Reprocessing centre for complex medical devices set in urban surroundings

VANGUARD is a market leader in reprocessing complex medical devices in Germanspeaking countries. In February 2008, the company opened a new facility in the M1 industrial park in Essen, Germany. The new Sterile Supplies Centre Rhine/Ruhr is the largest German contract reprocessing operation for reusable medical products. From there, the Vanguard Group services hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgeries and industrial clients using 12 commercial PG 8528 high-performance washer-disinfectors from Miele.

Ideal conditions, perfect service

The new Sterile Supplies Centre is the largest, but by far not the only VANGUARD reprocessing plant. The group‘s 49 sites provide services to more than 100 hospitals in Germany and Austria. Employees at the Sterile Supplies Centre have the advantage of a pleasant working environment with plenty of natural light provided by the transparent, predominantly glass structure of the building.

A comprehensive service package

VANGUARD‘s knowledge and experience provides customers with sterile instruments more reliably and economically. Expert advice, staff training and comprehensive service are part of the service package afforded by VANGUARD sites as well as the management of customers‘ own facilities. VANGUARD Service offers hospitals and surgeries the opportunity to meet increased requirements and keep up to date with new scientific findings in the field of medical product reprocessing without having to invest themselves.

Location with potential and capacity to expand

Once development has been completed, 150,000 units will be reprocessed at the Essen location. The reprocessing capacities on the first floor will then be utilised to the full and offices and training classrooms on the upper floor designated entirely for administration and training.

Perfect training in the sterilisation service sector

VANGUARD dos not only excel with its services but especially with its in-house „Instruclean Academy“ training facilities where staff members are trained in compliance with the German Institute for Sterile Services (DGSV). Course participants are from within the company, from regional hospitals and surgeries and even from the competition as the quality of the training has gained widely spread recognition.

Inauguration	2008
Area covered	1500 m²
Investments in new premises	EUR 5.3 m
Construction period	8 months
Hospitals serviced	10

Vanguard, Essen, Germany