I've always been impressed with Zap lasers. The company has continually been "The Little Engine That Could". They've continually turned out good products that have competed head-to-head with much larger competitors and have managed to hold their own. A couple of years ago, they announced the "Styla Microlaser" which was the smallest diode laser on the market at DPRWorld in Las Vegas. I was lucky enough to get a chance to hold one and I was mightily impressed. I've been using a Styla since early this year and it has continued to impress. If you are looking for a diode laser, you should definitely consider it. It is highly recommended. I was impressed when Zap announced, earlier this year that they had signed a distribution agreement with Discus Dental. The idea was Discuss would agree to sell their lasers.
Another part of the agreement was that Discus might purchase Zap. While things in business usually happen much more slowly than anticipated, sometimes just the opposite takes place. So today, Discus announced they now own Zap lasers. The Styla, mentioned above, is now called the NV and is still highly recommended. As a matter of fact, if you'd like some hands-on time with the device, I'll be doing a laser hands-on workshop at the CDA North Meeting in San Francisco in September. For all the info, read on for the press release. There will also be some price changes to the Zap line.That info, will be posted here on Thursday.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
DISCUS DENTAL ACQUIRES ZAP LASERS
R&D, Manufacturing and All Remaining Operations Moving to Discus Dental’s Southern California Facilities
Culver City, CA, June 28, 2010 – Today, Discus Dental® LLC announced that it has acquired ZAP Lasers LLC, based in Pleasant Hill, CA. Building upon an extremely successful sales, marketing and distribution relationship established in October 2009, Discus will now integrate ZAP’s research and development and manufacturing functions into their Southern California operations. Discus has also acquired all other company assets including ZAP’s intellectual property.
This move will enable Discus to not only expand the distribution of their full line of soft tissue diode lasers into key countries such as Korea and Taiwan, but it also gives the company direct leadership of Zap’s research and development initiatives and cost reduction programs. The full line of Discus laser product offering includes the NV™ Microlaser, NV Ortho™, SoftLase Pro®, OrthoLase® and HygieneLase®. All products will be manufactured and sold under the Discus Dental brand globally. Discus will effectively assume responsibility over all laser manufacturing and distribution of Zap lasers by June 30, 2010.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone for Discus,” said Steve Semmelmayer, CEO of Discus Dental. “Discus is not only acquiring a trusted brand in dental lasers, but also significant intellectual property, excellent manufacturing competencies, and a technology platform for new products for at least the next decade. Zap lasers are a perfect fit with Discus’ high-impact sales and marketing machine and leverages Discus’ direct distribution channel globally.”
Over the past 10 years, Discus has developed tremendous R&D and manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the area of electro mechanical devices and other small equipment, as seen with the Insight Ultrasonic Inserts, Flashlite and Zoom. The integration of ZAP’s research and development and manufacturing with Discus’ operations is well underway and will be completed within days.
Discus Dental’s 120,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Ontario, CA is a fully automated, lean manufacturing operation, shipping tens of thousands of orders monthly, with a 99% on time delivery record. The facility is engaged in drug-level compounding, complete electro mechanical assembly, automated fluid and gel filling, micromachining, and regulated pharmaceutical distribution.
“Zap Lasers was built on a foundation of strong customer service, a focus on innovation, affordability, and total product reliability,” said Robin Duysen, COO of Zap Lasers. “Since its inception in 1999, Zap has passionately promoted the use of diode lasers in dentistry, helping make our laser product a standard of patient care. It is only fitting that we continue our efforts by joining with the Discus organization and leverage upon their strength and presence in the dental market.”
The NV™ Microlaser has received numerous awards for its innovative design and quality including Dental Products Report “2008 Product of Distinction,” the “2009 Medical Design Excellence Award,” Dentistry Today’s Top 100 Products award for 2009 and a 4.8 rating from Dental Product Shopper, the highest rating in the laser category. Most recently, the NV™ Microlaser was recognized as “Best of Class” of 2010 by the Pride Institute.
About Discus Dental LLC: Discus Dental offers a broad array of progressive, quality dental products and equipment that spans aesthetics, whitening, oral hygiene, endodontics, impression materials, composites, lasers and general operatory devices. By selling direct, Discus empowers dental professionals worldwide with premium products and affordable practice solutions. The company is widely recognized as the leading marketing and branding company in dentistry. Discus products are available in over 100 countries. Discus is headquartered in Culver City, California. More information is available at www.discusdental.com.
For media inquiries please contact:
Discus Dental, LLC
Nina Harlow
(310) 845-8354
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