Olympus × item

Work benches – the key to quality assurance

Olympus used the expansion of its repair facility in Portugal to optimise workstation design and improve employee wellbeing and efficiency.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGYWORK BENCHESPORTUGAL

Custom item work bench in the Olympus repair centre

Project at a glance

1,000+ m²: Workspaces fitted out
200+: Bespoke work benches
ESD: ESD-safe workstations
2 years: Planning & implementation

Work benches – the key to quality assurance

Olympus medical technology facility in Portugal

Olympus, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, wants to revolutionise treatment standards for various medical conditions. The company places a strong emphasis on quality assurance in product manufacturing, but also in its repair work. Work bench design plays a crucial role in this regard.

As part of the expansion of its repair centre in Coimbra, Portugal, Olympus opted to redesign its workstations in a new building.

Ergonomics – the key to outstanding quality

The growing need for medical device repairs meant that Olympus Medical Products Portugal needed another building and new equipment. The main focus was on setting up cleanrooms and ESD-safe workstations.

Designing an ergonomic working environment was also a priority. “This is the only way to ensure employee wellbeing and provide customers with a quality product,” says João Abreu, Head of Electronics at Olympus Medical Products Portugal.

Industrial workstations in the Olympus repair centre

Work benches to fit out an area of over 1000 m²

In collaboration with item, over 1000 m² of the new building was ultimately kitted out with more than 200 bespoke work benches. They have been specially tailored to the needs of technicians – thanks to various height adjustment options, different lighting levels and ample storage space. The work benches vary in terms of size and configuration depending on how they are being used. Features such as bespoke tool holders and rotating fixings for PCs and monitors enable employees to rearrange their workstations in line with ergonomic principles.

In addition to the individual needs of employees, the requirements of the various work processes – such as ESD safety – have also been taken into account. Certain work benches also feature a special offset lifting column so employees can scoot around the edge of the work bench, meaning they can also work at the narrow end of the bench.

Technician at a bespoke ergonomic Olympus work bench

A long-lasting collaboration

The new work benches have also been well received by the technicians. “All in all, the new work benches and their functions have helped boost comfort and convenience for us as employees. This has also further improved the quality of our work.” says Ana Roque, who works in logistics.

The project took around two years to plan and implement. However, the collaboration between Olympus and item did not end there.