Maria-Lena Weiss, Member of Parliament, visits Henke-Sass, Wolf

During the visit of the member of parliament Maria-Lena Weiss (CDU) to Henke-Sass, Wolf, the current political situation could be discussed intensively. The conversation with CEO Dr. Markus Westhues primarily focused on the challenges of the EU MDR, but also on local issues such as infrastructure.

Maria-Lena Weiss, the CDU member of the Bundestag for Rottweil and Tuttlingen, gained an insight into the current situation of the hidden champion during a visit to the company Henke-Sass, Wolf in Tuttlingen. In conversation with CEO Dr. Markus Westhues, the EU-MDR was a big topic.

The new EU directive requires not only all new medical devices, but also those that have been on the market for a long time to be re-certified by May 2024 - a major challenge for all companies in the industry. Westhues welcomed the fundamental intention to make medical devices safer, but clearly criticized the high effort, bureaucracy and costs associated with the new certification. In addition, many certification bodies acted like the eye of a needle, the managing director of HSW continues. Extending the transition periods could be a first solution. Nevertheless, the group of companies, which employs more than 1,500 people worldwide, including 600 in the Tuttlingen area, is certain that all relevant products will be certified on time.

Nevertheless, it became clear that in the medical technology industry, especially for niche products that offer undisputed medical added value, but whose re-certification is unprofitable due to small quantities, production can come to an end if the political framework conditions do not change. The current situation with regard to the energy supply could also be discussed during a tour of the new combined heat and power plant. Henke-Sass, Wolf has made great efforts in recent months to secure the energy supply. The company is confident that thanks to a number of investments and long-term electricity supply contracts, it will get through the cold season in good shape.

Another topic with the CDU MP was the HSW expansion plans in the Tuttlingen area. The site in Seitingen-Oberflacht is currently being massively expanded and the production area doubled. Various alternatives are also being discussed at the headquarters in Tuttlingen - a signal that Henke-Sass, Wolf will remain an employer with a long tradition that is firmly rooted in Tuttlingen.

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