May 30, 2004
Straumann Invests in Future Growth With New U.S. Headquarters, Education Center and Production Facility
At a groundbreaking ceremony today the world's second largest producer of dental implants and a leader in dental tissue regeneration products, Straumann of Switzerland, unveiled plans for a new combined U.S. headquarters, training and production center in Minuteman Park, Andover, 25 miles north of downtown Boston. The company plans to move into the new facilities in mid 2005.
With an investment of up to USD 50 million over the next five years, the new site will house Straumann's U.S. management, currently headquartered in Waltham, MA. It will also accommodate a state-of-the-art production and development unit to manufacture high precision implants for tooth replacement. When operational at the end of 2005, the new unit will supply the North American market and will complement Straumann's current production unit in Villeret, Switzerland, which opened in 2000 and is expanding capacity.
To meet the increasing demand for its dental implants and tissue regeneration products and to drive future growth, Straumann intends to more than double its U.S. workforce within five years to between 400 and 500 people.
Straumann is currently the fastest-growing company in its global sector, having generated an average compound growth rate in sales in excess of 20% over the past five years, with the U.S. sales growing considerably faster. The company's expansion in Andover reflects its strategic priority to grow in its U.S. market, where it is estimated to rank number three with a segment share of about 20%. The U.S. contributes 25% of total sales, a figure that Straumann aims to boost to at least 35% by 2008. To achieve this ambitious goal and drive future growth, the company has expanded its U.S. sales team by 70% over the past 18 months to 90 representatives.
CEO Gilbert Achermann commented: "The U.S. market offers Straumann a tremendous opportunity, and we are investing in people and infrastructure to get closer to our U.S. customers and to take maximum advantage of our rising position in the market. The Andover location provides access to an important pool of scientific and skilled labor talent in the Boston area. It also enables us to house our key U.S. functions under one roof close to other leading companies in the medical device business. Our estimates indicate that more than 40 million Americans could benefit from the clinical advantages that dental implants may offer. There is also a clear need for effective tissue regeneration products that address the problem of receding gums and help prevent tooth loss due to periodontitis -- particularly among the population aged 55 and above. With Straumann's clinically proven products, our strong commitment to training and education, and our broad partnership network with leading Universities and dental centers, I am convinced that we are making a significant contribution towards meeting those needs."
In welcoming Straumann to Andover, Massachusetts' Governor Mitt Romney commented: "Straumann is exactly the kind of leading technology company my economic development team is committed to attracting here to Massachusetts. In addition to the 160 new manufacturing jobs, we will continue to do everything we can to serve as an effective business partner. Massachusetts not only has one of the most talented and educated workforces in the world, we also offer an extremely competitive tax structure."
Although there are more than 120,000 general practice dentists and over 20,000 specialists in the USA, only a small proportion practice implant dentistry, with the result that just 25 of every 10,000 Americans receive oral implants in contrast to European countries, where the number is up to three or four times higher. However, the body of dentists trained to offer implant treatment is increasing in the U.S., as is the awareness of the benefits of implants over conventional crowns and bridges. These factors combined with long-term success of implants, and the increasing age and wealth of the population provide a strong basis for future growth.
Professor R. Bruce Donoff, Dean and Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, said: "Dental implantology is a rapidly increasing solution for many patients. Recent advances are reducing treatment times and enhancing long-term satisfaction and comfort. Straumann USA is an acknowledged leader in this field, and we are proud that the company is a growing member of the Massachusetts corporate community. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine is also proud to be part of Straumann's commitment to education, research and patient care."
Details of Straumann's new facility and headquarters will be unveiled today at a press briefing in Andover, which will include remarks by: Gilbert Achermann, CEO of Straumann Holding Ltd.; Russ Olsen, President, Straumann USA, Inc.; Mitt Romney, Massachusetts Governor; Pascal Couchepin, Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs and former President of the Swiss Confederation; Carlo Conti, State Councilor, Basel, Switzerland; and R. Bruce Donoff, Dean and Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Web site: http://www.straumann.com/
May 30, 2004
BIOLASE Launched 1st Asian World Clinical Laser Institute Regional Symposium
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLTI), announced the launch of the 1st Asian World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI) Regional Symposium.
Although the WCLI has held various chapter-level meetings in Asia, the 1st Asian WCLI Regional Symposium was held on May 13th - 16th at the Phuket Arcadia Beach Resort in Phuket, Thailand. BIOLASE formed the WCLI organization to accelerate the use of its Waterlase(R) and LaserSmile(TM) systems in dentistry. The mission of the Institute is to provide advanced clinical laser education for dental professionals as well as training to current customers on how they can maximize the clinical, marketing and financial benefits of BIOLASE products. The WCLI is open to newcomers to the field of laser dentistry and general practitioners investigating the purchase of a laser.
Over 200 dental professionals attended the three-day event, traveling from over 17 countries around the globe, including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Africa and Vietnam. Approximately one-half of the attendees were prospective buyers of BIOLASE's Waterlase(R) technology, with all attendees paying tuition for the event. In addition, there were a number of VIP attendees that participated in the event, including the Vice Governor of Phuket, Nirund Kalayanamitr, who greeted the delegates from around the world to this meeting. Professor Prathip Phantumvanit, professor emeritus of Thammasat University Dental School in Thailand, Dr. John S.H. Chen, the Former Chairman of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists-Asia Pacific, Dr. Tatsuya Ishikawa, the Dean of Tokyo Dental College and Dr. Jong-Jin Suh, Professor of Yonsei University-College of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, were among the various luminaries in attendance. The 1st Asian WCLI Regional Symposium was also featured on several television programs as well as printed news stories in the Asia Pacific region, especially in Thailand as the host country.
Jeffrey W. Jones, BIOLASE CEO and President, commented, "These symposiums are incredible gatherings of the brightest and most advanced laser dentists and universities the world has to offer, helping us to change a medical profession unlike any other laser from the past."
The symposium offered a broad range of hands-on clinical seminar meetings and educational programs. Some of the topics covered included "The Evolution of Dental Lasers," "Hard and Soft Tissue Procedures," "Advanced Procedures in Laser Oral Surgery," "Lasers and Microdentistry," "Lasers in Cosmetic Surgery" and "Advanced Laser Endodontics." Additionally, there was a considerable amount of interest and discussion surrounding the Waterlase(R) technology and its expanding applications as well as presentations in plenary sessions.
Jones further commented, "The 1st Annual Asian WCLI Regional Symposium was extremely beneficial to all of our customers and prospective buyers in this part of the world. The symposium offered a variety of essential support services to our laser owners, including ongoing education, after-sale support and an excellent platform for current and future customers to fully investigate laser technology. In addition, these meetings gave future customers the opportunity to discuss the clinical and financial benefits with hundreds of laser dentists."
May 30, 2004
crosstex announces breakthrough in antimicrobial technology
Crosstex International has introduced EcoTru® Professional, a nanoemulsion hospital-grade disinfectant and cleaner, which effectively kills Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and TB in five minutes. It is currently the only disinfectant registered with the EPA as Tox Category IV in all areas, including a wide spectrum of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This breakthrough in antimicrobial technology is safe for people and the environment and requires no EPA warning labels or special handling statements.
EcoTru is non-oxidizing, non-acidic, and non-ionic so it will not corrode plastic, metallic or plexi-glass instruments and equipment. It does not present the kinds of health hazards associated with other disinfectants, is hypoallergenic, and contains no respiratory or ophthalmic irritants. EcoTru may be used to both clean and disinfect and requires no protective clothing as it is non-staining and will not damage clothing or carpeting.
EcoTru disinfectant nanoemulsion is a breakthrough in anti-microbial technology. Its specially formulated PCMX disinfectant nanoparticles are smaller than most bacteria and microorganisms. The EcoTru nanospheres act as a highly efficient vehicle for delivering a lethal dose of the biocide PCMX directly into the microbial membrane, as the negatively-charged nanospheres are naturally attracted to bond with the positively-charged microbial membrane.
EcoTru may be used to disinfect the entire dental unit, cuspidor, x-ray machine, countertops, overhead lamp handles, computer keyboards, and every other surface within the office including the ultra sonic cleaner. Instruments may also be pre-soaked in EcoTru before sterilization. In addition, it can be used with elastomeric impression material.
EcoTru is the only ready-to-use, hospital-grade disinfectant that has surpassed industry safety standards and does not require U.S. EPA handling, warning, or precautionary statements and is available exclusively through Crosstex.
Crosstex International provides the healthcare industry with innovative, high-quality infection control/single-use disposable products. For more information, call 888-Crosstex.
May 30, 2004
crosstex launches extensive new Website
Crosstex International, manufacturers of high-quality infection control/single use disposable products for the healthcare profession, has launched a newly updated, comprehensive website at www.crosstex.com
The new design makes it easier to navigate and locate needed information quickly and efficiently. The website includes detailed descriptions and specifications for every product within each product line. A “What’s New” page, devoted to new products and an additional featured product section, highlighting specific products, have also been included. In addition, company news and information will be published on the newly added press pages.
Crosstex International provides the healthcare industry with innovative, high-quality infection control/single-use disposable products. For more information, or to request a sample, call 888-Crosstex.
May 30, 2004
Lares Research 25th anniversary
Lares Research is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the company’s first branded product, the 557 Turbo handpiece. The product was introduced in 1979, at a time when a first class stamp cost just 15 cents. It has remained a popular choice among dentists and has evolved into a state-of-the-art, high-speed fiber-optic handpiece with one of the smallest heads available on the market.
Lares Research started as a machine job shop in 1956, founded by two brothers, Joe and Al Lares. It has remained a family-owned company and now manufactures high-technology dental products such as lasers as well as a full line of handpieces. According to President Craig Lares, “The most significant action we have taken as a dental manufacturer was to define our company not as a dental handpiece company, but in a broader sense as a company committed to oral cavity hard and soft tissue cutting and surgery.”
Now housed in a 30,000 square foot facility in Chico, California, the company and its product line has grown over the last 25 years and currently includes high-precision and power electric handpieces, a selection of high-speed and low-speed handpieces, an air abrasion cavity preparation system, lasers such as the PowerLase ST6™, and the AquaSept Heat Sterilization Independent Water Delivery System. Lares also offers a proprietary 7-CE credit CD-ROM-based multimedia training system for laser dentistry created by leading laser researchers and educators on the forefront of laser dentistry.
Craig Lares plans on the company remaining at the forefront of new technology. “In the future we expect to be innovators in hard tissue lasers, as well as to introduce an exciting new laser technology we are developing to selectively remove calculus from the root surface,” says Lares. “As a privately held family business, we can continue to take the long term view of what our dentist customers will want and need in the years ahead.”
For more information call 800-347-3289 or visit www.laresdental.com.
May 5, 2004
DGKFO Acknowledges Invisalign(R) Applicability and Treatment Successes
Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) , the inventor of Invisalign(R), a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires and brackets, announced today that the prestigious German orthodontic scientific society DGKFO has issued a new statement regarding Invisalign's applicability and clinical viability.
The new statement from the DGKFO replaces the society's more conservative 2001 position on Invisalign, and takes into account Invisalign's worldwide clinical success and the results of multiple clinical studies. The DGKFO's statement presents a balanced view of Invisalign by reviewing both the limitations and key benefits of treatment, and acknowledges that the appliance is a tool best used by experienced orthodontists.
Invisalign was introduced in Germany in early 2001. Invisalign combines 3- D, virtual treatment planning software with a series of clear, removable dental appliances called Aligners. Aligners move the patient's teeth incrementally and correspond to stages of tooth movement prescribed in the orthodontist's treatment plan.
"Clinical review and support from the scientific community is critical to Invisalign's continued success and growth in Europe," said Thomas M. Prescott, President and CEO of Align Technology. "The DGKFO's new statement is important validation of Invisalign's clinical viability and applicability."
The full statement from the DGKFO is available on the society's Web site at www.dgkfo.de.
May 5, 2004
BIOLASE Opens New Manufacturing Facility in San Clemente
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLTI) , a medical technology company that develops, manufactures and markets lasers and related products focused on improving dental procedures, today officially opened its new manufacturing facility in San Clemente.
Jeffrey W. Jones, BIOLASE CEO and President, reported, "the company opened its facility on schedule today, fully operational and successfully producing its first lasers. The new facility utilizes the Kanban inventory system for the delivery of parts to the line, and the KAIZEN principals to improve the manufacturing processes, pursuing the world class manufacturing environment.
The operation is part of a capital expansion program to significantly increase the company's manufacturing capacity, international distribution channels and domestic sales force as previously announced in March 2004. This expansion has been necessitated by growing demand for BIOLASE's lasers and related products. The new facility is located within the same business park in San Clemente, adjacent to BIOLASE's headquarters. The building will bring the company's U.S. leased facility capacity to approximately 40,000 sq. ft., providing extensive operating leverage in the form of manufacturing efficiencies, which will help contribute to the company's profitability going forward. In addition, the company owns approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of office and manufacturing space in Germany.
Jones further commented, "With our expanded manufacturing capacity and robust sales forecast, this is going to be an exciting year for BIOLASE, both internationally and here in the United States. I feel that with the added capacity that we have in the U.S., together with the support from our expanded sales force team, BIOLASE should significantly increase its market penetration and be in a better position to support its growing demand in 2004 and beyond."