Mediclinics: 50 years of innovation in the commercial washroom accessories industry

Who would have imagined, half a century ago, that one day we would enter a bathroom, wash our hands and dry them in a device that, in addition to emitting air, would help eliminate viruses and bacteria, making the bathroom space a hygienic and safe environment, all while being responsible with the planet? The answer is Mediclinics.

 This November we are celebrating our 50th anniversary at Mediclinics. Fifty years that reflect how, through hard work, we have consolidated our position as a benchmark in the bathroom accessories industry . Since our beginnings in Barcelona in 1974, we have grown from being a small distributor of hospital equipment to become one of the world's largest manufacturers and designers of hand dryers and other bathroom accessories. Throughout this time, the company has followed a long path marked by innovation and international expansion, offering unique solutions that have transformed the way people interact with public toilet spaces. Today, we are present in more than 100 countries and have a reputation built on innovation, quality and sustainability.

Innovation as a central pillar

Ever since our inception, Mediclinics has had a clear vision: to transform the experience in commercial washrooms through innovation, technology and design. Our first major step in this direction was taken in 1985 with the launch of the Saniflow E-85 hand dryer, a product that revolutionised the market and became a benchmark in many commercial washrooms around the world. This model not only stood out for its functionality, but it also opened the door to the evolution of a new concept in the automatic hand dryer.

However, Mediclinics' real strength lies in its ability to constantly innovate. Our commitment is not limited to creating products that meet basic needs, it goes beyond that, always seeking to exceed expectations in terms of innovation, technology, efficiency and design. A recent example of this disruptive approach is our U-flow hand dryer, which won the prestigious iF Design Award 2024. This dryer marks a clear evolution in the sector, moving from the "hands in" to the "hands through" concept, and offering a much more comfortable and efficient experience for the user thanks to the free movement of the hands.

Sustainability as a standard

When sustainability has become a global imperative, Mediclinics has excelled in creating environmentally responsible solutions. The U-flow hand dryer, for example, in addition to its innovative design, also stands out for its low-energy consumption, which reflects our company's commitment to sustainable development.

 In this respect, Mediclinics has not only led the way in adopting technologies that promote the responsible use of resources, but we have also set new standards in energy efficiency within the washroom accessories industry.

 
Product diversification: Adaptation to new needs

One of the keys to Mediclinics' success has been our ability to diversify our product range and adapt to changing market needs. Although the company is widely known for its hand dryers, our innovative vision has gone far beyond that to many other public bathroom solutions.

 In 2016, Mediclinics launched its Babymedi line of baby changing tables, a product that introduced a new concept of baby changing table and quickly gained presence in all kinds of public facilities. This line not only stands out for its design, but also for its new focus on hygiene and safety. In 2022, Mediclinics took a step forward with the introduction of a built-in model of these changing tables which optimises the space available in washrooms and offers greater versatility to architects and interior designers.

This diversification process has been instrumental in keeping Mediclinics at the forefront of the industry for five decades. Our ability to identify opportunities and develop new products that respond to market demands has allowed us to consolidate our position as a one-stop company, capable of offering the most comprehensive solutions in commercial washroom accessories.

 
International expansion: A hallmark of global success

While Mediclinics started as a local, domestic company, our ambition and global vision soon led us to explore new frontiers and international markets. In 1989, we began our expansion in Europe, marketing our products in several European countries. This was just the beginning of an impressive international expansion that today spans more than 100 countries around the world.

 One of the most important milestones in our global growth was undoubtedly the opening of new offices in the United States and Italy, which allowed us to position ourselves in these key markets for the company.

Another has been our ability to enter markets hitherto unexplored by Spanish companies in the industry. Mediclinics was a pioneer in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where our products have been a resounding success, demonstrating our ability to adapt to the idiosyncrasies of each region.

 This approach has enabled Mediclinics to not only to expand its international presence, but also to consolidate its reputation as a trusted, quality brand worldwide.

Mediclinics: A commitment to quality and excellence

Another factor that has contributed to the company's success is our unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike many other companies in the industry, Mediclinics not only distributes but also designs and manufactures its own products, something which allows us to have full control over the production process and to ensure that each product meets the highest quality standards and the strictest international regulations.

 However, quality is not only measured in terms of products at Mediclinics, but also in the service we provide to our customers. Ever since our foundation, the company has maintained a close relationship with our customers, listening to their needs and developing customised solutions that really add value for them. This approach has been key to strengthening our long-term business relationships, with many of them still relying on the brand today, ever since our inception in 1974.

A future marked by innovation

On our 50th anniversary, we are looking to the future with a clear vision: to continue to lead innovation in the commercial washroom industry.

A clear example of this vision is the evolution of the “Behind the Mirror” solution, a proposal recently launched on the market which optimises the washroom space and improves the user experience. Such solutions reflect the pioneering DNA of Mediclinics, a company that has always been one step ahead in the creation of innovative equipment for public toilets

Our 50 years are in conclusion a testament to the power of innovation, international expansion and commitment to excellence. From our humble beginnings in Barcelona 50 years ago, the company has come a long way, becoming a global benchmark in the design and manufacture of hand dryers and public toilet equipment. As we look to the future, we at Mediclinics remain true to our roots, but with the same passion for innovation that has characterised us from day one.

Sergi Zabala
Marketing Director
Mediclinics S,A