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Interview with Carsten Franke, Area Manager for North and Central Europe at Serres Oy, Finland Bags of trust in surgical suction In the dynamic world of the operating theater, reliability is crucial: trust in colleagues and their skills, and trust in the equipment. Mid-operation is not the time to discover that either is less than optimal. Hospital procurement departments spend significant amounts of time on equipment selection to ensure they are buying products that are fit for purpose. When it comes to surgical suction, Finnish company Serres Oy produces some of the most advanced solutions in the world; usually at the top of preferred supplier lists, the company builds trust into all its equipment, enabling healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care. The Nemo device provides a much needed service in the disposal of bags; it re- duces their weight from 3 kg to just 70 g, thereby creating value in terms of cost- efficiency, work efficiency and occupational safety Measuring cup: precision is vital in the operating theater Several suction bags are usually used in a serial connection Founded in 1973 as a manufac- suction bags in serial connection, that Serres has not moved forward containing two or three liters of turer of diverse plastic products, one after another. The bags then during the past 40 years. Innova- fluid have to be transported and including plastic piggy banks, have to be collected and disposed tion is a key characteristic of the burnt. Serres Nemo allows the Serres created the prototype for hygienically, so that staff are not company. “When a customer says amount of waste to be significantly the suction bag in 1978 in the exposed to any risk of infection. kitchen of the founding family. This The bags that we manufacture to- experience led to Serres develop- day have, of course, changed over ing a completely new construction time, but in principle, the design is Ours has become the product that customers trust. for suction bags, which has today still the same as the original prod- we need something, then we do reduced by emptying the bags become the firm’s main product. uct. This is the basis of its success. it,” Mr. Franke underlines. Serres’a and reducing their weight from 3 “A hospital has to deal with the Our suction bags have become a latest major innovation, the Serres kg to around 70 g, thereby saving suction of many different fluids,” product that customers trust.” Nemo fluid disposal device, allows on transportation space and costs. Carsten Franke, Area Manager for healthcare staff to empty the suc- “Originally, we made and supplied North and Central Europe, points The design may not have changed tion bag’s content into the sewer plastic bags, now we supply a out. “Often this involves the use of much, but that does not mean quickly and safely. Normally, bags complete system from suction to N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 4

Interview with Dr. Frank Mathias, CEO, Dr. Ralph Otto, COO, and Federico Pollano, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Rentschler Biopharma SE From gene to vial and from clinic to market Independent family-owned company Rentschler Biopharma SE is proud of its incredible 90- year history in the production of pharmaceuticals. During the early years, the company gath- ered extensive experience through the development of over-the-counter and prescription medicines. In 1974 it was one of the first companies to enter the brand-new field of biotech- nology, and since 1997, the high-end technology provider has focused exclusively on the de- velopment and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals without having an own product line thus being able to be fully dedicated to high end service business. Headquartered in Laupheim in southern Germany, Rentschler Biopharma today fulfils contracts worldwide. “Rentschler Biopharma develops for Business Development Fed- and manufactures products exclu- erico Pollano. “We do not create sively on behalf of its customers, internal competition. Instead we and is among the five largest con- consider our customers to be tract development manufacturing partners because of the close co- organizations (CDMO),” explains operation that is necessary.” This CEO Dr. Frank Mathias. “Thanks is not Rentschler Biopharma’s only to our huge number of competent competitive advantage. “Our dedi- employees with impeccable cre- cated staff do not fear complexity dentials in biotechnology who are and continue working where oth- passionate about their work, we ers would perhaps give up,” says find solutions where others don’t COO Dr. Ralph Otto. “We have even look.” Rentschler Biopharma significant experience, and have is a renowned specialist: It col- processed more than 250 projects CEO Dr. Frank Mathias (left) and COO Dr. Ralph Otto (right) are incredibly proud of Rentschler Biopharma’s achievements laborates with its clients as their worldwide.” Rentschler Biopharma diseases. “There is always scope solution partner and provides offers an end-to-end service, cov- which means that decisions can be to understand the causes of dis- flexible service. “Rentschler Biop- ering the whole value chain from made quickly, efficiently and, most eases better and thus offer very harma is one of the very few firms gene to vial, from clinic to market. importantly, based on a long-term specific solutions,” explains Dr. to genuinely focus on developing The Rentschler family remains perspective. Otto. “Complex molecules can and manufacturing biopharmaceu- involved in the company. Prof. Dr. specifically intervene in certain ticals exclusively for customers,” Nikolaus F. Rentschler is Chair- The pharmaceutical industry is biochemical processes in the underlines Senior Vice President man of the Supervisory Board, still pursuing solutions for many body. These are like adapted an- The company employs around 800 staff, including scientists with impeccable credentials in biotech- nology, at its headquarters in Laupheim N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 6

Interview with Giuseppe Arena, Managing Director of Arjo Italia SpA Focused on caring Life expectancy around the world has increased steadily for decades, but increasing age often leads to the loss of mobility, which has a negative impact on the quality of life. People with serious limitations in mobility are less likely to feel happy and content and have fewer social contacts. For this reason, Arjo Italia SpA in Rome offers a broad array of products that help improve the daily lives of people affected by reduced mobility and age-related health is- sues. ‘Everything we do, we do with Our products aim to help those the importance of bath- people in mind’. Arjo’s slogan people get around and to improve ing and transfer perfectly illustrates what the Italian their quality of life. In this regard, equipment in company really focuses on – not Italy is clearly far behind other Eu- health care and just useful products but products ropean countries and has to deal elderly care,” Statistics leave no doubt: People are getting older, and we need to look after them. states Mr. Arena. “His products reflected this deep under- standing and were that boost people’s well-being. “At with limited financial resources.” well received by a certain age, quality of life is often the market in Sweden Arjo is highly acclaimed for its broad range of products that cater perfectly to the requirements of patients with limited mobility related to mobility,” says Manag- Arjo was founded by Arne Johans- and elsewhere.” A new chapter While Arjo’s parent company is ing Director Giuseppe Arena, who son in 1957, a Swede who manu- began when Arjo was acquired based in Malmö, Sweden, the joined Arjo in 2014. “The mainte- factured components and machine by the Swedish Getinge group in Italian headquarters is located in nance of mobility is fundamental to parts for third parties, among them 1995. Arjo started growing and Rome. In addition, logistics centers active aging, allowing older people medical devices such as special took over the UK-based company in Turin, Milan, Ancona, Florence to continue leading a dynamic life. bath tubs for people with limited Huntleight in 2007 to expand its and Rome are responsible for the mobility. “Johansson understood product range further. Ten years cleaning and disinfection of rental later, the management made the products. With 135 employees in strategic decision to separate Italy, Arjo generates annual sales Getinge and Arjo. “These days, of 30 million EUR. The entire our aim is to consolidate Arjo’s de- group has a staff of 6,000. Hos- velopment,” points out Mr. Arena. pitals, nursing homes and private “We are going to streamline certain clinics in more than 100 countries processes and establish new struc- rely on Arjo’s medical beds, height- tures by 2020. It is an ambitious adjustable bath tubs, standing and and exciting challenge.” rising aids, patient lifters, mattress Arjo offers a wide range of solutions for the manage- ment of obese patients systems, hygiene products and other items. “We offer solutions that are designed for people who need to stay in bed and who have problems moving around,” ex- plains Mr. Arena. “Typical products www.european-business.com 8 N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Ales Strancar, Managing Director and CEO of BIA Separations d.o.o. Better purification, faster For BIA Separations d.o.o. in Ajdovscina, Slovenia, the company’s unwavering commitment to gene therapy has paid off, as its success shows. After a decade of patiently standing by its decision, BIA Separations is now the leading developer of monolith technology and the exclusive producer of CIM® chromatographic columns for the chromatographic purification, production and analysis or large biomolecules. European Business spoke with Ales Strancar, Managing Director and CEO of BIA Separations, about the company’s solid standing in the biotechnology sector. EB: Mr. Strancar, in your opinion, Ales Strancar: That has not been what strategic decisions brought a problem for us. We have many the company to the successful po- young, talented employees and sition it has today? some older, very experienced colleagues who are also great Ales Strancar: The decision to teachers and mentors. Our unique target gene therapy was a key technology has always required strategic element already in 1998 us to have strong internal training when BIA Separations was first programs. Besides that, our staff established. Staying committed has continuous opportunities to to it for the decade while the field participate in the most important struggled with patient safety issues health care trends of the genera- was even more important. As a tion. Those elements together con- result of our commitment, we were tribute to strong employee loyalty. perfectly positioned to grow with the industry as the first generation EB: What are the features you problems were worked out. Our would name as special success business is now growing expo- factors in your products and ser- nentially in parallel with the global vices? boom in this sector. Chromatographic monolith columns in the CIMmultus™ line are designed for large proteins, viruses, VLPs and pDNA Ales Strancar: First of all, the for vaccines and gene therapy and effectively. We have run more EB: The ‘war for talents’ and ‘com- unique capabilities of our pro- vectors. Exosomes, antibiotic than 500 process development pany branding’ are expressions prietary monolithic columns are replacement with bacteriophages projects over the past 20 years you hear regularly. Are you also ex- a major factor. They simply do and nanoparticle purification are with some of the most difficult periencing the lack of skilled per- things that other purification following the same trend. Another products in the industry. That sonnel yourself? What measures media cannot. In brief: better major factor is that we have the means we have already solved are you taking to combat it? purification, faster. They have skills and experience to help our many of the demanding challeng- already revolutionized the purifica- customers solve their purification es our customers will face, and we tion of DNA plasmids and viruses and analytical challenges quickly have a uniquely strong foundation N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 10

Interview with Guglielmo Brayda di Soleto, CEO of Medipass High-tech cancer therapy When patients are asked what is the worst thing about being unwell, they often say it is the uncertainty that goes with not knowing what is wrong with them. Giving the problem a name, even if it is one as frightening as cancer, gives them a sense of knowing what they are dealing with, and a possible plan of action. For 25 years, Italian company Medipass focused on high-tech diagnostic scanning equipment that allowed patients to put a name to their dis- ease. Over the last ten years, its focus has shifted and it now specializes in the management of the technical equipment used to provide cancer patients and their doctors with an effective therapy. Uncontrolled exposure to radia- tech health services for oncologi- standing of the services that will These represent the cutting edge tion is known to cause cancer in cal therapy to private and public best ease the burden on doctors in of medical therapeutic equip- humans. However, this very same healthcare facilities in Italy and in- times of increasing demand.” Of ment and are an invaluable tool poison provides an effective way of ternationally. Since the beginning, the almost 10,000 machines cur- in a hospital or clinic’s arsenal. treating, and hopefully, eradicating we have been one of the most rently managed by Medipass, 170 “LINAC linear accelerators, for cancerous tumours. Radiology, qualified partners to public and are high-tech devices including example, are the gold standard in radiotherapy and nuclear medicine private hospitals and healthcare linear accelerators (LINAC), PET- oncology therapeutics worldwide,” all make use of targeted doses of facilities in Italy and abroad.” CT and Spect-CT scanners, radi- explains Mr. Brayda di Soleto. “We radioactive substances to identify opharmacy units with cyclotrons, currently manage the technology and treat disease. Founded in Today, Medipass manages a broad angiography units and hybrid oper- within two of the most important 1990, Medipass began providing spectrum of hospital technology ating rooms. NHS Cancer Health Care Centres services relating to magnetic reso- parks, radiology units, nuclear Since the beginning, we have been one of the most qualified partners to public and private hospitals and healthcare facilities in Italy and abroad. nance scanning (MRI) equipment. medicine and radiotherapy depart- It has since expanded to support ments, with over 9,400 machines hospitals in the process of techno- currently in use. “Enhancing logical innovation, particularly in patient care is at the forefront of the sectors of Nuclear Medicine our activities,” says Mr. Brayda di and Radiotherapy for cancer treat- Soleto. “We manage the technical ment. Founder and CEO Guglielmo side so that doctors and medical Brayda di Soleto spent more than practitioners can focus completely ten years practicing as a neurolo- on patients. My background as a gist before founding Medipass: “I neurologist gives me a unique view created Medipass to supply high- from both sides and an under- N A E P O R U E business More and more people are being given effective cancer treatment thanks to ad- vanced therapeutic machinery operated by Medipass www.european-business.com 12

Interview with Leena Viljo, CEO of Merivaara Corp. The award-winning Q-flow surgical light helps medical professionals accurately and safely take care of their patients Leena Viljo, CEO, is poised to take Merivaara further into the digital realm and help it continue its proud tradition of excellence Health technology with a human touch Hygiene is vitally important in so many industries, but especially in the health sector. Hospi- tals are there to make sick people better, not worse. Cleanliness is a concern in every area of the building, but is definitely a matter of life and death in the surgical wing. Merivaara Corp., headquartered in Finland, began providing the market with hospital beds in 1901. Today, the company is a pioneer in digital technologies for the operating room and elsewhere. Offering clients innovative products in a multitude of health-related niches allows Merivaara to be a full-service firm for its valued customer base. The company made a huge pivot Viljo, CEO. This includes features Merivaara is always looking for uct lets surgeons access and edit just five short years ago, changing such as an interface in the user’s ways to improve existing products images and videos immediately its core strategy away from beds native language, real-time remote and stay cutting edge with new after surgery. “This helps save to selling high-tech devices for consultation, medically certified IP ones. This future-thinking mindset time, speed up the turnover of operating theaters. Its bold move transmission technology, no image can be seen in its MeriConnect for patients in the operating room and, paid off, and the firm has already become a recognizable name within the industry. One amazing product that has helped Merivaara make a name for itself, and that continues to sell rapidly, is the OpenOR integrated operating room When creating and designing our products, we think about the medical professionals using them and the patients they are used on. The human element is always considered. most importantly, improve patient safety,” adds Ms. Viljo. These are just a few of the exciting products sold within the operating room segment of the firm. Other areas the business remains active management system. “OpenOR is transmission delays, mobile surgi- OpenOR system. Video recordings in are day surgery, primary care a high-capacity system in a com- cal instruments that can be con- are becoming more commonplace and ER, maternity, and patient pact design that integrates operat- nected with a simple plug-and-play as many surgeries become less ward. To stay fresh in every area, ing room devices, data and image function and many more exciting invasive and hospitals recognize Merivaara concentrates heavily management,” explains Leena features. the need for traceability. This prod- on R&D. This can be software- N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 14

Off the couch and into the gym Anyone who cares about their health tries to incorporate exercise into their daily life. For some, this means simply taking the stairs instead of the lift, for others, it involves some kind of sport. Increasing numbers of people find a workout in the gym the most convenient solu- tion. Johnson Health Tech France SAS supplies fitness equipment which challenges everyone from the reluctant couch potato to the honed fitness fanatic. The company’s portfolio, under fitness studio market is our main Tech’s worldwide activities to sup- in a very profitable few years for the brand name Matrix, includes source of income,” continues Mr. port our own clients. I want it to be Health Tech France. “The new high-tech treadmills, ascent train- Van Poucke. “It is incredibly im- clear to our clients that Matrix de- studios motivate the French people ers, steppers, exercise bicycles, portant that we are present for our livers not only top-class machines to undertake more sport, and that and rowing machines – everything big clients and that we offer them but also a very strong after-sales is great for us,” smiles Mr. Van imaginable for a modern, compre- a full advisory service so that they service.” hensively equipped fitness studio. “We have muscle-training equip- ment, apparatus for cardio work- outs, just about everything you can think of,” underlines Commercial Director David Van Poucke. Where Health Tech really makes a dif- The new fitness studios motivate the French people to undertake more sport, and that is great for us. Poucke. “We retain our customers by forming strong partnerships. In addition to the advisory service, our technicians also visit clients once a month to check that the equipment is still in optimal work- ing order.” The firm turns over around 50 million EUR per year, ference is that it sells not only the are always up to date with the lat- Business is currently booming. with clients in the hotel and medi- machines, but also undertakes est products and understand how Fitness studio chains are open- cal sectors – doctors’ practices for installation and offers a compre- to use them. We organize training ing up to 50 new establishments example – as well as the fitness hensive advisory service. “The groups and try to integrate Health every year in France, resulting studios. Matrix products can be seen and tested at the Bodyfitness exhibition in Paris Johnson Health Tech is headquartered in Taiwan; its vast range of fitness apparatus is produced here and at its second production unit in Shanghai N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 16

Interview with Philippe Borckenstein-Quirini, Managing Director of Thermalquelle Loipersdorf Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG Taking the waters for health and enjoyment With temperatures soaring, outdoor water facilities such as lidos and open air water parks are filling up with people looking to cool off. Few of them, however, manage to attract guests all year round to truly take advantage of all they have to offer. This is not the case for the thermal baths and leisure pool complex in Loipersdorf, in the Styria region of Austria. Op- erated by Thermalquelle Loipersdorf Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG, the popular resort has recently redesigned its branding and concept to widen its appeal to a broader audience and ensure that it attracts guests during the low season as well as at the height of summer. The new approach coincides with The Loipersdorf thermal baths are decided to drill an exploratory hole The orginal therapeutic thermal the appointment at the beginning the largest in Europe but a rela- here, hoping to strike it rich with oil baths, health sauna and spa of this year of Philippe Borcken- tively recent addition to the tradi- or gas. Instead, they struck hot wa- opened to the public in 1978. A stein-Quirini as Managing Director. tion of bathing in thermal springs ter and gave up the well. In 1975 leisure pool complex and water He is hugely experienced in the for their health-giving benefits. a company was founded to exploit park was added a few years later. It tourism sector, having worked vari- “Loipersdorf was a centre for ag- the waters rising from the thermal was felt that health and fun should ously in London, Oman, Switzer- land and Germany for top hotels and attractions. “My background is ideal for this job and, after spend- ing so many years abroad, I was very pleased to be coming home,” We are the biggest tourist attraction here in the region, a magnet for visitors from elsewhere in Austria and beyond. go hand in hand. However, the fun was shortlived as a fire destroyed large parts of the complex in 1983, causing 155 million EUR of dam- age. Two years later, with the sup- port of local actors and the state says Mr. Borckenstein-Quirini. riculture with no tourist industry spring. This year we are celebrat- of Styria, the thermal baths arose “The project we have started is a to speak of until 1972,” explains ing the 40th anniversary of the from the ashes, bigger and better big challenge. We are the biggest Mr. Borckenstein-Quirini. “It has opening of the thermal baths and than before, as a thermal spa re- tourist attraction here in the region, quite an interesting history. In the the establishment of Loipersdorf as sort offering a range of services to a magnet for visitors from else- early 1970s, a petroleum company a tourism destination.” where in Austria and beyond.” Thermalquelle Loipersdorf Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG Thermenstrasse 152 8282 Loipersdorf Austria  +43 3382 82040  +43 3382 820487  info@therme.at  www.therme.at www.european-business.com 18 N A E P O R U E business

Interview with Teemu Uotila, CEO/Managing Director of the Vincit Group Oyj’s Helsinki corporation Conquering the traditional workplace Imagine working for a company where Mondays are something to look forward to rather than something to dread. This is the reality for the employees of the Vincit Group Oyj. Being voted Best Workplace in Europe in 2016 has created a lot of buzz around this self-described gener- alist company. Creating stunning designs and visualizations, developing exceptional software, and providing efficient management consultancy services are what this unique firm offers to its varied clientele. If you want to do things differently and do them better, work with the Vincit Group on your next project. In 2016, Vincit won a Best Workplace in Europe award from the Great Place to Work organization Teemu Uotila, Managing Director, is proud to work for a company that puts its employees first Founded in 2007 as part of a The group is comprised of three keep them passionate about their HR department and HR decides larger firm, Vincit always marched different companies that remain work. Vincit created a product, who can help the employee with to its own beat. “From the begin- autonomous. Each company oper- called a LaaS platform, described the problem. However, at Vincit, ning, we knew that we wanted to ates with a flat structure so that as leadership as a service. What the employee would find someone be a workplace where the staff was every employee has direct influ- this means is that the firm’s em- that can offer a solution to their excited to work, and one that our ence on what he or she does on ployees think about the kind of problem and approach that per- customers were excited to work with,” explains Teemu Uotila, CEO/ Managing Director of the Vincit Group’s Helsinki Corporation. Over the course of nine years, the com- pany’s size and good reputation At Vincit, we make Mondays exciting instead of mundane. If you want more excitement in your working life, look no further. son directly. “The platform directs communication, while helping the worker think about exactly what he or she needs and then gives them the responsibility of starting a dia- logue,” says Mr. Uotila. “This gives grew steadily. In 2016, the busi- a daily basis, as well as what the leadership they want and how the people more freedom and increas- ness went public, with 70 to 75% organization does to some de- business can best accommodate es their efficiency, helping them do of the shares owned by the firm’s gree. This allows each employee that. Normally, if a staff member more and waste less time.” employees and founders. to be more efficient and helps has a problem, they contact the N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 20

Interview with Kristin Kolbe-Schade, Head of Marketing at POS TUNING Udo Voßhenrich GmbH & Co. KG Perfecting point-of-sale presentation Even the best ideas can be improved. In particular, digitalization is presenting new possibili- ties which, just a few years ago, were beyond the imagination. One company which is really taking the opportunity to develop an already innovative range of products into a portfolio that will change the face of retailing in the coming years, and help supermarkets fight the threat of internet shopping, is POS TUNING Udo Voßhenrich GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Bad Salzuflen in northwest Germany. With a new generation at the helm, the family enterprise is introducing new, technological solutions to its range of renowned point-of-sale products. POS TUNING’s management past and present; from left to right – General Manager Oliver Voßhenrich, Founder Udo Voßhenrich, Managing Director Christoph Moser From its roots in a garage, the company is now a worldwide concern, with offices in the UK, France, Turkey and Spain, and a global network of resellers The company was already no started using the POS standard awards. A garage and a great idea pulling products forward so that stranger to innovation. Udo pushfeed system, enabling more were enough to create a prosper- they are in line,” explains Head of Voßhenrich founded POS TUNING cigarettes to be stored on an even ous company which is today active Marketing Kristin Kolbe-Schade. in 1998 in his garage, where he shelf, the Systemtray idea was in 120 countries worldwide. The “Our product does that auto- developed the first prototype Sys- temtray, which was the first push- feed system to be incorporated into product packaging, giving higher visibility of products on the shelves and better orientation for customers. It was the first time that A garage and a great idea were enough to create a prosperous company which is today active worldwide. matically, helping to reduce labour costs and improve the appearance of the shelves.” POS TUNING also produces lighting and theft preven- tion systems for shelves, and has also introduced a glide system which allows heavier products to anyone had combined shelf-ready adopted by food manufacturers pushfeed system is still POS TUN- slide forward slowly. “We deliver packaging with the push-feed such as Unilever and Nestlé. Mr. ING’s flagship product. “Without anything that ‘tunes’ the point of principle. It took a while to take Voßhenrich patented the system it, supermarket employees would sale, and can develop tailor-made off, but once the tobacco industry and subsequently won many have to walk through the aisles, solutions for our clients,” adds Ms. N A E P O R U E business www.european-business.com 22

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