Der folgende Artikel ist auf Englisch verfasst, da er Teil einer internationalen Berichterstattung über niederländische Unternehmen auf der MEDICA 2025 ist. Im Mittelpunkt stehen die Gespräche mit BAP Medical, Aleidis Group und Rabobank über ihre Strategien zur Internationalisierung.
When the international medical technology trade fair Medica takes place in Düsseldorf in November, for many Dutch companies it is more than just a trade fair – it is a strategic meeting place for new partnerships and international contacts that help grow their businesses.
International active companies are supported by Rabobank, which not only provides financing but also actively contributes to international networking. ‘We see trade fairs such as Medica as an important building block in supporting our customers in their international expansion,’ says Jacques Kleuskens of International Desk Germany of Rabobank.
Skafit part of Aleidis group: Warmth and comfort through technology
The Aleidis Group, which includes several specialised healthcare companies, is presenting Skafit, a brand of medical clothing made from silver yarn, at this year’s Medica. The material has an antibacterial effect, promotes blood circulation and provides pleasant warmth and greater comfort for people with limited mobility or circulation problems.
For Aleidis, the trade fair is a central component of its growth strategy. ‘We use international trade fairs such as Medica to build brand awareness and attract new distribution partners,’ says Rutger Bosch, Managing Director of Aleidis. ‘Local partners are familiar with national structures, regulations and distribution channels. This combination of technological expertise and local market knowledge is crucial.’
With the support of Rabobank, Aleidis is able to integrate new companies into its structure. ‘This partnership enables us to shape growth strategically and solidly,’ emphasises Jacques Kleuskens of Rabobank.
BAP Medical: Health innovation from Apeldoorn
Another Dutch company that has firmly anchored Medica in its annual planning is BAP Medical from Apeldoorn. The company has been attending the trade fair for almost 20 years to attract new export partners from Germany to Asia.
Founded in 2006 in a garage, BAP Medical is now an international company with over 90 employees and sales in 60 countries. The team specialises in skin and wound management, scar treatment and dermatology. All products are scientifically proven – an approach that bridges the gap between medical technology and pharmacy.
‘Medica is the most important platform for us worldwide,’ explains founder Rob Hollweg. ‘This is where we meet our long-term partners, make new contacts and present targeted innovations.’ This year, in addition to its large corporate stand, BAP Medical is also presenting a new, product-focused concept at another stand: COVER an innovative wound care product from the recent acquisition of the Apeldoorn-based company BiologiQ.
For BAP Medical, too, international networking is the key to growth. Following the integration of a production facility in Belgium and the acquisition of a sales location in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the company is now turning its attention to new markets – including Germany. ‘We are already working with two distributors here and are examining what steps make sense next,’ says Hollweg.
A highlight for the company: in November, the Hanze Export Award 2025 will be presented in the Netherlands, where BAP Medical is nominated as one of the three most successful export companies in the region.
Internationally connected markets
Both companies show how different the path to international markets can be and how trade fairs such as Medica contribute to this development.
Rabobank International Business Advisory actively supports Dutch companies going abroad, through banking solutions, an extensive network and local knowledge. Trade promotion is a crucial part of the services provided at Rabobank.
