Leeds firm showcases region’s healthcare excellence

A Leeds company responsible for developing innovative technologies used in reconstructive surgery offers an example of the city’s growing reputation in healthcare excellence.

Xiros, made up of a team of 50 technicians, engineers and support staff, develops and manufactures remedial orthopaedic techniques and materials. It has a £2.75 million turnover and exports over 90% of its products.

Regulatory affairs manager Jim Rowland explains: “When Xiros launched, its innovative products and achievements quickly attracted global attention and growth. Research and development has remained at the heart of the business, with 25% of turnover invested on an ongoing basis.”

Innovations manager David Beevers adds: “We have a continuous process of considering literally hundreds of ideas for surgical advancement, with around a dozen projects always in progress. And although only a handful of these make it to the marketplace, we are now turning them round, from concept to delivery, in a matter of months.

“We work closely with surgeons to develop solutions in-house and identify the best route to market either via our Neoligaments branded product range, or utilising our commercial links with global medical devices companies.

“In addition to internal projects, we also work as a design house for global orthopaedic companies, turning their own product concepts into fully proven and tested solutions. We can provide these medical device companies with a full manufacturing service, offering them the choice of taking the solution back in-house for production or continuing to use Xiros’s facilities as required.

“While much of our work has been about knee joints and particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repairs to injuries of the type suffered by sports people, we are now extending our expertise into other areas of the body, including the ankle, shoulder and spine.”

The Xiros story began over 30 years ago when founder and current chairman Dr Bahaa Seedhom collaborated with Japanese surgeon Professor Fujikawa on the development of artificial ligaments, which eventually led to highly successful techniques and implants still in use today for ACL repair operations. Both men have since pursued eminent careers to become leaders in the field of Orthopaedics

Phil Cole, Leeds City Council’s head of business support, comments: “Investment in research and development is central to the competitiveness of manufacturing companies. This is especially true in the field of healthcare technology, which thrives on continuous innovation and new product development. It has proved vital to the success of companies such as Xiros, that have put Leeds at the forefront of this highly competitive area of manufacturing.”