Welch Allyn Ranked among "50 Best Companies to Work for in Ireland"

Business Wire, Feb 28, 2008

Company Leadership Credits Talented Workforce and Resilient Family Culture

NAVAN, Ireland -- The Irish Independent today announced that Welch Allyn, a leading global manufacturer of frontline medical products and solutions, has been ranked among the "50 Best Companies to Work for in Ireland," according to the country's most comprehensive study of workplace culture. This is the first time in the company's history that it has participated in the program, earning placement among this prestigious group of companies as a new entrant.

"This achievement is a testament to the strength and resiliency of our company culture, as well as the diverse talents of the Navan workforce," said Julie Shimer, president and CEO, Welch Allyn. "For over 90 years Welch Allyn has strived to instill the values of family, transparency and trust, and receiving this award shows that our core values are still relevant and adaptable as we expand our presence globally."

The study conducted by The Great Place to Work[R] Institute Ireland identifies the top organizations that foster employee relationships based on trust, pride and enjoyment. Organizations are selected mainly on the basis of a Trust Index[TM]--confidential employee surveys that rate the employer on about 50 elements encompassing credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. As a secondary component the organization must complete a Culture Audit, through open-ended responses, that explores the company's philosophy, human resources practices, employee communications, recognition programs, diversity efforts, etc.

"Much of the success of our company comes from the blending of people from different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives," said Dan Fisher, senior vice president, HR and Organization Leadership, Welch Allyn. "This unique respectful sharing of creative ideas significantly contributes to the strength of the Welch Allyn company".

The Welch Allyn Ireland operation was established in 1973 as the company's first manufacturing site outside the United States. The company moved to Navan in 1981 and eventually settled into its existing location in the IDA Business Park in 2001 with the establishment of European Shared Service operations. It has since grown to become the company's international headquarters, maintaining responsibility for all international sales, marketing, research and development, finance, quality assurance and regulatory affairs, outside the United States and Canada.

"Operations managed by the Navan facility have grown significantly in recent years. This is due, in large part, to the strong vision the company's leadership has provided since its inception," said Louise McDonald, president, International & executive vice president, Welch Allyn. "In Ireland, our team delivers that vision and builds on the legacy of those that have contributed over the past 35 years. On behalf of each and every Welch Allyn employee I am extremely proud of this award and look forward to our continued global growth."

The Great Place to Work Institute manages the application process in Ireland for Irish Independent as it does in the United States for Fortune magazine, where Welch Allyn also has received recognition as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. More information on the Great Place to Work Institute Ireland is available at www.greatplacetowork.ie.

About Welch Allyn

Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, New York (USA), Welch Allyn is a leading global manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment and a complete range of digital and connected solutions. With over 2,300 employees working in 17 different countries, Welch Allyn specializes in helping doctors, nurses, and other frontline practitioners across the globe provide the best patient care by developing innovative products, breakthrough technologies, and cutting edge solutions that help them see more patients, detect more conditions, and improve more lives. More information about Welch Allyn and its complete line of connected products and solutions may be found at www.welchallyn.com.