Our Heritage

About Medela

For more than 50 years, Medela has developed from a small family owned company in Switzerland to a global producer of the technologically advanced breastpumps and Medical Vacuum Technology. more

History

Medela's successful history extends over more than fifty years and is marked by numerous milestones. Since its establishment, Medela has spread all over the world and with its innovative products has repeatedly set new standards for decades.

Company founder Olle Larsson
Company founder Olle Larsson

1961

Company founder Olle Larsson lays the foundation stone for the Medela success story. Initially, the private company distributes supplies to hospitals, households and industry.

"At the time I started Medela in 1961 we were a team of three. When I see today how we employ about two hundred times that number of people, are present all over the world, and even the market leader that makes me happy and grateful."

1965

The one-man company Medela O. Larsson is transformed into the joint-stock company Medela AG. It specializes in electric breastpumps and medical suction equipment.

1978

The build-up of the phototherapy division begins.

Classic breastpump
Classic breastpump

1980

The Classic breastpump, an in-house development, is introduced. For more than two decades it is the gold standard for the market.

1981

Medela establishes its first foreign subsidiary, in the USA.

Medela suction pump
Medela suction pump

The first generation of suction instruments developed in-house conquers the market. The Basic, Median and Dominant suction pumps set new standards.

Medela Manual Breastpump Basic
Medela Manual Breastpump Basic

1983

With the Manual Breastpump Medela launches a quality breastpump that all mothers can afford. Millions of mothers have used it successfully to express their milk.

Medela Sweden
Medela Sweden

1985

Medela expands further and establishes its second subsidiary, in Sweden.

Medela Germany
Medela Germany

1987

The company sets up its own subsidiary to service the German market.

Medela Lactina breast pump
Medela Lactina breast pump

1988

With the Lactina, Medela launches its second hospital breastpump. It is a flexible breastpump, with a proven track record from longterm, regular use in hospitals.

Medela Mini Electric breastpump
Medela Mini Electric breastpump

1991

Mini Electric is ready for the market. The automatic hand-held breastpump is developed for shortterm or occasional use.

Medela Japan
Medela Japan

1993

Medela expands into Asia. A further subsidiary establishes market presence in Japan. The Medela Group now has five member companies.

Medela Canada
Medela Canada

1994

A subsidiary in Canada follows the one in the USA.

Medela BiliBed Phototherapy System
Medela BiliBed Phototherapy System

With the unique BiliBed phototherapy system a baby with neonatal jaundice can be treated in its mother's room for the first time.

1996

Medela is certified to ISO 9001/EN 46001 MDD.

With QuatroFlex technology, Medela develops and launches an innovative plastic version of the piston/cylinder system.

Medela Pump In Style
Medela Pump In Style

With the introduction of the Pump In Style breastpump, Medela meets the needs of active and working mothers perfectly. The breastpump includes everything needed for expressing, storing, cooling and transporting a mother's milk.

Medela France
Medela France

1997

Medela is now also present with its own subsidiary in France.

2000

The redesigned suction pumps are awarded the coveted "Red dot design award" by the Design Centre of Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia.

Medela Symphony breastpump
Medela Symphony breastpump

2001

The Symphony is Medela's first breastpump with the 2-Phase Expression Technology. It marks the start of a new era in the breastpump market. This innovation is based on state-of-the-art research.

2003

The subsidiaries in the Netherlands and Italy become operational.

Medela Harmony breastpump
Medela Harmony breastpump

The Harmony becomes the first manual breastpump that is based on the 2-Phase Expression Technology.

Medela Clario suction pump
Medela Clario suction pump

With the small, compact Clario suction pump Medela wins its place in the home nursing market.

Medela UK
Medela UK

2004

The United Kingdom is newly served by its own subsidiary. The Medela family now has ten members.

Medela Russia
Medela Russia

2005

Medela expands further and establishes its own subsidiary in Spain and Russia.

Medela China
Medela China

2007

Medela is now also present in China with its own subsidiary.

Medela Australia
Medela Australia

2009

Medela expands further and establishes its own subsidiary in Australia.

New Medela Logo
New Medela Logo

Medela has globally introduced it's new logo. With the "Drops of life", the brand Medela has one single strong and meaningful appearance on the market.