SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Welch Allyn, a leading global manufacturer of frontline medical products and solutions, today announced that it plans to design next generation digital connected products specifically for Asian and emerging markets at its new international research and development facility in Singapore. The company’s recent move to a larger facility in Alexandra Techno Park comes just six years after it opened its first Asia-based research and development center in Singapore, the company’s first such venture in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We chose to establish our first Asia-based research and development facility in Singapore because of the exciting opportunities it offers our business,” said Welch Allyn President and Chief Executive Officer, Julie Shimer. “We have been pleased with the progress made thus far and are eager to build on our successes at our new facility.”

As a key component of the company’s strategic objective to expand global reach, Welch Allyn plans to focus on utilizing Singapore’s skilled talent and vibrant infrastructure to provide innovative solutions to healthcare providers in the region and worldwide. The company has a strong history of doing business in Asia and enjoys strong relationships with customers, distributors and partners alike.

“Relocating to a larger facility in Singapore reaffirms our commitment to the region,” Shimer added. “Working in a global biomedical hub such as Singapore is a primary focus for us as we look to continue our rich tradition of developing innovative, cutting-edge products that meet the growing needs of frontline caregivers around the world. In fact, our first Singapore-led, designed and developed product specifically for the growing frontline care markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America will be previewed next week at Arab Health 2010 in Dubai, U.A.E. Further research and development projects in this center are already funded and well under development.”

Welch Allyn chose Singapore over other locations in the Asia Pacific region because of its position as a leading site for biomedical research, its highly educated workforce, its close proximity to major markets in Asia, and strong government support.

“Located in the heart of Asia, and being home to globally-oriented talent who are attuned to the region’s needs, Singapore presents a vantage point for companies that seek to identify opportunities and develop novel solutions for markets across the region,” said Mr. Beh Kian Teik, Director, Biomedical Sciences, Singapore Economic Development Board. “We are glad that Welch Allyn is successfully using Singapore as a home for innovation to develop medical products for Asia and the emerging markets.”

Welch Allyn currently has four other research and development facilities located across North America and Europe, and has received three Medical Design Excellence Awards and three R&D 100 Awards for its advanced product designs.

About Welch Allyn

Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, NY (USA), Welch Allyn is a leading global manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment and a complete range of digital and connected solutions. With over 2,500 employees working in 26 different countries, Welch Allyn specializes in helping doctors, nurses, and other frontline practitioners across the globe provide the best patient care by developing innovative products, breakthrough technologies, and cutting-edge solutions that help them see more patients, detect more conditions, and improve more lives. More information about Welch Allyn and its complete line of connected products and solutions may be found at www.welchallyn.com.