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Bucher Porträts
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OTB Orthopedic Technology Berlin Co. Ltd.
Investing in health
Buch has traditionally lots to offer as far as a health region is concerned - research, medical technology, patient care and training. Even before reunification the different health institutions in Buch collaborated for the benefit of patients. This concept was successful – Buch became one of the most well known and innovative locations in the GDR.
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The precursor of the present OTB Orthopedic Technology Berlin Co. Ltd. was one of these facilities. Founded in 1963, the workshop for orthopedic technology made a name for itself in a number of fields including the development and manufacture of electromechanically operated artificial hands. Close collaboration with the physicians and orthopedic specialists of the Buch Clinic (today the HELIOS Clinic) always allowed the orthopedic technicians to find optimal solutions for their patients. There were joint research projects with the clinic physicians – such as the analysis of the way patients walked – in order to develop even better prostheses. „Our technicians talk to the surgeon before an operation regarding the factors that need to be considered in the case of an amputation, so that the prosthesis fits well“, says the engineer, Norbert Radike, one of the four founders and a current executive partner of OTB.
Today, the staff continue to ensure that they are in close contact with the clinic physicians. However, there have been a number of changes to the company that began as a private workshop forty years ago. In 1984 the Buch workshop became part of the city health service and at the time of reunification it was one of twelve orthopedic workshops in the eastern part of the city – which employed a total of 350 people. At one point it was unclear what would happen to them. Then the workers took their fate into their own hands and, in 1991 they set up the OTB Orthopedic Technology Berlin Co. Ltd.
Norbert Radike remembers this turbulent time with mixed feelings. Trust and Senate raised bureaucratic problems for the young company. Credit was suddenly cancelled, and OTB lost one of its properties. However, OTB eventually became successful by building a new facility and by stopping production and dental work.
And this success has been maintained. Today, fifteen years later, OTB is a holding of independent limited companies with 53 branches in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania which employ a total of 400 staff. There are 21 branches in Berlin – in both the east and west parts of the city. In 1999 OTB took over the branches of the Peck company in the western part of the city . The core activities of OTB consist of : specialist shops, orthopedic technology, rehab technology – which includes the special fitting of wheel chairs, for example – as well as footwear technology. The company has its head office in Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten just outside Berlin.
 Today, the Buch workshop near the S-Bahn station employs 20 staff. They are mainly engaged in producing limb prostheses as well as ortheses – which are aids that stabilize the body, such as for example a corset in the case of curvature of the spinal cord. There is also a variety of support facilities. Attached to the workshop is a modern sanitary products shop, where customers can get professional advice and are able to buy a full range of commercial sanitary products.
Executive director Radike is guardedly optimistic about the future of OTB. There are two opposite trends in the sector. On the one hand, the population is aging and people are living longer with incapacities. Accordingly, the demand for certain medical aids will increase. On the other hand, the amount of money available is steadily decreasing, the health insurance companies are making savings wherever they can. This is reflected in tough competition within the sector which drives down prices, according to Radike. He fears that this may lead to a reduction in quality in the case of some suppliers.
At the moment, he is unable to say what effect these developments will have on his company. However, he believes that in future people will spend more of their own money on medical aids. „People must recognize that it is worthwhile investing in health and quality of life. Then we will be able to continue with a successful business.“ He is convinced of it.
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At this site you will find portraits of Buch's citizens and institutions that we think you will be interested in. New ones will be dispalyed each month.
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