Meridian Bioscience and Lean Continuous Improvements, LLC Collaborate to Apply Lean Principles to Recent Launch of illumigene® Malaria

CINCINNATI, Jan. 26, 2016 -- Meridian Bioscience, Inc. announced today that the recent product transfer and launch of its innovative molecular test illumigene^® Malaria was accomplished on an accelerated schedule via a collaboration with Lean Continuous Improvements, LLC (LCI).  The development and transfer of medical devices is a complicated and highly regulated process.  Meridian recognized the need to streamline the tasks and activities required to move a new test from the product development phase through to final regulatory approval, and ultimately to our lab customers.  Lean Continuous Improvements is a Cincinnati-based consulting firm that is expert in applying lean principles, in conjunction with project management, that minimize wasted time, that help facilitate conflict resolution and that increase the team’s energy while maximizing product quality.

John A. Kraeutler, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The development of diagnostic tests is a highly complex process that involves multiple operating departments within Meridian.  For us to achieve the highest efficiency in product transfer without sacrificing quality, we knew that we needed outside assistance.  The team at LCI has a deep background in “Lean Transformation” having worked with many diverse companies in many diverse areas such as Health Care, Lean Accounting, Product Development, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Total Maintenance.   Our collaboration on the malaria test launch was a true partnership in which Meridian’s product transfer team worked hand in hand with our LCI consultant to achieve a three-month improvement in the final timeline. By increasing ownership, the team became a more disciplined, cohesive group.”

Gregory Battle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lean Continuous Improvements, LLC stated, “The Meridian Bioscience C Suite management team gave us great support all the way through the project. Lean Transformation is a “Systems” approach designed so that clear standards are established and hidden problems surface, are identified and resolved. With Lean Transformation, solutions are not “implemented,” but rather problems are solved.

“We start with “grasping the situation” where the work is done. We identify a problem area . . . a key business challenge with opportunities to demonstrate lean as a transformational system. We pull together a cross-functional team led by leaders of the area with staff support and lean coaches in training.  We start with Value Stream Mapping; leaders create and “buy into” a Value Stream ‘Vision’. Leadership is THE key for success; the Top Leaders within the facility must be actively, visibly involved in the Vision-setting session and implementation. We begin by going deep in model areas.

“We are “first principle” based in everything we do. This shows in our approach to our initial engagement with Meridian Bioscience. One size definitely does not fit all, and particularly if Meridian Bioscience’s situation demands a unique and customized approach. We had the breadth and depth of experience to meet their challenge. We fundamentally believe in starting at a practical level with a project and a team.”

Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products and offers biopharmaceutical enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety of methods, these products and diagnostic tests provide accuracy, simplicity and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral and respiratory infections. Meridian’s diagnostic products are used outside of the human body and require little or no special equipment. The Company's products are designed to enhance patient well-being while reducing the total outcome costs of health care. Meridian has strong market positions in the areas of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections, serology, parasitology and fungal disease diagnosis. In addition, Meridian is a supplier of rare reagents, specialty biologicals and related technologies used by biopharmaceutical companies engaged in research for new drugs and vaccines. The Company markets its products and technologies to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, diagnostics manufacturers and biotech companies in more than 70 countries around the world. The Company’s shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, symbol VIVO. Meridian's website address is www.meridianbioscience.com.

Contact: 513.271.3700
John A. Kraeutler, Chief Executive Officer