An association of enterprises, Lorraine Medical Industries (LMI) aims to develop the medical industry sector on the regional level. Interview with Etienne Malher, president of the association and director of MS Techniques.

Eureka.Lorraine: What is the role of Lorraine Médical Industries ?
Etienne Malher : LMI is the umbrella organisation for thirty or so Lorraine companies, mostly industrial subcontractors. Specialising in plastics technology, mechanics or packaging, these companies work together within LMI to go into the medical market and, in particular, the medical devices market. Some of them already have market presence, while others are aiming for it. LMI aims at developing these subcontractors' technical know-how so that they can respond better to the needs of the medical industry. We offer training focused, for example, on regulatory aspects or we take part in events such as the recent MEDTEC France trade fair in Lyon, where twelve or so companies took part. LMI also provides visibility for each of its members with laboratories or with enterprises looking for providers.

How is the French medical industry doing ?
There are a few French manufacturers, but the sector is largely dominated by American groups. The medical devices market is, nonetheless, developing, there is a place to be taken. Surgical operations use less traumatising techniques nowadays and they are going to develop further still. After heart surgery, innovations are appearing in neurovascular surgery with, for example, micro-invasive operation techniques. N.B. It is often start-ups who are behind innovations.

What projects are you thinking of carrying forward to boost the sector in Lorraine ?
LMI is aiming to create an environment that encourages medical equipment companies to set up business. They must be able to find all the subcontractors and services necessary for their development in Lorraine. Thinking of this, we are working on the project of creating a specific cluster with Metz Métropole Développement.. The idea is to develop R&D as well, in collaboration with the university labs and with CHU. By the way, there is no specialised training in Lorraine for medical devices. The schools of engineering and the pharmacy faculty could think about filling this niche and offering high level training.

• www.lorrainemedicalindustries.com