SKANEATELES FALLS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Welch Allyn, a leading global provider of medical diagnostic devices headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, NY, today announced that its Mexico City-based operation has completed a legal name change to Welch Allyn Productos Médicos S de RL de CV, effective immediately. The company has been operating under the name MD International (MDI) since Welch Allyn acquired the Miami-based medical products distributor in March 2009, following a thriving business relationship between both companies that spanned more than two decades. The acquisition, which included legal entities in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Puerto Rico and Panama, allowed Welch Allyn to better position itself for opportunities in emerging markets throughout Latin America in keeping with its corporate strategies to expand globally.
As part of the company’s overall strategic direction, Welch Allyn has committed to investing significant resources in the Mexico market, partnering with distributors and other healthcare users to tap into the country’s core diagnostic and hospital markets. Mexico is estimated to be one of the largest medical equipment markets in Latin America, with population growth, increased health expenditure, the incidence of chronic diseases and the demand for new technology contributing to its potential.
“This is an important milestone for Welch Allyn,” said Mexico Country Manager Fernando Gonzalez. “Even though it’s been almost three years since the acquisition, many of our distributors still think of us as MDI. This legal name change is an opportunity to reinforce with our customers the added value that comes from doing business with Welch Allyn. It also marks a new chapter for our company, as we move forward with newly established in-country service capabilities and, soon, the ability to offer our customers all the products and solutions available in the U.S.”
Welch Allyn Mexico established a full-service bench for repair and service in Mexico City in 2011. This move is of great benefit to customers in Mexico, who no longer have to send devices to the U.S. for service. Expanded services include the Welch Allyn Partners in Care, the company’s first comprehensive service program that assists customers with installation, integration, training and ongoing management of all Welch Allyn systems.
“Offering service in Mexico maximizes customer investment and device utilization, helps customers manage costs and allows us to quickly honor warranty claims,” said Gonzalez. “That goes a long way in emphasizing the benefits of doing business with Welch Allyn Mexico.”
As product registrations are approved, Welch Allyn Mexico will continue to expand its digital product line while maintaining its core diagnostic business. The company recently obtained registration in Mexico for the Welch Allyn Connex® Vital Signs Monitor, and expects to obtain registration for the Connex® Integrated Wall System in 2012. These solutions offer vital signs diagnostics, physical assessment capabilities and comprehensive vital signs documentation in one convenient system to improve patient safety and timely decision making.
While sales and service, along with 17 employees, are based in Mexico City, the company also has a maquilladora employing more than 700 in Tijuana. This manufacturing facility has been under the Welch Allyn name since its strategic establishment in 2006 and has been named one of the “Best Companies to Work For” three times by Gestion de Negocios, the country’s most comprehensive study of workplace culture. Products assembled at the Tijuana location include the Welch Allyn Flexiport™ Blood Pressure Cuff, blood pressure products with DuraShock™ technology, Welch Allyn Green Series™ Medical Exam Lights, and Welch Allyn SureTemp® thermometry products and probes.
About Welch Allyn
Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, NY (USA), Welch Allyn is a leading global provider of medical diagnostic equipment and a complete range of digital and connected solutions. With 2,750 employees working in 26 different countries, Welch Allyn is a family-owned business that specializes in helping doctors, nurses, and other frontline practitioners across the globe provide the best patient care by developing innovative products, breakthrough technologies, and cutting-edge solutions that help them see more patients, detect more conditions, and improve more lives. More information about Welch Allyn and its complete line of connected products and solutions may be found at www.welchallyn.com.