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Behind every quality Whitley product are quality processes.
For 50 years, we’ve been designing solutions for microbiologists in-house, giving us control over every stage of production, even down to the smallest components. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, this attention to detail helps ensure the reliability and consistency microbiologists have come to trust from Don Whitley Scientific. From initial prototypes to the finished product, here’s how we put precision where it matters at every stage of our manufacturing processes.
CNC Machine Shop
Since 2011, our CNC Machine Shop has manufactured all the parts and sub-assemblies that go into our products, making our production processes more self-sufficient. This reduces our reliance on external suppliers whilst giving us greater control over quality, efficiency and lead times. Furthermore, the department collaborates closely with our R&D team during the initial prototyping stage. By carrying out 3D CAD modelling and 3D printing in-house, changes can be made and tested quicker with rapid prototyping, allowing components to be precisely refined throughout the development process to achieve the best possible quality.
Metrology Suite
Significant investments have also been made in our metrology capabilities, helping us maintain the quality and longevity of Whitley products. Our coordinate measuring machine verifies the geometries of physical components, while our LK Metrology equipment allows measurements to be checked to an accuracy of 2.0 microns. This level of precision helps ensure components are manufactured to the exact required specifications, supporting the reliability and longevity of our products and helping our customers get the most from their investment.
Paint Shop
Quality doesn’t just refer to how our products perform, but also how they look. After quality control noted painted components were coming back with inconsistencies in their shade of white, we opened the paint shop. Since 2022, bringing painting in-house has given us greater control over colour and splatter finishes. This not only helps ensure every Whitley product has the same consistent appearance, regardless of its size or model, but also helps us get quality products to our customers faster through less reliance on supplier delivery.
Testing Process
Once final assembly is complete, every Whitley Workstation undergoes a rigorous testing process. Each product is tested for 100 hours, with the workstation fully gassed to check that all functions are working as they should. Quality control is carried out by someone other than the person who manufactured the product, providing an additional level of independent checking before it reaches the customer.
Service Support
Finally, our commitment to high quality doesn’t end when a product leaves our premises. Our in-house offering means our service engineers have continuous access to genuine spare parts, ensuring our customers continue to receive the level of quality they expect from DWS throughout the entire lifetime of their Whitley product. This access is made even easier following the introduction of a Kardex Carousel Machine in 2024, which automatically stores, tracks and retrieves parts. This makes spare parts more readily available for our engineers, keeping our processes running even more smoothly.
Small Details that Make a Big Difference
After 50 years of designing and manufacturing Whitley Workstations in-house, it’s these small details throughout our processes that make a big difference to the quality of the finished product. From the first prototype to final testing, these capabilities give us greater control over how our workstations are made and the standards they meet. By putting precision where it matters most, we’re able to deliver quality products our customers can rely on for years to come.
England