Olympus - item Industrietechnik GmbH

Work benches – the key to quality assurance

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 Portugal, Olympus opted to redesign its workstations.

The road to quality assurance in repair services

Ergonomics – the key to outstanding quality

The growing need for medical device repairs meant that change was coming for the Olympus Medical Products repair centre in Coimbra, Portugal. The company needed another building – and new equipment to go with it. The main focus here 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.

The project at a glance

Work bench design for an area of over 1000 m²

Over 200 ergonomic work benches in more than 20 different variants

Widespread ESD protection thanks to EPA facilities, among other solutions

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.

“The relationship we have today does not end with this project. It will continue, as the demand is still there and item supports our goals and needs like no other.”

– Tiago Martins, Head of the Technical Department, Olympus Medical Products Portugal

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. “The relationship we have today does not end with this project. It will continue, as the demand is still there and item supports our goals and needs like no other.”

Want to know more about Olympus & item?

Would you like to find out more about the collaboration between item and Olympus? Our white paper gives you an even deeper insight into work bench design at Olympus. You’ll also find valuable tips on some of the crucial elements of work bench design in the medical technology sector.