STOCKHOLM, Sweden, June 6, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Gambro AB (Stockholmsborsen:GAMBaST) (Stockholmsborsen:GAMBbST), a leading international medical technology and healthcare company, today announced that it has signed a 10-year loan of Euro 150 million with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The loan supports Gambro's R&D investments at the two new production plants in Lund, Sweden, and Hechingen, Germany, as well as the construction of the two new plants for manufacture of synthetic dialyzers which has started in Hechingen and Meyzieu, France. The investments are being made during a four year period, in the years 2001-2004.
At the plant in Lund dry dialysis concentrates are produced. The plants in Hechingen and Meyzieu manufacture synthetic dialyzers for hemodialysis treatment. Dry concentrates as well as synthetic dialyzers are products of strategic importance for Gambro. Both segments grow fast and therefore Gambro has decided to substantially increase the existing production capacity. In total, the existing capacity will be increased by 14.5 million synthetic dialyzers per year and the capacity for dry concentrates will be doubled.
For further information please contact: Karin Avasalu, Vice President, Corporate Communications, tel. +46-8-613 65 99, +46-70-513 65 99 Pia Irell, Investor Relations Director, Corporate Finance, tel. +46-8-613 65 91, +46-70-513 65 91 Kevin Smith, President Gambro Inc., Investor Relations U.S., tel. +1-303 231 4750
Gambro is a global medical technology and healthcare company with leading positions in renal care - services and products - and blood component technology. Gambro Healthcare is one of the leading providers of kidney dialysis services in the world with more than 52,000 patients in more than 670 clinics worldwide. Gambro Renal Products comprises dialyzers, dialysis machines, blood lines and dialysis concentrates. Gambro BCT is the market leader in separation and handling of blood components. The group, with 2001 revenues of approximately SEK 27 billion (USD 2.7 billion), has 20,500 employees in some 40 countries.
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