Siemens to sell latest medical imaging products from Kodak

OEMs serve as an important source for sales of equipment from Kodak''s Health Imaging Group. For example, when Siemens sells a CT or an MRI unit to a customer, the customer may also want to purchase a laser imaging or computed radiography system, which Siemens does not manufacture. Siemens would then order the system from Kodak to meet the customer''s specific requirements and fulfil the order.

"Kodak is an ideal company for Siemens to continue an OEM relationship with, and both organisations share a firm commitment to helping customers achieve tangible, sustainable clinical and financial outcomes," says Karin Finger, head of the Special Product Accessories Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "Siemens is one of the largest suppliers of healthcare equipment in the world. We are looking forward to including the latest medical imaging products from Kodak in our broad range of offerings to customers, and looking ahead, we see great opportunities for both Siemens and Kodak."

Siemens has already begun selling Kodak medical imaging products in the US, Western Europe and India, with worldwide coverage to be in place by the end of 2003.

Kodak''s Health Imaging Group (www.kodak.com/go/health) is a world leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing intelligent imaging products from analogue to digital. Its portfolio includes computed radiography and digital radiography systems, laser imagers, picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), radiology information systems, dental imaging and services, and traditional mammography and x-ray film systems.

The group, with annual revenues of $2.3 billion, has served the global health care community for more than 100 years. The Health Imaging Group is the second-largest business within Kodak, which had sales last year of $13.2 billion.

Kodak India Ltd, a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak, was the first photographic company to set up operations in India in 1913. The Health Imaging Division commenced operations in India in early nineties. Since then the business has grown manifold from a mere Rs 1 crore in 1992 to Rs 100 crore in 2002.