Innovation is not only about developing new products. It is also about building the capabilities that help us validate quality, improve efficiency, and support long-term growth.
Beginning in mid-June 2026, our site at Prelouc, Czech Republic, will operate a dedicated real-time shelf-life testing chamber, bringing an important validation process in-house for the first time.
Historically, we have conducted long-term aging studies used to validate tube sets through external testing providers. These studies require us to store samples under tightly controlled environmental conditions for periods that can extend beyond three years. While effective, outsourcing this work introduces additional costs, scheduling dependencies, and operational complexity.
The new 60-cubic-meter chamber is designed to maintain the precise conditions required for shelf-life testing while providing enough capacity to support multiple studies simultaneously.
The investment delivers benefits beyond cost savings. By managing testing internally, we gain greater flexibility to prioritize projects, adjust schedules, and maintain direct oversight of critical validation activities. It also reduces reliance on external providers, helping strengthen operational resilience.
The chamber is expected to pay for itself in less than a year through the elimination of recurring external testing costs. More importantly, it provides a scalable foundation that supports future product development and validation needs.
As we continue investing in the capabilities that support innovation, quality, and customer success, this new testing infrastructure represents another step forward in strengthening our operational excellence.