Manufacturing plastic parts in China for the medical industry

As competition in the global medical device market intensifies, we see that international medical companies are increasingly seeking ways to reduce costs in R&D and manufacturing. Many Asian countries, especially China, offer the one-two punch of a low cost of doing business and a skilled labor force. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Chine is looking to become a major manufacturer of high-tech products, including medical devices.

To Outsource or Not to Outsource

Healthcare companies can grow by strategically leveraging the outsourcing of their molding projects. Still, it is not easy to choose the correct partner, since these contract molders will become an extension of their manufacturing capabilities and have to comply with strict quality standards.

It is crucial that foreign device companies thoroughly check potential suppliers, partners and their references. It is important to learn about their reputations and examine every phase of production. More specifically, it is important to confirm that their regulatory documents, as well as product registration, factory registration, methods (e.g. clean-room manufacturing) and compliance with ISO 9001 or 13485, are properly authorized and up to date.

Successful contract molders have seamlessly assimilated a scientific approach to international product realization planning requirements in their validation, quality, and manufacturing disciplines.

Besides preserving quality another consideration is to be reasonable about pricing. Obviously, huge price savings are available in China compared with other manufacturing locations. But if foreign device companies demand prices that are too low, it can tempt Chinese suppliers to neglect quality control or to use inferior materials.

An option for the manufacturer is to assign its own full-time quality control representative to the supplying factory. Still, there is a severe shortage of qualified staff that speaks Chinese, understand Western quality standards, and can implement them effectively. High demand for their skills is quickly driving their salaries up and they are more eager to work for large Westernized companies such as Medtronic, GE Healthcare or Johnson & Johnson, instead of switching to more-traditional Chinese workplaces—even for more pay.

Making Outsourcing Happen

The alternative option we like to promote is working with a partner such as the Titoma Group instead of working directly with the supplying factories. We are already on location, and with our expertise we can tap our resources quickly to find the people with the exact qualifications you need.

Of course there will be a small compensation for our troubles, but the Titoma Group takes responsibility for entire projects of its clients, giving them the made-in-China low cost advantage over their competition without headaches and delays, and saving you time of going through a lot of bureaucratic spaghetti of locating the right people and getting them approved as vendors.

In addition, the Titoma Group warrants quality by working with Western designers, engineers and project managers that have many years of experience working in Asia in close cooperation with local engineers and manufacturers highly specialized in medical manufacturing. Also, working together with market leaders in the bio instrument industry and leaders in medical / baby nutrients business has provided us with great insights into the medical market.

Going to China

Whether or not to outsource and how to do outsourcing is not a black-and-white decision. It requires a thorough analysis of partners and opportunities; however it never hurts to ask help from those who are experienced in the field.

We recognize that medical device manufacturers need partners that apply technology and have a team of expert operators that can advance their systems. We ensure a customized and personal approach.

Feel free to send us an e-mail with your ideas to inform about the possibilities with the Titoma Group.

Please contact Case Engelen at Titoma for more information, a quick quote, or other inquiries:

Email: Manufacturing plastic parts in China for the medical industry

Telephone +886 2 2727 2089