Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Fisher & Paykel began in 1934 as an importer of refrigerators, washing machines and radios. In 1938, F&P signed an agreement with Kelvinator and in the mid-1950s moved to manufacturing products using the company's own technology.

The involvement in healthcare started in the late 1960s when F&P sought involvement in a business that could benefit from their growing manufacturing and electronic expertise. A prototype respiratory humidifier, developed in New Zealand for use with patients being ventilated in hospital intensive care situations, was taken to the production stage by F&P. Continuing product innovation to improve patient care and development of a world-wide distribution network are two core strengths.

The company was separated and was also listed on the stock exchange on 14 November 2001. As part of a reorganization, Fisher & Paykel Industries Limited was renamed Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited and a new company, Fisher & Paykel Appliances Holdings Limited, was established to own F&P's appliances and finance business.

In connection with the reorganisation, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited listed on the Australian and New Zealand Stock Exchanges and Nasdaq. In February 2003 the Nasdaq listing was terminated.

Business areas

The company maintains focus on two major product groups.

Respiratory and acute care

Respiratory humidifiers, single-use and reusable chambers and breathing circuits and accessories. These are designed to humidify and deliver the gases that a patient receives during mechanical ventilation, non-invasive ventilation, oxygen therapy, and laparoscopic surgery.

Their neonatal care products include infant warmers to help maintain normal body temperature, infant resuscitators and CPAP systems designed to improve infant respiratory function.

Obstructive sleep apnea

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy products, which are used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea to prevent temporary airway closure during sleep. Their products, including integrated flow generator-humidifiers, are designed to deliver humidified airflow to patients during CPAP therapy.