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Guardpack Secure Funding for Expansion into Medical Device Manufacturing

We have exciting news at Guardpack! We are delighted to announce our successful funding through Anglia Ruskin University’s Arise ABOVE Programme. Our team is extremely proud to be named as an awardee of this funding and this achievement will be instrumental in enabling the company to take the first steps towards obtaining ISO 13485 certification.

This week, we thought we’d take a closer look at what this means for the business and the ways in which we are growing.

How The Funding Helps Us

ISO 13485, the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems in medical device manufacturing, underscores Guardpack’s development into serving the healthcare and life sciences sectors. By implementing a robust quality management system, we position ourselves to meet the precise quality demands of the above industries, delivering integrated solutions that align with growing customer requirements.

The funding from the ABOVE Programme provides critical support for the initial establishment of this quality management system (QMS). The QMS lays the foundation for the Guardpack team to undertake a gap analysis, and expand into medical device manufacturing, with the development of an onsite cleanroom, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards and bolstering our reputation as a trusted supplier to the healthcare sector.

A Word from Our Managing Director

As a nationwide established wet wipe and sachet manufacturer, with a clear focus on sustainability, we’re dedicated to enhancing our offerings for healthcare and life sciences industries through advanced manufacturing practices and quality standards.

Our Managing Director, Jeremy Freedman commented, “Our journey to ISO 13485 certification represents a significant milestone for Guardpack. The Arise ABOVE Programme will enable us to align with the high-quality expectations of our customers in these dynamic industries. This achievement not only strengthens our current capabilities but also positions us for future growth as a key player in medical device manufacturing.”

About Arise and the Arise ABOVE Programme

Arise Innovation Hubs are a part of Anglia Ruskin University, offering dynamic support to HealthTech and MedTech businesses. Through integrated initiatives like the ABOVE Programme, Arise fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration among entrepreneurs.

The Arise ABOVE Programme (part of ARU’s Arise Innovation Hubs) is a targeted initiative supporting HealthTech and MedTech businesses. Offering grants of up to £5,000, alongside access to expert advice and networking opportunities, the programme empowers SMEs to innovate, collaborate, and thrive in competitive markets.

The funding for the ABOVE programme has been provided by Essex County Council as part of their 10-year sector strategy to grow life science, digitech, advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, leading to more opportunity, jobs and growth across Greater Essex.

Arise Innovation Hubs are working closely with partners Medilink Midlands, a specialist provider of support to the life science sector, to help SMEs overcome barriers to growth in the delivery of ABOVE.

By connecting Guardpack with ARU’s extensive ecosystem of research, development, and innovation, the funding has provided the resources necessary to enhance our operations, while ensuring we meet the rigorous demands of ISO 13485 certification.

Get in Touch

We love nothing more than keeping our loyal customer base up to date on our exciting news, so be sure to check back here for the latest updates. Don’t forget to head over to our In the News page to read the latest press on this.

If you’d like to know more information about our greener wet wipe and sachet options, which include recyclable laminate and biodegradable and compostable options, we’d love to hear from you. Additionally, for more information on our products for the healthcare industries, and our sizing, you can get in touch with Guardpack today.

Simply fill out our contact form, email us at trade@guardpack.co.uk, or speak to one of the team today on 01245 505807.