Leica Microsystems (“Leica"), a global leader in microscopy and scientific instrumentation, today announced the official opening of its US$60 million (S$82 million) medical manufacturing and R&D facility in Singapore. As one of Leica’s four global production sites, Singapore is solely responsible for the manufacturing of surgical microscopes for export to global markets, currently contributing to 40% of the company’s total revenue. The new facility brings together product development and manufacturing under one roof, and is expected to double the company’s global production volume of surgical microscopes for international export. In addition to surgical microscopes, the facility will produce microscopes for industrial applications.

The new, next-generation manufacturing facility is certified Green Mark Platinum, and is equipped with state-of-the-art digital technologies that enable a high level of automation, enhancing productivity. Additionally, Leica will be expanding its teams in research and development, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and product management, growing the existing workforce to more than 500 people.

“The new facility is an expansion of our footprint and commitment in Singapore, building on our strong five-decade history since establishing our first operations here in 1971. We are excited to move into an expanded site that will combine advanced manufacturing as well as product innovation capabilities to develop next-generation of digital medical solutions such as AI-enabled surgical microscopes,” said Dr. Annette Rinck, President of Leica Microsystems. 

"Leica is constantly pushing the boundaries of advanced microsurgery to empower our customers to create a healthier world. We believe that Singapore is an ideal hub for business, innovation and technology with a high-tech talent pool. We are doubling the size of our R&D and product management teams that will enable us to advance our cutting-edge instrumentation on a global scale.”

Surgical microscopes are an indispensable tool in the operating theatre. The global market for surgical microscopes is expected to grow by +14% (CAGR) over the next decade[1] along with increasing demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as brain, spinal cord or eye surgeries. Advancements in surgical microscopes enable surgeons to perform surgeries with greater precision and speed, which could translate to better patient outcomes, lower length of hospital stays, and reduced waiting list times[2]. 

“We are investing in developing highly innovative digital solutions that can not only have a positive impact on patient outcomes but also on the broader implications for health systems,” said Rinck. “We are committed to partnering with universities, hospitals, ministries of health, and regional accreditation bodies to advance clinical research and development that creates value for patients, clinicians, and healthcare system in Singapore and globally.”