Medical technology made in Germany – close to the user
Proximity is extremely important in the medical device business. On the one hand with a view to reliable, fast and lean logistics thanks to short distances. On the other hand, in relation to the knowledge of normative conditions, regulations, quality requirements, social developments - and last but not least the needs of the users.
And it is precisely this proximity that makes UTK Solution GmbH particularly successful as the manufacturer of the BlueLavage®, a class IIa medical device. All of the company`s products are developed in close coordination with medical advisory boards and in interdisciplinary teams at the company`s location in Lüdenscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia. "Three things are decisive for a development in our house: the clinical benefit, the strict comparison with legal requirements, standards and certifications as well as a sustainable production in Germany as a business location," explains Olaf Thiessies, CEO of UTK Solution GmbH.
Flexible and approachable
He has been the owner and managing director of the traditional company since 2011 and has completely switched production to medical products - with a focus on orthopedics and surgery. Not all developments that are conceived and made ready for the market on the premises of UTK Solution GmbH sail under the company`s flag. A number of ideas also enrich the ranges of other manufacturers. "Regardless of which path a product takes later, the development process is always the same: listen, determine burdens and obligations, work out a development plan, get started - and continuously compare and adapt," says Olaf Thiessies.
The last point in particular is decisive for the fact that products from UTK Solution GmbH are so popular with users. The BlueLavage® suction and irrigation system, for example, went through several functional and design tests with surgeons and nursing staff until the final product was ready. "The importance of practical input is shown, for example, by the system`s handle size, which we had to adapt during the development process. Because it turned out that in Germany the majority of operators are now women, so a smaller handle makes for a much more stable grip.”
Right on trend: sustainable development
However, there are also developments specific to society, such as the desire for more environmental protection and a more sensitive use of resources, which companies such as UTK Solution GmbH can take up. During the development of the BlueLavage®, attention was paid to saving CO along the entire production and supply chain. The result: Compared to the production of other systems, 75 percent CO 2 could be saved - for example by reusing the drive unit, processing fully recyclable plastics, recycling the batteries and, of course, by short transport routes. "The remaining CO 2We offset emissions, for example through local projects. And we have noticed that the issue of sustainability is becoming increasingly important in hospitals. Many houses are working on a corresponding strategy and are looking for partners who will provide credible support," concludes the UTK Solution CEO.