How we “level the playing field” for small suppliers | Takeda Stories
How we ‘level the playing field’ for small suppliers
Elden Lainez’s first introduction to the life sciences industry was a job during college cleaning floors at a large pharmaceutical company. Growing up on his grandparents’ small family farm in El Salvador, Elden knew the importance of hard work.
Elden Lainez, co-founder and president of Boston Lab Services
“Farm work is non-stop, and that work ethic has shaped me throughout my career,” he said.
As a recent immigrant to the U.S., he also learned the value of opportunities and good mentors. He found both at the pharmaceutical company. Because of this experience, he decided to change his major to pharmacology.
After graduation, Elden found work as a research associate at a biotech start-up. He quickly became the go-to person to answer questions and solve problems. When the company needed a lab manager, the leadership team offered Elden the role. He spent years at both big and small biopharma companies, and eventually started his own lab operations and facilities management company: Boston Lab Services (BLS).
Leveling the playing field for suppliers of all sizes
When Takeda set out to find the ideal lab inventory management supplier, the procurement and research and development teams undertook a thorough vendor selection process. This supplier would make business-critical decisions to ensure our scientists have the supplies they need – when and where they need them – in pursuit of the next breakthrough for patients. The team vetted several suppliers of all sizes, evaluating each on the same criteria.
Elden’s BLS rose to the top.
“Going through my first big pharma vendor selection process was intimidating, but Takeda made sure each step was clear. Their values of fairness and integrity, as well as their partnership approach, were evident from the very beginning,” he said.
Hillary Ferrer, Takeda’s head of lab planning and logistics, said, “We chose to work with BLS because they aligned with our strategy and had the capabilities we needed. Importantly, they shared our commitment to putting patients first. We also appreciated their thoughtful, authentic responses, which were customized to our business needs.”
The BLS team was ready to begin work in less than half the expected time. All team members had practiced at the BLS on-site training lab, stocked with Takeda-specific supplies, so the team understood the company’s lab operations before beginning work.
Hillary Ferrer, Takeda’s head of lab planning and logistics (center, green shirt), with Takeda and Boston Lab Services employees
Based on their high-quality work, flexibility, collaboration and innovation, Takeda expanded the BLS contract to support all our U.S. labs. BLS began work in mid-2024, and in less than a year, their work resulted in cost savings in the millions of dollars for Takeda.
“Our goal is to level the playing field so that qualified suppliers, regardless of size or background, have an equal opportunity to bid on opportunities to work with us. We’re looking for those who can offer us customized solutions, increased flexibility and fresh approaches to solving business challenges.” Joyce Eggers, global lead of supplier diversity, Takeda
Joyce Eggers, global lead of supplier diversity at Takeda
Takeda makes a concerted effort to ensure suppliers’ success through an accessible vendor selection process, thoughtful onboarding, opportunities for mentorship and in some cases, access to executive training programs.
Benefiting small businesses and local communities
Supporting small and diverse suppliers can provide economic development and job opportunities in local communities. According to the Small Business Administration1, small businesses created 62% of all new jobs in the U.S. between 1995 and 2021.
Elden frequents unemployment offices, veterans services departments, places of worship and more to identify high-potential individuals to meet his business needs. He invites them to his training program and then hires the top talent.
This approach resonates with Hillary. “BLS was the only company in our vendor selection process that included veterans’ resumes. As a veteran myself, I know military personnel have outstanding logistics skills that are transferable to our industry,” she said.
Elden recalls early in the process when Takeda asked him what’s unique about BLS. “I immediately said, ‘My team.’ They each have different backgrounds, but they share a positive attitude, strong character and deep commitment to enabling researchers to focus on their scientific pursuits. Because of how I grew up, my personal mission is to connect good people with good opportunities. That’s how BLS came to be.”
And looking ahead, Elden says, “BLS can have a multi-generational impact. Team members can send their kids to school, and many have chosen to major in STEM. They see the path to a brighter future.”
Share this story