Perteon Seats
Company visit to Perteon on 16 October 2013
Perteon stands for People, Technology and Entrepreneurship and that is what we saw plenty of during our visit in Oldenzaal. Enthusiastic entrepreneurs deploying a wonderful feat of engineering to provide optimal seating support to (disabled) persons.
In one sentence, this is why the company was founded in 2007; three enthusiastic entrepreneurs who were (and still are) firmly convinced that smart technology can and should be helpful to help (often multiple) disabled people participate in society again. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling can hardly be called real participation. But sitting upright as much as possible and enabling interaction with the immediate environment again is the best thing you can give these people. And that is what happens here every day!
After three years of development and building a (patented) production system, the first real orthosis was produced in 2010. Because the entire business model was made independent of the end-user's location, the step towards exporting abroad was also taken immediately in 2011.
The fitting process works as follows: first, the end-user is visited at home and a smart fitting chair is used to make a 'print' of the required support surface. This impression is digitised and translated into a core to be milled out of polystyrene using smart software. A shell is made around this core with two-component resin, creating an indestructible support structure. Using upholstered foam, a comfort layer is inserted in this supporting structure, providing micro-support. The whole fits the contours of the end-user so seamlessly that sitting up is no longer necessary! All these activities are carried out within 5 working days and with the guarantee that the orthosis will be completely remade if the result is not to your satisfaction!
Needless to say, the end-user is overjoyed with these new products. It is unfortunate to note that the logistics chain and the usual funding structure in the Netherlands for this type of product via MWO and AWBZ are still somewhat viscous, unnecessarily inhibiting growth. Nevertheless, as visitors, we are convinced that this company still has a bright future ahead of it and can mean a lot to the intended target group!
Dick Kroon
Description
Individually tailored orthopaedic seating comfort for people with (severe) physical defects, that is what Perteon Seats in Oldenzaal produces and markets.
For those interested in Biomedical Engineering, this promises to be an interesting visit. High-tech measurement technology on human contours combined with state-of-the-art machining technology and sophisticated upholstery result in both beautiful and comfortable 'seating shells', which can be used for many applications. It is the ultimate solution for people who otherwise can hardly be helped, and can now (again) actively participate in life.
Perteon offers us a chance to look into the kitchen and will tell us how they got this far under their own steam. Max. 25 participants.
Location
Zutphensestraat 4, 7575 EJ Oldenzaal
Organiser
Eastern Region
Name and contact details for information
Dick Kroon