp-up manufacturing from additional plants as and when necessary to meet the demands of increased sales and specialist product development.
The company closely monitors all aspects of product construction to ensure rigorous standards are maintained within individual component parts and final product assembly. Adaptations to product design and the construction of prototype units can be made speedily and efficiently.
The lead times for delivery of product from our manufacturing base to our UK warehouses are currently 8-12 weeks and, as such are well within industry norms. Currently Squirrel Medical maintains approximately three months stock within our warehouses. As demand rise these stock levels will increase to ensure a continuous supply of product to our UK customers.
Special delivery of product from the manufacturing plant can be facilitated by airfreight at short notice (3-5 days). This does incur additional cost but can facilitate sales into specialist markets if required. Such costs would normally be passed on to the customer as part of the terms of a specialist delivery contract.
Supply Chain – Distribution
Squirrel Medical distributes product from two warehouses within the south of England. All Squirrel products are designed for non-specialist installation and arrive in easily transportable cases. The concept of “plug and play” in medical pressure relieving products is unusual but has been widely accepted by our customers. Delivery of product to the end user can therefore be undertaken by regular couriers. This reduces overhead costs and increases the efficiency with which we can organise deliver of products into the community. If requested by the customer, delivery of product can be made within 24 hours of sale, otherwise delivery is normally within two working days.
