Medela is a global medical device company and leading manufacturer of breastfeeding products and medical vacuum technology. Founded in 1961 in Baar, Switzerland, the company remains a family-owned business under the parent company Medela Holding AG. It serves over 6 million hospitals and homes worldwide, focusing on “turning science into care” through extensive research in human milk and lactation.

Corporate Overview

Headquarters:
Baar, Switzerland.

Leadership:
Founded by Olle Larsson; his son, Michael Larsson, has served as Chairman of the Board since 2001. Thomas Golücke assumed the role of CEO in 2024.

Global Presence:
Operates 20 subsidiaries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia, with a distribution network spanning over 100 countries.

Workforce:
Employs approximately 1,500 to 1,900 people worldwide.

Production:
Maintains three primary production and warehouse facilities in Switzerland, the United States, and China.
Key Business Divisions & Products

Medela divides its operations into two main segments:
Mom & Baby Care and Professional Care.

Breastfeeding & Baby Care:

Breast Pumps:
Medela is recognized for its “2-Phase Expression Technology,” which mimics a baby’s natural sucking rhythm. Key models include the Symphony (hospital-grade), Freestyle Hands-free, and Sonata smart pumps.

Accessories:
Includes breast shields (PersonalFit Flex), nursing bras, storage bottles, bags, and nipple care products like Purelan lanolin cream.

NICU Solutions:
Specialized devices like Calesca, a waterless warming and thawing device for human milk, and enteral feeding solutions for premature infants.

Healthcare (Medical Vacuum Technology):

Suction & Drainage:
Provides surgical vacuum solutions, medical gas regulators, and advanced thoracic drainage systems such as Thopaz+.

Neonatal Solutions:
Develops phototherapy lamps for treating jaundiced newborns.

Innovation & Research

Medela’s product development is heavily research-driven, notably through its long-standing partnership with the University of Western Australia (UWA) initiated in 1996.

Scientific Milestones:
The company has hosted the International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium since 2006 to share scientific breakthroughs, such as the discovery of stem cells in breast milk.

Digital Integration:
The Medela Family app offers Bluetooth-enabled tracking for pumping sessions and educational resources for parents.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The Medela Cares program is built on three pillars:

People:
Focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and supporting the growth of its employees.

Planet:
Aims for sustainability by targeting 50% renewable energy use and reducing packaging waste.

Society:
Dedicated to increasing global access to breastfeeding resources and education.