Ballerup, Denmark–based Ambu hosted the grand opening of its largest plant on Oct. 11. With a total capacity nearing 323,000 square feet, Ambu’s facility helps to ramp up future production and supply of products. Ambu develops single-use scopes.
The company said in a news release that it sought to secure growing manufacturing capacity amid supply chain instability. Its new factory represents a strategic step to move closer to the North American market. Ambu said it provides a more sustainable and flexible approach to supply chain constraints. This allows for cost-effective transportation and an improved supply of products to customers.
“The opening of our new manufacturing site in Mexico is a major milestone for Ambu. Delivering high-quality, innovative products to our customers is our number one priority, and it has been a key focus area during Covid-19 and global supply chain disruptions,” said Ambu CEO Britt Meelby Jensen. “Our investment in the new Mexican plant is a strategic decision to secure future production capacity, which will increase our flexibility and proximity to customers in North America and, by that, secure a reliable supply of products.”
Ambu said it completed construction on the Mexico facility in less than two years. It laid the foundation stone in March 2021 and already shipped its first products (SPUR resuscitators) to the U.S.
Ambu’s expectations for the new plant
The company intends to produce single-use endoscopes within its pulmonology, urology, ENT and GI endoscopy segments. It also plans to manufacture parts of its anesthesia portfolio at the facility.
Ambu expects the opening to create between 2,000 and 3,000 new jobs as it ramps up production.
The company owns and operates manufacturing facilities in China, Malaysia, the U.S. and Mexico. It has a total production space of nearly 1.1 million square feet across continents. Ambu said its new plant also holds an additional 215,000 square feet for future expansion.
“We have built this factory in record time. It is the culmination of dedication, determination and focus of our colleagues and external partners to strengthen our manufacturing footprint,” said Henrik Ankjær, Ambu EVP of global operations. “Together with our existing factories in China, Malaysia and the U.S., our new Mexico-based plant sets Ambu up for future growth.”
Ambu USA President Steven Block expects the expanded capacity of the new factory to make a tangible difference.
“Demand for single-use endoscopes continues to grow in the U.S., and with the Mexico plant, we will be able to maintain a strengthened supply of medical devices, which will ultimately benefit our customers and their patients – for years to come,” Block said.
