Siemens Healthineers is set to invest RMB3bn ($433m) to construct a new laboratory diagnostics plant in Shanghai, China.
Siemens Healthineers has decided to expand its capacity in Shanghai, based on Chinese government decision of opening its market of medical instruments to overseas investors.
The new laboratory diagnostic plant is said to be the firm’s first in-vitro diagnostic reagent plant in Asia Pacific, which will involve in the production of clinical chemistry and immunoassay reagents.
Siemens’ new in-vitro diagnostic reagent plant will help create new 500 jobs in the region.
At the starting of this year, the Chinese government announced a medical tourism pilot zone in Bo’ao of Hainan Province in South China, which can be used to import certain medical appliances without taking any permission from the government.
In July this year, the Shanghai municipal government has announced a flexible importing management model to enhance the clearance efficiency of medical appliances.
In December 2017, Siemens Healthineers agreed to acquire Luxembourg-based molecular diagnostic tests supplier Fast Track Diagnostics (FTD) for an undisclosed sum.
FTD is engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of infectious disease detection kits. The company produces kits that can detect a range of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
The acquisition will add Siemens with sites in Luxembourg, Malta, and India, in addition to the workforce of about 80 employees.
In July 2017, Siemens Healthineers agreed to acquire Epocal from Alere for an undisclosed price to expand its blood gas portfolio.
The Alere subsidiary develops and manufactures point-of-care blood diagnostic systems for healthcare organizations.
One of its products is the epoc Blood Analysis System which is a handheld, wireless testing solution that delivers blood gas, electrolyte and metabolite results near the patient in about 30 seconds after introduction of the sample.
Siemens Healthineers, which is the healthcare arm of German technology firm Siemens, offers products and services in the areas of diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, and in laboratory diagnostics and molecular medicine.
