NEED TO KNOW
Sandvik Materials Technology (Sandviken, Sweden; www.smt.sandvik.com) is set to acquire Doncasters Medical Technologies (DMT; Derbyshire, UK; www.doncasters.com), a supplier of orthopedic implants and instruments. The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approval.
The new organization will have capabilities ranging from materials development and assistance in product design to manufacturing and final surface treatment.
Sandvik has expertise within materials technology and development, as well as surface technology and powder metallurgy. The company manufactures a range of semifinished products such as bar, strip, wire, and tubes in advanced materials such as high-alloy stainless steels and titanium. Materials and products from the company are used in medical implants, including hip joints, bone nails and screws; surgical instruments such as scalpels, bone saws, surgical needles, and advanced medical devices such as pacemakers.
DMT is a contract manufacturer to medical device companies. The firm manufactures cast, forged, and finished orthopedic implants in high-alloy stainless steels, titanium, and cobalt-chrome–based alloys.
“DMT is a strong company with a good market position,” says Peter Gossas, Sandvik’s president. “The merger with Sandvik Materials Technology allows us to grow and develop our involvement in the medical market. We are now able to work with customers in the very early stages of the product development cycle and can assist in the design, materials selection, engineering, and prototyping of new medical devices. We can also offer customers the opportunity of outsourcing more manufacturing operations rather than expanding or investing in their own in-house capacity.”
DMT’s core business as a contract manufacturer of orthopedic products will now operate under the name of Sandvik Medical Solutions and will combine with Sandvik’s materials technology, manufacturing, and development capabilities.
