Abbott is the first organisation in Europe to achieve the standards required for the Shingo prize.
The Clonmel manufacturing facility achieved the accolade which is recognised as a premier award for operational excellence.
The Shingo Award is open to organisations across all industries and sectors internationally.
Abbott’s South Tipp plant is the first organisation in Europe to achieve the standards required to receive the top prize.
Due to the high bar set by the assessors for receiving the Shingo, there was no recipient of the top award worldwide last year and just two companies outside of Europe received the honour in 2012.
Abbott Vasculars facility is a centre of excellence in the manufacturing of medical devices used to treat people with vascular diseases, including heart disease, in more than 100 countries around the world.
Around 1100 people are employed at the Clonmel plant.