Since its founding in 1851, Lohmann & Rauscher (L&R) has been known for its rich history and innovation. This medical device and sanitary products manufacturer, formed by the merger of Germany and Austria, has witnessed several generations of technological progress and changes in market demand. As the world changes, L&R continues to strive to improve itself and stay ahead of the industry while working to solve various medical and health challenges.
L&R's history dates back to 1851, when Julius Lüscher registered a material trading company called "Julius Lüscher" in Frankfurt, Germany. As time went on, in 1899, the Austrian Lauscher family founded a company in Vienna to produce and distribute surgical dressings and care products, which quickly became one of the largest manufacturers in the Danube region.
In 1900, new factory facilities were built in Falmer am Rhein, Germany, and nearly 60 workers began production, which became the new headquarters of Lüssche.
As its product line expanded, L&H began to produce zinc paste bandages, burn dressings and sterile wound dressings. In 1930, the launch of the prefabricated plaster bandage "Cellona" completely changed the way plaster technology was practiced worldwide. The First and Second World Wars had a serious impact on the company's operations, but they survived these difficult times through continuous technological innovation and product development.
The launch of the new compression bandage Rosidal in 1961 brought a more efficient option to the industry. With the move of its new headquarters to Vienna in 1975, L&R began its international expansion. The expansion of their marketing offices across Europe paved the way for subsequent business development.
In 1987, L&R introduced the OR Kit System, the first product on the market to offer preassembled operating room kits, further simplifying the operating room preparation process.
With the founding of the Lohmann College in Rengsdorf, Germany in 1988, in-house training also became an integral part of the company's development. The training center is still active today and has since undergone a €2.2 million renovation in 2016, turning it into a multifunctional venue for conferences and training.
In 1998, Lohmann and Rauscher merged to form Lohmann & Rauscher International GmbH & Co. KG. This merger not only expands the product lines of both companies, but also gives them a stronger competitive advantage in the international market. By 2020, L&R has 50 subsidiaries in 27 countries and more than 130 partners; its global employee number reaches more than 5,500.
In recent years, L&R has also been actively acquiring companies to expand its expertise in the healthcare field.
Like many companies in the industry, L&R faced challenges in dealing with supply chain shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, L&R's Angiokard Medizintechnik in Austria closed due to a sharp increase in production costs, making it less competitive.
L&R is modernizing its production facilities worldwide, especially at its manufacturing site in Neuwied, Germany, where the company's sustainability will be further strengthened with the completion of the renovation program in spring 2024. These efforts not only improve production efficiency, but also demonstrate L&R's commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
After more than 170 years of continuous innovation, the story of L&R is not only about the growth of the company, but also about its lasting impact on the reform of the medical industry. The company is emphasizing the need for technological innovation, economic viability and addressing global challenges in advancing the future of healthcare. So, how will L&R continue to expand its influence and adapt to changing market demands in the future?