A Tulsa, Okla., firm that makes molecular testing kits and distributes medical consumables is about to enter injection molding to manufacture its own brand of products.
Long term, the company said, the project is expected to create 1,000 jobs.
Faced with the ubiquitous supply chain holdups plaguing many companies, Open Solutions Inc., dba Open Laboratory Solutions (OLS), plans to launch a new division called AMCAR Scientific. AMCAR stands for American Medical Consumables, Assays and Reagents.
The company has narrowed its potential locations for the division to three areas — Phoenix, Tulsa and Allen, Texas — and expects to make a decision in about a month. "We have targeted areas that have existing facilities completed or in late stages of construction," Jason Macer, OLS chief operations officer, said Aug. 3 via email.
AMCAR will initially employ about 200 people when it begins shipping product, which is expected by September 2023. That will mark the first phase of a three-stage expansion and involves polypropylene and polystyrene consumables that laboratories use daily, as well as products in which to store them.
OLS said all raw materials and other goods required to make the products will be sourced from U.S. suppliers.
CEO Dennis Loudermilk said OLS is taking action because it has had to deal with the results of offshore manufacturing.
"It has been challenging to maintain adequate stock of everyday items we use like pipette tips, plates and reservoirs, which are all manufactured overseas. Frequent shortages cause strain on our own internal inventory," Loudermilk said in a July 26 news release. "The past two years have shown that a local source for these goods is needed."
Plans for the second and third phases of expansion are still being developed and call for the creation of 1,000 jobs in scientific research, development and manufacturing.
The second phase will include other supplies related to plastics, chemistry and micro products. Phase three will expand product offerings and add "a research and development component that will focus on genetic assay, reagents and other components to support and expand molecular testing-related products," Macer said.
Right now, the company is lining up more distributors for its coming products and considering new paths to growth.
"We are exploring various acquisition opportunities across all of our divisions that align with our long-term vision," Macer said.
In addition to producing molecular testing kits and distributing medical supplies, OLS has divisions engaged in health care software development, robotics and technology, as well as managed laboratory services.