STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 26, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- In September 1999, the New Opportunities Fund announced the provision of more than 150 million pounds to improve cancer services in the United Kingdom, a key part of which was for the purchase of more than 50 new linear accelerators. With the last wave of purchases recently decided, Elekta has proved to be the overall winner, taking well over 50% of the market -- more than all of their competitors combined.
In the fifth and final wave of purchases, Elekta won five of the nine machines available maintaining their impressive record. The latest orders, valued at 3.5 million pounds, take the total value of orders placed from the NOF funded program to 20 million pounds.
The five purchasing waves have seen major success for Elekta, including a single order for five machines from the Christie Hospital in Manchester, the largest single order within the NOF-funded program.
Two fundamental issues that influenced the choice of Elekta as prime supplier were the unique ability to offer a combination of the latest high technology equipment and strong local support.
Elekta Makes Multi-Million-Dollar Investment in Core Technology
Elekta today announced inauguration of a new multi-million-dollar production facility at their Oncology Headquarters facility in Crawley, U.K. This marks the completion of an 18-month project to expand in-house capabilities in the core area of wave guide manufacture. The waveguide is one of the key components in the generation of the high-energy X-Ray beams that enable Elekta Precise Treatment Systems to deliver advanced clinical techniques.
With the recent commissioning of the new facility, Elekta has full process capabilities for in-house manufacture. As well as securing the supply of a strategically important component, the project will realize improved cost and process efficiencies.
The facility includes capital equipment for high-precision machining and measurement as well as clean room facilities and a high-temperature brazing furnace. "With the completion of this major investment as well as other restructuring activities, Elekta is well positioned to take advantage of new business opportunities in the U.S. and Asia," said Laurent Leksell, CEO of Elekta.
Elekta is a world-leading supplier of advanced and innovative radiation oncology and neurosurgery solutions and services for precise treatment of cancer and brain disorders. Elekta's solutions are clinically effective, cost efficient, and gentle to the patient.
More information about Elekta can be found at: www.elekta.com