ASP International GmbH | Schaffhausen

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Economic Promotion Canton of Schaffhausen

Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has been a leader in infection prevention in hospitals and medical facilities for around 30 years. ASP focuses on the terminal sterilization of medical instruments and devices. The technology developed by ASP uses hydrogen peroxide vapor to quickly, easily, and, most importantly, safely sterilize temperature-sensitive medical instruments. The ASP Sterrad systems use cartridges filled with hydrogen peroxide, and this key component of the ASP technology solution is manufactured in Schaffhausen. "These cartridges must meet the highest safety and quality standards," explains Senior Director of Global Manufacturing, Ivo Aebischer. He leads the Schaffhausen site in production, which includes the cleanroom production and packaging of the cartridges. However, other functions such as purchasing, supply chain (planning and logistics), finance, quality, and registration are also represented at the Schaffhausen location. This makes the site a key player within ASP, he adds.

Aebischer has been at the Schaffhausen site for three years and has been involved in the integration of ASP into its new owner, the US technology company Fortive. "ASP is the third-largest company within Fortive and plays a central role in building the healthcare segment within the corporation – that’s why Schaffhausen should continue to grow," Aebischer says. ASP was founded in 1987 and was part of Johnson & Johnson until it was acquired by Fortive in 2019. In addition to Schaffhausen, ASP has a branch in Irvine, California, and is currently establishing a production facility for sterilization devices for the Chinese market in China.

The production of the key cartridges is 100 percent based in Schaffhausen, while research and development are conducted in Irvine, California. "We maintain close communication with California," explains Aebischer. "Our teams meet regularly digitally and also in person from time to time." These meetings are very important for making the company culture tangible, strengthening collaboration, and maintaining product quality. As a medical technology company, ASP relies on the quality of its products, as the demands in this internationally highly regulated industry are continuously rising. "With our well-trained and reliable workforce of around 140 employees at the Schaffhausen site, we can ensure this quality," emphasizes Aebischer. In addition to quality requirements, ASP is also facing increasing pressure for innovation and growing importance on product sustainability. "Especially the ecological component is becoming increasingly important: for sustainability, but also for economic reasons, because fewer resources mean lower costs." At the same time, this also reduces dependency on supply chains.

The production of the cartridges is highly automated and runs 24/7. "In Schaffhausen, we produce the global demand for sterilization cartridges," explains Aebischer. Every 14 seconds, a nearly transparent plastic cartridge filled with hydrogen peroxide comes off the conveyor belt. "With our products, we make an important contribution to healthcare worldwide," says Ivo Aebischer, adding that this is part of what fascinates him about his current challenge at ASP. Around 75,000 cartridges leave the facility each week and are distributed worldwide. The main market for ASP is North America, with 45%, followed by Asia and the Pacific with 14%, and Europe with 11%. The remaining 14% is distributed across Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The radius of suppliers for raw materials such as cardboard, films, paper, plastic (LDPE), or hydrogen peroxide is much smaller. ASP relies on partners from Switzerland and nearby countries. "This is not only more economical but also more ecological. The geographical proximity strengthens relationships and leads to greater flexibility," explains Aebischer. In recent years, ASP has localized its operations and increasingly works with regional partners. This is particularly evident in logistics: Due to limited storage capacities at the ASP facility, raw materials for production are delivered daily, and in return, finished goods are transported by the logistics partner Rhenus. "Thanks to the proximity, this works well," says Aebischer. The company also feels regionally connected: Employees are from the area, and the short distances to cantonal authorities, economic development organizations, and other companies are valued and frequently utilized. "When we have questions, we receive support, and we feel like a relevant part of the local economy. This is an important signal for us."