Global medical device company brings growing field to region

Belimed Inc, a worldwide leader in infection control technology for hospitals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, will locate its corporate headquarters in the Charleston Regional Business Center. As concerns grow for improved infection control within hospitals, Belimed products play a critical role in protecting the patient and the healthcare employee. Belimed is bringing this cutting-edge technology to the Charleston area with help from the Charleston Regional Development Alliance.

Belimed USA President and CEO, Joe McDonald, says it was Charleston’s business climate and quality of life that inspired the company to choose the region over Miami, Raleigh and Richmond. “Charleston fits with the company’s image – a rich history combined with an innovative outlook, plus this is a great place to attract and retain the quality of employees we need to continue to grow our business.”

Belimed designs and manufactures equipment and provides services to hospitals, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The company’s US installations include most major medical centers as well as the leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the world. The company is owned by the Metall Zug Group, located in Switzerland, and has more than 2000 employees and five factories worldwide. The company is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange in Zurich, Switzerland.

Belimed USA will begin operations in the Charleston region as early as January 1, 2007. “Attracting such a leading company to our region reinforces our growing cluster of bioscience companies,” said Alliance Chairman William A. “Bill” Finn. “As other companies learn of their choice, more will see Charleston as a high-tech haven.”

Dan Davis, Berkeley County Supervisor and County Council Chairman, welcomed the company to its new home off Clements Ferry Road. “We are pleased to see such a progressive, future-oriented firm choose our community as its new corporate home in the United States,” he said. “Those of us who live and work in Berkeley County agree that you have picked the right location. We stand ready to ensure success for Belimed and your employees for many years to come.”

Belimed USA will also join Charleston’s Digital Corridor. Mayor Joseph P. Riley says, “On behalf of the City of Charleston, I am pleased to welcome Belimed and its corporate headquarters to Charleston. Belimed’s impressive involvement in and commitment to the medical and life sciences fields make it a leader in the industry and a great corporate citizen for Charleston. Belimed is an integral part of the international business community and we are pleased that it will be utilizing the port for its significant business activities overseas. We are honored to have Belimed in our community.”

“We are pleased to welcome Belimed to South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor. “Belimed joins a number of successful world-class companies in choosing to call South Carolina home. Our business-friendly environment, quality workforce, exceptional bio-tech resources, and excellent quality of life make the Charleston region an ideal place for Belimed to locate.”

About Belimed USA
BELIMED is a worldwide leader in infection control. The company’s focus is maximizing reprocessing productivity while providing leading safety and infection control. This is accomplished with the industry’s lowest consumption of resources, including personnel, water, steam, electricity and chemicals, resulting in new standards for efficiency and environmental consciousness. To learn more, go to www.belimed.com.

About the Charleston Regional Development Alliance
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance represents Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties with a mission to create improved opportunities for all residents within this three-county region. Working with a statewide network of allies, the Alliance markets Charleston to the world as a preferred location for business, and helps to facilitate new investment within the three-county area. To learn more, go to www.charleston-for-business.com.

Company Media Contact:
Pam Palmer
Cell 786-423-5648
Office 843-654-1631

Alliance Media Contact:
Melissa Whetzel
843-259-4631
[email protected]