Milestones in our success story
1971
Founding of „pfm Plastik für die Medizin GmbH“
On 23rd Dezember 1971 Jürgen Wolter and Peter Dahlhausen co-found the pfm Plastik für die Medizin GmbH. As pioneers, they are the first to offer single-use products made from plastic.From the very first hour, it was clear to the then managing director: all products have to comply with the most stringent quality requirements. To this day, this principle remains at the base of pfm medical’s lasting success. Clean room production or GMP-compliant production have been standard from the beginning.
In the beginning pfm concentrates on distribution. In the first years the company establishes strong partnerships with renowned manufacturers, for example FEATHER® Safety Razor (Japan), Unomedical (Denmark, today ConvaTec), KAI (Japan), dansac and Surgimed (both Denmark) or Porgès (France).
1973
Exclusive distribution for FEATHER®
pfm receives exclusive distribution rights in Europe for the products of the Japanese blade specialist FEATHER® safety razor company ltd.
1978
Founding of the "Medizinische Produktionsges. Brachmann mbH"
In Nonnweiler-Otzenhausen the „Medizinische Produktionsgesellschaft Brachmann mbH“ (today pfm medical mepro gmbh) is established. pfm specialists and medical specialists develop and produce highly specialised medical products together.
Thereby pfm slowly shifts its focus from distribution only more towards development and production - all activities aim at meeting the clients requirements faster and better.
In Nonnweiler pfm develops the first industrially manufactured, one-piece, pre-evacuated Redon bottle. With further refinements over the subsequent decades, the original product today is the standard of care for drainage systems.
1980
Establishment of the CPP SA
In Switzerland the CPP SA (today pfm medical cpp) is founded. There the first ports were developed and launched as module components in system solutions in the field of Oncology. Since then, port technology at pfm medical has been steadily refined.
1983
Move to Köln-Rodenkirchen
The company continues to grow – more space is needed. New premises in Köln-Rodenkirchen allow enough space for office and warehouse. With modern IT-structures and optimized logistics customers can be serviced more efficiently.
1984
Start up of cleanroom manufacturing facilities
At the new location in Nonnweiler Mepro GmbH starts one of the most modern cleanroom manufacturing facilities for medical products in Germany.
1986
Leadership change
Jürgen Wolter becomes the sole partner and continues to manage the company on his own.
1988
Establishment of mpö GmbH
In Austria, MPÖ Peter Seidel Handelsgesellschaft mbH is established as a distributor of medical products. pfm is partner and thereby able to cover the austrian market too.
1992
Name change to "pfm Produkte für die Medizin"
In order to reflect the extended product portfolio, the company changes its name to “pfm Produkte für die Medizin” on 21 January 1992. The office building in Cologne is expanded.
1993
First spiral coil closing system
The first spiral coil closing system is developed by pfm medical and launched in several European countries. The main focus is on cardiological treatment of children.
Since then, pfm medical has continuously expanded its competence in the field of interventional cardiology.
1994
New warehouse in Cologne
Expansion of the company’s central warehouse in Cologne with 2,500 additional pallet spaces and introduction of the very latest logistics equipment.
1994
Opening of subsidiary in Slovenia
pfm opens a subsidiary in former Yugoslavia: today's pfm medical s d.o.o. based in Slovenia.
1996
Opening of office in China
pfm opens a Representative Office in Bejing to cover customers in the Chinese market.
1997
pfm becomes public limited company
pfm becomes a public limited company. Jürgen Wolter is chief executive officer (CEO), and Jochen Schnadt is chair of the supervisory board.As a public limited company, pfm can access greater financial resources and increase investment in the areas of production and development. Also there is the option of employee participation.
2000
Establishment of pfm asia pacific in Malaysia
With a new distribution subsidiary pfm asia pacific pfm expands its engagement in Malysia.
2001
Founding of subsidiary in the USA
With the founding of the subsidiary PFM USA, Inc. including production facilities pfm expands its business in the US market.
2001
Establishment of Applica GmbH
Founding of Applica GmbH (today pfm medical tpm gmbh ). The subsidiary is specialized in consultation-intensive therapies in non-clinical settings.
2001-2003
Acquisitions
pfm expands ist competencies through various acquisitions. The company takes over the majority in CPP SA in Switzerland, a long standing supplier for ports, and acquires Campus, a producer of Nitinol-Stents.
With the acquisition of endotech GmbH, pfm further expands its competencies in out-patient care and the associated prescription management.
2003
Aurel Schoeller becomes Chairman
of the Management Board
Jürgen Wolter moves to the Supervisory Board, taking over as Chairman.
Aurel Schoeller, son in law to the company’s founder and already a member of the Management Board, is now to become its chairman and takes on overall leadership of the pfm Produkte für die Medizin AG.
2004
Founding of health + help
With the establishment of the h+h gmbh & Co. KG pfm gives a clear sign to the market regarding services that can be delegated.
2005
Launch of EO-Sterilisation plant
The newly founded msg gmbh brings into service one of the most modern EO-sterilisation plants in Europe. The innovative proceeding is energy-saving, emission-reduced and well compatible for many materials.
2007
Founding of subsidiary in the UK
With its new subsidiary pfm uk pfm further expands its business in the UK.
2009
Jürgen Wolter resigns from his last mandate
At the end of 2009 Jürgen Wolter resigns from the position of Chariman of the Advisory Board and thereby his last official mandate with pfm. This ends the era of the company founder.With Aurel Schoeller, his son-im-law, as Chairman of the Management Board, and Janine Schoeller, his daughter, as Director Asia, the next generation of the Wolter-family will lead the family business into the future.
2010
The group becomes pfm medical
2010 marks an important year in the history of pfm. The reason: the company changes its name to pfm medical and integrates all associated subsidiary companies under one brand.
For the first time ever,
all subsidiaries and sales offices appear under a single brand: pfm medical.
Following a market relaunch in summer 2010, pfm medical has done more than a mere change of its appearance. Its new Internet presence provides customers and partners with an optimum level of information and transparency, particularly with respect to the product range.
Image: New company logo on the Cologne warehouse
2010
Acquisition of the GfE Medical AG
pfm acquires 100 percent the GfE Medical AG and with that the GfE Medizintechnik GmbH. With this pfm medical can now offer titanized mesh implants for breast- and pelvic floor reconstruction as well as for hernia treatment.
2011
40-years pfm medical
pfm medical celebrates its 40th anniversary as an innovative partner company in medical technology. The strengths of pfm – innovation capability, a deep commitment to research, great market know-how and reliable high quality – have enabled this long lasting success story.
2015
Founding of pfm medical tec gmbh
In Dielheim near Heidelberg pfm medical tec gmbh is founded. The subsidiary produces microtomes and laboratory equipment developed by pfm medical.
2018
Opening of the new logistics centre in Wesseling
In order to meet the logistical requirements of pfm medical's growth strategy, a new logistics centre is put into operation in Wesseling.
2019
pfm medical asia founded in Hong Kong
pfm medical asia ltd , headquartered in Hong Kong, is established to provide best possible support for customers in the Asia-Pacific region.
2019
Foundation of pfm medical expert gmbh
pfm medical expert gmbh is established in order to offer pfm medical's extensive expertise in the registration of medical devices and the conduct of clinical studies as a consultancy service outside the corporate group as well.
2020
Acquisition of Hirtz & Co. KG
pfm medical acquires the Cologne-based medical technology company Hirtz & Co. KG, thus supplementing its product portfolio with hypo- & hyperthermia systems, anti-decubitus solutions and inhalation products.
In future, the products of the HiCo brand will be manufactured and marketed by pfm medical hico gmbh .
2020