Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire and Harlow, Essex – September 5, 2011 – In the light of radical changes taking place within NHS procurement for new ophthalmic technologies, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH will move to direct distribution within the UK market and Haag‐Streit UK will focus mainly on Haag‐Streit group products.
Heidelberg Engineering GmbH has established a UK subsidiary Heidelberg Engineering Ltd., concentrating solely on the distribution of the Heidelberg range of imaging and perimetry products. “The unprecedented growth of the spectral domain OCT market in recent years, combined with the rapid advancements in OCT technology and image management software demands a single minded, undiluted approach,” explained Krysten Williams, General Manager of Heidelberg Engineering Ltd. “Having direct distribution in the UK market will enhance our sensitivity to market conditions and give us more flexibility to respond immediately and competitively to customer requirements.”
For Haag‐Streit UK Ltd., this will mean a focusing mainly on the Haag‐Streit Group product portfolio including; slit lamps, Lenstar biometer, Octopus perimeter, Goldmann/Perkins tonometers and Tonosafe prisms. This new direction will also allow Haag‐Streit UK to devote more resource to the development of the DRS retinal camera and the Ellex laser range. “The nature of our ophthalmic technologies and software systems requires a higher level of specialist knowledge and technical support,” explains Dean Johnson, Managing Director of Haag‐Streit UK. “We are confident that this move to focus on our Group brands will allow us to rapidly launch a line up of new products, while maintaining the high level of customer care on which our reputation is built on.”
Haag‐Streit UK has been the exclusive distributor for Heidelberg products since 1992. “On behalf of Heidelberg Engineering, I would like to thank Haag‐Streit UK for representing and supporting our products so professionally for almost 20 years,” expressed Christoph Schoess, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering GmbH. “This direct approach will make both companies stronger and more adaptable to the dramatic changes in the market. We will continue to combine our resources and support each other in order to deliver the highest level of customer care during this transitional period.”
Haag‐Streit UK will remain exclusive distributor and service agent for Heidelberg Engineering products until March 31st 2012. Heidelberg Engineering Ltd. will become the exclusive distributor and service agent for Heidelberg products as of April 1st, 2012. Haag‐Streit UK will have access to Heidelberg parts, through Heidelberg Engineering Ltd. to ensure uninterrupted customer service and support.
Heidelberg Engineering Ltd. is operational as of September 1st 2011 with offices in Hemel Hempstead.
For more information on the complete range of Haag‐Streit Group products, visit www.haagstreituk.com.