Ottobock steps up production in the EU with opening of new site in Bulgaria
Global medtech company Ottobock has officially opened a new plant in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria as it moves to become less reliant on production of its products in China
A team of 225 employees currently work in Blagoevgrad, which is Ottobock’s tenth production location.
The plant in Bulgaria serves as a production site for finished products and components primarily for manual activities. The corresponding assembly and production processes are being transferred to the new plant from Duderstadt, Königsee and Vienna.
Production steps in wheelchair fabrication that were previously carried out in China will now be performed in Bulgaria as well. As a result, the products will be available much more quickly and at the same high level of quality.
According to Ottobock, the move will allow the teams in Duderstadt, Königsee and Vienna to focus on their strategic competencies.
Select products in the supply chain that were previously manufactured externally will now be produced in-house going forwards, it said, and less time will be required for implementing new products, and existing products can be upgraded more quickly.
Hans Georg Näder, owner and Chairman of the Board of Ottobock commented: “Blagoevgrad is an ideal location for our new plant.
“It has an optimal infrastructure, the people are very well trained and technically adept, and we are creating new jobs in the EU by selecting this as our location.”
The city of Blagoevgrad is located in a region of southwestern Bulgaria with well-developed logistics and personnel. Its location allows for shorter and therefore more sustainable delivery routes.
According to Ottobock, the new plant thus represents the final step in the company’s production structure known as Operations Footprint, which is part of the operational strategy developed by Chief Operations Officer Arne Jörn in 2018.
Plant Manager Stoyan Stoyanov moved into the new premises in March of last year, initially with a team of 17 employees.
The company is planning to have over 300 employees working in Blagoevgrad in future. The new building is now completed as well, and the development has reached its conclusion.
Established in the UK in 1976, Ottobock is a supplier of innovative and practical solutions that restore human mobility and help people to rediscover personal independence.
Its product range includes prosthetic and orthotic components, wheelchairs, and rehabilitation and mobility products, including the recently launched Wingus power wheelchair.
https://thiis.co.uk/ottobock-steps-up-production-in-the-eu-with-opening-of-new-site-in-bulgaria/https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/bulgarien_1_img_2_1_2800x1400.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/bulgarien_1_img_2_1_2800x1400-150x150.jpgEvents & ExhibitionsNewsroomSupplier NewsTrade NewsBulgaria,Medtech,Ottobock,plant,productionGlobal medtech company Ottobock has officially opened a new plant in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria as it moves to become less reliant on production of its products in China A team of 225 employees currently work in Blagoevgrad, which is Ottobock’s tenth production location. The plant in Bulgaria serves as a production site...Liane McIvorLiane McIvorliane@thiis.co.ukEditorTHIIS Magazine