List of 3 large manufacturers of surgical instruments in Germany

Germany is known worldwide for its outstanding medical technology, and manufacturers of surgical instruments play a central role in this. The quality and precision of these instruments are critical for the success of operations and the safety of patients. Three leading companies in this field are Aesculap AG (part of B. Braun Melsungen AG), Karl Storz SE & Co. KG and Gebrüder Martin GmbH & Co. KG. These companies have a long tradition of manufacturing surgical instruments and offer a wide range of products that are used in operating theatres around the world.

1. Aesculap AG (B. Braun Melsungen AG)

Aesculap AG, a subsidiary of B. Braun Melsungen AG, was founded in 1867 and has developed over the years into one of the world’s leading suppliers of surgical instruments. Headquartered in Tuttlingen, the centre of German medical technology, Aesculap offers a comprehensive range of surgical instruments for various specialties, including general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and cardiac surgery.

An important product of Aesculap AG is the MICRO-Tools series, a range of high-precision microsurgical instruments developed for complex operations under the microscope. These instruments are characterised by their precision and durability, making them a better choice for surgeons worldwide.

Aesculap AG is a significant part of B. Braun Melsungen AG, which generated sales of around 8.5 billion euros in 2022. B. Braun employs around 66,000 people worldwide, with Aesculap making a significant contribution to the Group’s innovative strength and market leadership in the field of medical technology.

Update 2024: Dr Katrin Sternberg is the first woman in the company’s history to be appointed to the Management Board of Aesculap AG.

2. Karl Storz SE & Co. KG

Karl Storz SE & Co. KG was founded in 1945 by Karl Storz in Tuttlingen and has developed into one of the leading suppliers of endoscopes and surgical instruments. The company is particularly well known for its innovative solutions in minimally invasive surgery. Karl Storz offers a wide range of instruments and devices that are used in endoscopy, ENT surgery and neurosurgery.

An outstanding product from Karl Storz is the HOPKINS endoscope, which impresses with its brilliant images and robust properties. These endoscopes have revolutionised minimally invasive surgery and are used in hospitals and clinics worldwide.

Karl Storz employs around 8,500 people worldwide and achieved a turnover of around 1.75 billion euros in 2022. The company continues to be a leading innovator in medical technology and has secured a firm place in the global market thanks to its high-quality products and strong commitment to research and development.

3. Gebrüder Martin GmbH & Co. KG

Gebruder Martin GmbH & Co. KG, a company of the KLS Martin Group, was founded in 1922 and is also based in Tuttlingen. The company is known for its high-quality surgical instruments and medical technology solutions, which are used in a wide range of surgical disciplines. Gebruder Martin offers a wide range of products, including instruments for general and thoracic surgery, oral surgery and implantology.

A special product from Gebruder Martin is the marCore® system, a modular platform for surgical instruments that enables surgeons to adapt their instrument sets flexibly and efficiently to different operations. This flexibility and the high quality of the instruments make the system an important tool in the modern operating theatre.

Gebrüder Martin is part of the KLS Martin Group, which employs around 1,500 people worldwide and achieved a turnover of around 330 million euros in 2022. The company prides itself on its innovative strength and its abilty to develop customised solutions to meet the needs of surgeons worldwide.

Image source: Piron Guillaume