Fresenius Medical Care Expands Dialyzer Production Capacity Due to strong global demand, Fresenius Medical Care is expanding the capacity for producing dialysis products at its plant in St. Wendel, Germany. The Company will invest a total of approximately EUR 39 million over the next 12 months. About EUR 23 million will be invested in an additional building and two new spinning lines for hollow fibers, the key component of dialyzers (artificial kidneys). Production capacity for these fibers, which are also used to manufacture dialyzers at other locations, will increase by about 30 % at St. Wendel. Fresenius Medical Care will invest about EUR 16 million to increase the production capacity for bags used in peritoneal dialysis. This should increase capacity by some 25%. At the beginning of 2007, the Company had already announced an increase to the dialyzer production capacity at the St. Wendel plant. Some EUR 36 million were committed to the project, which will boost annual capacity for single-use dialyzers to 35 million. This equipment will be brought on line in the coming months and the two latest expansion measures announced today should be completed in spring of 2009. The committed total amount for all ongoing projects at St. Wendel is about EUR 100 million (US$150 million). Fresenius Medical Care currently employs about 1,700 people at the St. Wendel development and production site. A further increase in the number of employees is expected for 2008. Dr. Ben Lipps, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care commented: 'Demand for our innovative dialyzers and other high-quality dialysis products continues to climb. The capacity expansion at the St. Wendel manufacturing site meets this steady increase and ensures that an even larger number of patients worldwide can receive our life-saving products and therapies. The investments at St. Wendel are a commitment to Germany as an important manufacturing base for us and proof of the dedication of our employees. Their efforts over the past years have made our successful growth possible.' |