Despite a volatile market environment, primarily in China and the US, Geistlich is investing in new technologies and market segments. China is rapidly becoming the world's most important healthcare market, especially in the field of regenerative medicine and dental biomaterials. Geistlich has been operating successfully in China since 2008 with an affiliate and over 80 employees. For some time now, market access, regulatory requirements and supply chain dynamics have required a stronger local presence. The newly founded Geistlich Biomaterials (Suzhou) Co., Ltd aims to further strengthen its leading market position in China through local production. The new affiliate is based in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), a leading business and life sciences hub near Shanghai.
Jürg Roth, CFO of Geistlich, says: "The agreement with the Suzhou Industrial Park is an important milestone for Geistlich to develop local structures and secure access to the Chinese market in the long term." The additional production in China complements Geistlich's headquarters in Wolhusen, which remains the heart of Geistlich's global production as well as Research and Development. As a further expansion step, a building for collagen production in Wolhusen is currently being planned.
These investments are part of Geistlich's growth strategy. Specifically, Geistlich has completed six acquisitions and investments in recent years in order to further strengthen its portfolio, technologies and market presence. These include Meta (Italy), Lynch (USA) and Bionnovation (Brazil). Most recently, Geistlich announced a majority stake in O.S.T., a French medical technology company with regenerative products.