Haag-Streit International
Haag-Streit is a leading provider of instruments and medical-practice equipment for ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians. For more than 50 years, the Haag-Streit Lamp has been regarded as the standard instrument for ophthalmic diagnosis.
Our long-term experience establishes a distinct advantage in the development, design and production of diagnostic instruments, including the attributes of
- Precision mechanics
- Innovative Technology
- Functionality
- Usability
Flexible Solutions
Our fine-precision instruments consist of modular systems, which can be updated to keep pace with the latest technological developments. The products are in a process of constant change through intensive research work, and exchange with customers, scientists and experts.
Precision by Tradition is Haag-Streit's motto. You are invited and welcome to join our family online, in person at any of our facilities around the world, or through your nearest Authorized Haag-Streit Dealer.
Corporate Philosophy
Haag-Streit's corporate philosophy is based on four principles:
- Precision
Haag-Streit combines the latest technologies with traditional artisanship to ensure enduring highest and precision. Precision is a key them in our entire business process.
- Tradition
Tradition means long term, trustworthy thinking and acting. We commit ourselves to this quality in the development, production and distribution of high-quality product for the medical technology.
- Transformation
Haag-Streit succeeds by anticipating change. We harness the latest technological and medical developments to provide, innovative instruments, methods and services that address the demands of our customers.
- Trust
Continuity in our business is reflected by our many, long-lasting client and distributor relationships. We also rely on the continuity of Haag-Streit's expert work force. Their experience, knowledge and expertise are amongst the most vital resources of our company.
Haag-Streit Companies Worldwide
Haag Streit Switzerland
Haag-Streit USA
Haag-Streit UK
Haag-Streit Germany
Haag-Streit Austria
Haag-Streit France
Octopus Perimeters
Reliance Medical Products
IPRO Software
Clement Clarke
Spectros
Some Information About Reliance
An old adage claims that "the more things change, the more they stay the same," and Reliance Medical Products bears that out. Although the company sells its top-of-the-line medical equipment in some 80 countries and is an industry leader in technological advances.
Fred and Frank Koenigkramer, first-generation sons of German immigrants, formed their company
after inventing a clog-free paint sprayer that farmers could use to paint their barns. Inspired by their success, the entrepreneurial brothers went on to obtain two patents for an improved barber's hydraulic chair the Koenigkramers introduced a complete line of barber's chairs under the brand name Reliance.
Their innovation was a hydraulic lift, which required only one lever for raising, lowering, revolving, or locking the chair. It was so popular that even the barber on The Andy Griffith Show, Floyd, had a Reliance chair.
The company entered the medical market in 1920, when a Missouri osteopath suggested that the brothers build a treatment table. Product line extensions led Reliance into the ophthalmology market, where it developed an entire line of examination and procedures chairs, instrument stands, and examination and surgical stools. Reliance still manufactures these products for ophthalmology, optometry, ENT, dermatology and plastic surgery.
In 1988, Reliance Medical Products was purchased by Bern-based Haag-Streit AG. Shortly thereafter, Haag-Streit built a new, 100,000 square-foot facility in Mason, Ohio, to house the manufacturing operations, and a 25,000-square-foot office facility for the marketing departments of both Reliance and its sister companies.
A leader in medical equipment
Reliance draws on its vast experience in hydraulics to make an array of ergonomically correct lift and examination chairs, surgical tables, and delivery systems. In addition, Reliance which introduces about three new products a year, makes an array of treatment cabinets, stools, instrument stands, and the office add-ons that enable doctors to furnish their examination rooms with state-of-the-art equipment.
Equipment that holds its value.
Reliance products are popular with doctors; in fact, many report that when they retire, they are able to sell the Reliance chairs they purchased after graduation for more than they paid for them. The company recently conducted a search for the oldest Reliance chair still in use and the winner was a 1940 model.
A Marriage of Technology and Craftsmanship
A tour of Reliance's factory reveals the secret behind the company's success. The company's some 120 employees meldart and science to produce superior-quality medical equipment. Reliance technicians ensure the equipment is calibrated not only to ISO 9001 certification, but also to the standards of EN 46001, the highest quality designation within the medical specialty field.
The accuracy and precision of Reliance equipment is tracked by about 1,000 gauges. In fact, accuracy is not measured in inches or even fraction of inches, but is calibrated within millionths of an inch. That kind of precision is artfully balanced against the comfort,appearance, and sturdiness of the product.
Craftspeople wielding scissors and operating sewing machines to stitch fine upholstery onto solid Baltic birch frames are just as important in the creation of Reliance's showroom-quality furniture as are the firm's technicians. Marrying the best of old-world craftsmanship and information-age technology is what Reliance is all about.
Union Based on Shared Values
Since Haag-Streit purchased Reliance, it has relocated the U.S. operations of several of its other companies to Mason. In addition to Reliance, Haag-Streit's holdings include Haag-Streit USA, Möller Microsurgery, Clement Clarke, and John Weiss. Founded in 1858, Haag-Streit manufactures precision instruments for ophthalmology. The Haag-Streit slit lamp, its flagship product, is widely recognized as one of the finest slit lamps in the world. The company's other products include applanation tonometers, diagnostic contact lenses, ophthalmometers, corneal topographers, and the Octopus projection perimeter. Such technologically advanced products are only the beginning. Like the other Haag-Streit companies, Reliance, which maintains its own research and development department, intends to continue to grow and prosper by developing and delivering high-quality products that meet customers' needs.
Reliance will continue to invest in the latest manufacturing technology. In the future, we'll be more computerized and will make more sales on the Web, but our traditions aren't going to change. We'll still be listening to the customer."