Datwyler considering China medical-parts foray

Altdorf, Switzerland – Datwyler is currently evaluating entry into the Chinese healthcare market via “acquisition or a greenfield approach,” according to a company spokesman.

A particular focus is on components for injectable drugs, which are currently imported into China, Datwyler head corporate communication Guido Unternaehrer said in a 20 Nov written statement to ERJ.

The Swiss company’s spokesman declined to comment further on the plans for China but pointed out that Datwyler’s healthcare business is undergoing a phase of global-expansion.

Recent investments include an upgrade to the company’s existing plant in Pune, India to ‘first line’ standards in the first half of the year and the opening of a US plant in Middletown, Delaware, for which customer validation is ongoing.

According to Unternaehrer, the ‘first line’ standard is based on advanced cleanroom technology, automated production, camera inspection and special cleaning processes.

Overall, he said, expansion programmes are set to increase Datwyler’s ‘first line’ production by 50% by 2020. The company's current total production - including its first line, advanced and essential ranges – stands at 17 billion pieces a year.

Datwyler’s healthcare segment is part of a sealing solutions division and manufactures medical and pharmaceutical parts, including rubber vial and syringe components.