Zimmer thrives on R&D: New products account for 18 percent of sales
Abstract
Purpose
Highlights the importance of research and development to orthopedics company Zimmer.
Design/methodology/approach
Reports information gathered during the author's visit to a Zimmer plant in Winterthur, near Zurich, Switzerland, and a presentation to journalists by Richard Fritschi, Zimmer president (Europe and Australasia).
Findings
Shows that, in 2004, products introduced in the previous 36‐month rolling period accounted for 18 percent of Zimmer sales – up from 17 percent the year before. These new products contributed $541 in sales. In 2004 alone, Zimmer delivered more than 40 major development projects to the market. Describes some of the company's leading products and their uses.
Originality/value
Illustrates the key role of research and development for organizational success in the medical technology industries.
Keywords
Citation
(2005), "Zimmer thrives on R&D: New products account for 18 percent of sales", Strategic Direction, Vol. 21 No. 9, pp. 21-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540510616674
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited