Siemens plans 7,000+ layoffs after disappointing healthcare performance
Following a 13% reduction in profit at Siemens Healthcare during the previous quarter, the conglomerate is reportedly planning to cut 7,400 jobs companywide in a bid to achieve cost savings of €1 billion ($1.14 billion). CEO Joe Kaeser hinted that layoffs are around the corner during January's earnings call, saying "We are also working intensively on our simplification efforts to achieve cost savings of €1 billion and are fully on track to meet the announced schedule." More
GE recalls 10,000+ MRI systems after FDA deems them potentially deadly, citing poor training
The FDA just deemed all GE Healthcare MRIs with superconducting magnets potentially deadly by classifying the recall of nearly 13,000 of the imaging systems into the most serious Class I category. This means there is a reasonable probability that the device "will cause serious adverse health consequences or death." The recall covers about 25 different MRIs, including several versions of the Signa brand and three versions of the Discovery brand. More
Zimmer recalls part of Persona--a total knee replacement that helped drive 2014 growth
Zimmer is in the midst of a recall of a component of its latest total knee replacement system, Persona. The orthopedic company notified customers in mid-February and the FDA has now classified the action as a Class 2 recall. Persona was a primary sales growth driver for Zimmer in 2014 and is expected to continue to be, so the global recall of 11,658 of this part of the system could have a significant impact on the company. More
Zimmer to cut staff, close its dental headquarters following $13B merger with Biomet
Zimmer will close its Carlsbad, CA, dental headquarters following its looming $13 billion merger with Biomet, resulting in an unspecified number of layoffs. The plant closure will occur in 12 months, say internal company emails sent to both companies' employees that were obtained by FierceMedicalDevices. The new company's dental headquarters will be consolidated into Biomet's dental headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Distribution operations will be relocated to Palm Beach Gardens, while manufacturing will be transferred to other company sites and outside suppliers. More
Siemens to lay off 7,800; says healthcare unit 'needs to step up its efforts'
The numerous reports that layoffs were around the corner at Siemens were correct. Almost. The company today announced plans to ax 7,800 jobs, more than the anticipated 7,400 said to be on the chopping block. Under the so-called Vision 2020 plan, Siemens, one of the biggest medical imaging players, aims to cut €1 billion ($1.14 billion) in costs by the end of 2016. More