A History of Innovation
We began as Kent Latex Products 63 years ago. President John F. Kennedy was in the White House, and the Vietnam War was in full swing. Over time, people experienced negative reactions and sensitivity to latex. While competitors struggled, we flexibly expanded into extrusion and the manufacturing of soft, flexible thermoplastic tubing – changing our name to Kent Elastomer Products.
What’s Our Secret?
We’re not too big, and we’re not too small. We’re just the right size – large enough to offer extensive polymer manufacturing capabilities and small enough to be nimble and quick. The ability to adapt to change is the secret to our success.
For example, a medical device customer was charged with meeting new international regulatory compliance standards. They expected the typical industry-standard 6-12-month development cycle for qualifications. However, KEP helped them achieve their goal in a fraction of the time.
As an organization, KEP is intentionally designed to be the right size. Our technical experts are easily accessible – not buried deep within our org chart of personnel. We can provide both the high-level technical and quality expertise in tubing along with fast, personalized customer service, without spending days exchanging emails or playing phone tag.
“Don’t change your size – don’t get bigger or smaller. You are at the perfect size to accommodate change quickly,” said the client.
The Lean Business Model
What kept KEP from sprawling, becoming the wrong size? KEP employees embraced and implemented Lean manufacturing practices in 2007. All employees in three facilities trained and participated in kaizens and other efficiencies, strengthening the level of trust and communication between employees, departments and managers. This keeps our organization efficient, responsible and available. We’re able to partner with clients and bring all levels of leadership to the same table.
What’s Next?
Most recently, we launched our new biopharmaceutical tubing line which is yet another example of KEP responding to marketplace demands. We’re large enough to bring this highly regulated product to market and accessible enough for technical services to respond directly to customers who deliver life-saving therapies to patients worldwide. Ultimately, we’re in the business of creating products that improve human lives.
Learn more about Biopharmaceutical Tubing from Kent Elastomer Products.