The Polish manufacturer of medical devices is planning investments and aims to become a leader in the Polish, EU and European markets. Business-wise, Famed Żywiec has had another good period, during which both sales and profitability increased. The year 2023 was significant for the company, also due to the change of investor – in the spring the company was taken over by BHM Group. BHM is the initiator of the Reinsberg Group, which gathers European medical equipment manufacturers, including Famed. Hospital equipment manufactured in Żywiec is already being used in 121 countries.
– We want Famed to reach another technological level, which from the customer’s perspective will be reflected in even higher quality of our products, which are exported from Poland practically all over the world. In our plans for 2024, we have multimillion investments in the production area, which will increase the efficiency of our plant – says Marek Suczyk, CEO of Famed Żywiec.
As a leading European manufacturer, the company is planning a number of changes in both technology and market approach. The investment will include further modernization of the machine park. Famed is also constantly improving the functionalities of the medical equipment it produces.
– In the industry, the functionality and reliability of products are more important than a low purchase price. Hospitals expect equipment that is of good quality and will work for a long time. This trend is the basis for our optimism. We have been developing our products in this direction for years, skilfully combining advanced functionality with durability and competitive prices – says Michał Grossy, Director of Product Development and Marketing at Famed Żywiec.
The company’s strategy is primarily focused on European markets. Its own distribution network already covers Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia is the next country in line. In other markets, Famed is expanding its distribution through agents and distributors.
– Concentrating on European markets makes us less susceptible to the effects of political turmoil, which has become an increasingly serious issue for businesses in recent times. At the same time, we can fully utilize the advantage of being close to our customer – Marek Suczyk explains. This does not mean that we are being less interested in more distant markets. We still want to reach customers worldwide. We will consistently emphasize the development of business in regions where we have been experiencing steady growth for several years now. We are active in the Middle and Far East, in South America, and we also have a joint venture in China – he adds.
In recent years, Famed Żywiec has delivered tens of thousands of hospital and maternity beds, operating tables, gynaecological and treatment chairs, as well as patient stretchers to customers in Poland and abroad. Last year, Mongolia, Bangladesh, Honduras, Malawi, Rwanda and Zimbabwe were added to the list of countries where Famed’s equipment is used, bringing the total number to 121.
Business-wise, Famed has had another good year. In 2023, similar to previous years, there was an increase in sales. The company’s revenues approached the 100 million PLN. Profitability also increased significantly.
– Considering the geopolitical circumstances, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as import restrictions introduced in Asian countries, this result is very satisfying. Our profitability, measured by the EBITDA margin, improved by 24%, – comments Paweł Tomala, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Famed Żywiec.
The domestic market accounted for over 40% of Famed’s total sales (+10% y/y). The number one equipment remains the Famed Nexo hospital bed, appreciated for its high functionality (suitable for both general wards and intensive care units) and attractive price, it is valued in both developed and developing countries. It represents about three-quarters of the volume of deliveries among all bed models produced by Famed. The equipment reaches customers worldwide, including Ukraine. In February this year, 100 units of Famed Nexo were delivered to the war-affected regions of our eastern neighbor.
– The success of Famed Nexo confirms that the direction we have taken was the right one. A trend observed in the market is the desire to purchase devices that offer broad functionality, high quality, and do not burden budgets. This is how we designed Nexo, and its sustained popularity over the years is confirmation of the validity of our predictions – says Michał Grossy.
In the segment of operating tables, the Famed Optima takes the lead. Famed’s carbon and most advanced operating table debuted at this year’s Arab Health trade fair in a version equipped with a new and extremely precise control system.
– The control system introduced by us signifies a true revolution in the segment of electro-hydraulic tables. Its users receive the highest level of precision in adjusting the tabletop and individual segments, a feature previously reserved only for much more expensive fully electric tables – states Michał Grossy.
2023 was a breakthrough year for the Żywiec brand, also due to a change in investor. Since spring, BHM Group has been the investor, with the intention of creating a European group of medical equipment manufacturers. The Reinsberg Group is formed by companies in which BHM holds shares, alongside Famed, including the Polish Alvo Medical and the German Medifa. Famed Żywiec plays a key role in this group, both in terms of sales and operations.
– Thanks to the Reinsberg Group, we can leverage the synergy of our potentials, both in research and development, and production. Together, we have the opportunity to more effectively utilize our competencies and experience. This operating model aligns with the investor’s intentions of creating a strong, European group of medical equipment and technology manufacturers. Let’s remember that we operate in one of the key industries, and given the turbulent global situation, this step, concentrating production in Europe, is fully justified – summarizes Marek Suczyk, CEO of Famed Żywiec.