Close collaboration between Swedish medtec companies save time to market

Apart from AutomationsPartner there are very few, if any companies in Sweden, large or small, that specialise in the manufacturing of automated assembly systems for customers in pharmaceutical- and medical technology development.

Ongoing diagnostics project

AutomationsPartner collaborates with both large and small companies, including start-ups. One of them is Calmark Sweden AB, an innovative diagnostics development company that has developed a unique point-of-care (POC) solution for blood tests in newborns.

“Calmark is one of few innovators in the field of POC-diagnostics for newborns, now entering into high volume production of their diagnostic testing equipment. Thus, an advanced assembly machine has recently been built and qualified in Ramlösa, southern Sweden. At AutomationsPartner we are responsible for providing design input, support with proof-of-concept’s in our test lab and developing the assembly systems that Calmark needs in order to realise their goal of high-volume production”, explains Henrik Rosengren, CEO of AutomationsPartner.

The development offer

Calmark and AutomationsPartner initiated a close cooperation a few years ago aiming at a rapid market introduction for Calmark, firstly starting off with low-volume production equipment. An open atmosphere between the dedicated project teams and focus on time schedule, exchange of know-how and project management became success factors. However, it is not a matter of any type of production, as project manager Bertil Skogum explains:

“We have a clear development offer and a deep understanding of medical technology within our business. Since we manufacture assembly machines for companies that in turn manufacture pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices, we must have good knowledge of the customers’ products. We propose changes to the products to make them more efficient and safer to manufacture, of course resulting in better products as well”.

AutomationsPartner has a comprehensive development offer where they help customers to develop their products, specify the product goals, and then move on to developing the technology that makes it possible to meet the goals.

Aspiring global leader

Calmark’s vision is to become a global leader in POC diagnostics for newborns and in the long term offer all relevant tests during the child’s first period in life.

“Calmark is currently in a strong expansion phase and is investing in building partnerships with distributors for a global launch” clarifies Henrik Rosengren.

Bertil Skogum points out several success factors, and one in particular;

“One of our main success factors with this project is that we got to come in early and be involved in developing the actual product, and thus also optimise the machine that will manufacture it. The product consists very simply of a cassette with associated filters for blood analysis, and we have developed the machine that will assemble the very precise porous filters into the cassette. ”.

“Our collaborations are often long-term and many of our customers make us development partners in new projects. Of course, we hope for the same with Calmark eventually”, adds Henrik Rosengren.

The new production unit has now been relocated to Calmark's production partner.  

Calmark’s CEO Anna Söderlund comments:

“I am very happy that the fully automated production line is now up and running. It has been a team effort, and many have contributed. It is encouraging for the future to see what can be achieved by committed people from the Swedish MedTech-industry when working in close collaboration”