We are Richard Wolf
Working to advance endoscopic medicine for more than 100 years.
Richard Wolf GmbH is a global leader in minimally invasive surgery with 16 subsidiaries and 130 distributors meeting the needs of surgeons, medical professionals, and patients with high-quality, precision endoscopic instruments.
Since 1906, we have been dedicated to working with leading medical experts around the world to develop innovative products that enhance surgical results and save lives. The spirit of excellence is the guiding principle for everything we do, from the earliest stages of R&D to the moment one of our instruments is shipped to a facility. We are constantly striving to shape the future of minimally invasive surgery and improve patient outcomes.

Innovators in Endoscopy
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation is the first and largest subsidiary of Richard Wolf GmbH. Through our careful collaboration with respected surgeons and industry leaders, we have built a portfolio that is as innovative as it is extensive. Used for a wide range of procedures, our endoscopes, hand instruments, and working elements are designed to meet the needs of surgeons and ensure the health of patients. We are focused on positively impacting outcomes through innovations in endoscopy, and our dedication to excellence is reflected across our entire line of products.
Located just north of Chicago in Vernon Hills, Illinois, our US headquarters is home to our manufacturing, assembly, sales, marketing, repair, customer service, and administrative teams, as well as our state-of-the-art biolab and training center, Academy Prima Vista. Our clinical experts and sales representatives service medical facilities across the country.
Corporate philosophy
Our Motivation
We live the "spirit of excellence" every day to promote people‘s health and quality of life to the highest degree. People are at the center of everything we do.
Our Mission
Thorough customer focus at the grassroots level forms the foundation of our actions. It is more than just a task for us to continuously exploit potential for improvement: This is our permanent commitment and the long-term principle of our production organization. Our goal is to act sustainably by finding solutions together and implementing them consistently. We concentrate both on the approval of existing products in focus markets and on the development of innovative products for established markets.
Our Vision
Together with our customers, we develop outstanding products and services that serve the well-being of patients. We inspire our customers with unique added value and address end-users in human medicine worldwide in various specialties with our innovative products and services. We pique the interest of end-users with our own products as well as the products of our business partners. The goal is to achieve a leading market position in our core areas of expertise and to provide superior value to support our partners‘ excellent market position. As a first-class employer with a focus on sustainability, we have a responsibility to society as a whole. Our corporate culture is future-oriented, value-driven and positively characterized by promoting and challenging. Being represented worldwide, we recognize risks at an early stage and consistently exploit opportunities.
Richard Wolf has a long standing record in endoscopy and enjoys a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy business partner. We are unambiguously committed to legal compliant conduct, transparency, sustainability, and fairness and integrity. We develop, manufacture and market our products based on the benchmarks of premium quality, customer satisfaction and safety for patients. Today, adherence to laws, and rules and principles of conduct specific to individual companies is described as “compliance” (conformity with regulations). The executive management in Knittlingen has defined global compliance standards for this and implemented them in the form of a code of conduct with associated guidelines. These guidelines are binding and apply worldwide for all employees working for Richard Wolf, including the executive management and our subsidiary companies.
Over recent decades, Richard Wolf has gained an outstanding reputation for quality and innovation in endoscopy. Richard Wolf has given these rules of conduct concrete form as internal company guidelines in order to maintain this reputation. The compliance guidelines created for this purpose provide a binding benchmark for conduct adopted by all employees. Furthermore, our objective is to be a fair partner for customers and suppliers with transparent business processes.
Quality is the foundation for our success – “spirit of excellence”
The quality of our products and service forms the platform for ensuring the continuous success and satisfaction of our customers in the marketplace. We achieve excellent quality and premium product safety through compliance with the regulatory requirements of our target markets and collaboration between all the divisions of the company. This principle is supported by motivated employees with a high level of expertise and a strong awareness of quality. On this basis, our processes and workflows are being continuously improved. Efficient and effective processes avoid non-conformance costs, secure business development and promote the success of our company.
Quality philosophy
Product quality and product safety
We develop and position high quality products to meet the needs of the marketplace. This involves using the latest technologies and engaging in knowledge exchange with opinion leaders in focused areas of applications. Our products are engineered with the state of the art technology to meet the highest requirements for product safety. Systematic analysis of the products in the market over the entire product life cycle enables the weak points to be identified at an early stage and appropriate measures to be introduced.
Customer satisfaction
We ensure customer satisfaction through highly motivated employees, well-developed service strategies, maximum quality for our products and services, and expert advice and support.
Regulatory requirements
Our objective is to meet the regulatory requirements of our target markets at all times.
Collaboration between the divisions
Interdisciplinary communication is ensured by regular meetings. These meetings aim to take decisions on steering the company in the right direction. When reaching decisions of this nature, it is important to meet the expectations of our customers while simultaneously taking the business interests of the company into account. These considerations need to be implemented in a well-balanced approach.
Employees
A continous analysis alongside employee discussions and systematic advanced training, ensure a high level of specialist expertise in all areas.
Processes and workflows
Quality is a collaborative effort. A joint approach enables us to carry out regular process reviews with the objective of optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of our process workflows. This in turn forms a building block for the success of our company. Systematic Internal Audits are carried out to ensure the effectiveness of our processes and workflows. Transparency, communication and training create continued quality awareness.
Business development
Preventive non-conformance management and reduction of waste drive an increase in profitability. Our aim is therefore to prevent faults at an early stage or at least to identify them as quickly as possible. They can then be monitored to ensure the improvement of our products and workflow.
Quality Management System
The quality management system implemented by Richard Wolf is certified in conformity with DIN EN ISO 13485 and EC Directive 93/42/EEC. As a company operating on the global stage, we also meet international requirements of our target markets. Additionally we are MDSAP certified.
Certificate EN ISO 13485.2016 MDR-EU-Certificate 50593-60-00-02 MDSAP-Certificate ISO 13485.2016
Richard Wolf is continuosly striving to work towards excellence. This is the maxim for a holistic, lean transformation. Our interpretation of the concept of W-OPEX expresses the Wolf Operational Excellence Concept. It encompasses the alignment of the company with the requirements of the marketplace, our customers, and our own corporate guidelines. An interdisciplinary roadmap for incremental process optimization defines the route to achieving our ambitious goals.
The W-OPEX philosophy is already deployed at the first stage of the entire supply chain in order to enhance added value and cost-effectiveness in the relevant business processes. The sales processes follow in the next stage geared to increasing the positive effects. Another component of W-OPEX is Critical Chain Project Management in research and development, which reduces the time to market by maximizing innovation and project throughput. An improvement organization was created in order to foster sustainable transformation within the company and achieve the ambitious targets.
A self-learning organization is being created together with employees and managers with the objective of achieving continuous improvement.
For socially responsible, ethical, and environmentally friendly action in the company and in the supply chain
Preamble
Richard Wolf has a long tradition in endoscopy and is known as a reliable and trustworthy business partner. We develop, produce, and distribute product solutions in the field of medicine according to the highest standards of quality, customer satisfaction and patient safety.
Richard Wolf is an internationally active company and thus part of the political and social environment. As an active member of national and European associations, Richard Wolf is a neutral discussion partner and participates transparently with reliable facts in the formation of political opinion in contact with governments, associations, and other interest groups in the healthcare industry.
As a globally active company, we assume responsibility for society as a whole (corporate responsibility). Responsible, social, ethical, and environmentally friendly actions are firmly anchored in our corporate culture.
In our dealings with our employees and all stakeholders around the world, our business activities are based on sustainability, transparency, respect, fairness, and integrity. With this in mind, we have drawn up this guideline based on the principles of internationally recognized corporate governance standards. These include, for example,
the UN Global Compact, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the labor and social standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO). The policy statement is intended to inform employees, business partners (e.g., suppliers, customers, dealers) and the public about how Richard Wolf fulfills its overall social responsibility.
Applicable documents
Mission statement
Spirit of excellence – Our values
Richard Wolf mission statement
2 Our values
2.1 People at the center
2.1.1 Prohibition of physical, psychological, and sexual violence
We do not tolerate inhumane treatment, corporal punishment, insults or threats, or deprivation of the freedom of communication and movement of employees in our organization or with business partners. This also includes any form of psychological pressure as well as physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, intimidation, or harassment.
2.1.2 Human rights
We respect the personal dignity, privacy, and human rights of everyone. We support internationally recognized human rights and do not tolerate human rights violations.
2.1.3 Prohibition of child labor, forced labor and slavery
We do not tolerate child, forced or punitive labor, slavery, or human tra icking, neither by us nor by our business partners.
2.1.4 Equal opportunities / anti-discrimination
We observe the principles of equal opportunities in the selection and promotion of our employees. We exclude any disadvantage or discrimination based on age, physical or mental disability, ethnic origin, physical appearance, skin color, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, marital status, or other characteristics of employees.
2.1.5 Right of association and freedom of expression
We respect the right of employees to freedom of association within the framework of the applicable rights and laws. Members of employee organizations or trade unions are neither to be favored nor discriminated against.
2.1.6 Fair working conditions
We remunerate our employees appropriately and fairly and ensure that both the payment of the statutory minimum wage and the statutory maximum working hours are complied with. We do not exploit anyone. We do not exploit emergencies of employees and business partners but behave loyally.
We expect the same from our business partners.
2.1.7 Protection of the health and safety of employees
We ensure compliance with applicable health and safety laws, regulations and provisions and provide safe and healthy working conditions for our employees. In addition, we promote the continuous development of occupational health and safety measures and systems and conduct workplace risk assessments. Each of our employees is obliged to comply with all occupational health and safety regulations in their area. We consistently develop our health and safety measures.
2.2 Customer focus
2.2.1 Customer satisfaction, partners, service
We live in customer proximity through our global presence. This puts us in a position to maintain close customer contact, to identify future requirements and implement new products and solutions in line with the market. The wishes of our customers and partners, their satisfaction and trust are our guiding principles. With highly motivated employees, distinctive service strategies, top quality and competent advice and support, we want to go above and beyond to satisfy our customers and partners.
2.3 Fairness / respect
2.3.1 Fairness in dealing with employees and business partners.
The basis for cooperation is fair and respectful treatment. Mutual trust and respectful exchange are important to us. This applies to everyone.
2.3.2 Fair competition
We observe the principles of free and fair competition. This includes compliance with all applicable antitrust regulations, competition rules and other laws and international regulations. We compete solely based on the quality, innovation, and price of our products. Under no circumstances do we gain an unfair competitive advantage or restrict competition in an impermissible manner through any kind of behavior.
2.3.3 Combating corruption
We do not practice or tolerate any form of corruption or other serious misconduct. In particular, the active granting of advantages and bribery as well as the passive acceptance of advantages and bribery are prohibited. We are not for sale and do not buy the goodwill of our business partners. We do not grant or accept any unlawful, unauthorized advantages.
2.3.4 Anti-money laundering
We prevent money laundering in our company through appropriate organizational measures.
2.4 Transparency
2.4.1 Conflict of interest
We make decisions relating to our business activities with business partners exclusively based on objective criteria. We rule out conflicts of interest with private interests or other economic or other activities, including those of family members or other related parties. We ensure that the interests of our company and our employees do not conflict with the interests of our clients. Should there nevertheless be a risk of conflicts of interest, we disclose this.
2.4.2 Identifying concerns
We encourage our employees to report concerns, complaints, or potentially unlawful activities in the workplace or in business activities in confidence, without threat of reprisal, intimidation, or harassment, and provide them with appropriate resources. We investigate such reports and take corrective action, as necessary.
2.4.3 Processes and compliance
We ensure that our employees are informed about the contents of this policy statement and the resulting obligations and that they comply with them. The same applies to the corresponding guidelines for business partners.
2.4.4 Monitoring and obligation to provide evidence
We document compliance with the aforementioned basic principles and standards appropriately and report on this as required by law.
2.4.5 Compliance Officer / contact details in the event of violations
We have appointed a compliance o icer. If our employees or our business partners recognize imminent violations of applicable law or of the contents of this declaration of principles in their cooperation with Richard Wolf, please contact our Compliance Offiicer at the following address: compliance@richard-wolf.com
We guarantee confidentiality when dealing with anonymous or non-anonymous information.
2.4.6 Supply chain
We communicate our basic principles and standards to our business partners via similar guideline agreements or conclude comparable agreements with them. This is intended to ensure compliance with these basic principles and standards along the supply chain and to continuously improve the associated processes at our business partners' subcontractors.
2.4.7 Import and export regulations
Regarding global business activities, we ensure compliance with the applicable laws and regulations for the import and export of goods, services, and information and for combating international terrorism.
2.5 Reliability
2.5.1 Product safety
We develop, produce, and distribute our products in accordance with the highest standards of quality, customer satisfaction and patient safety. All statutory quality assurance requirements are consistently implemented. Should complaints nevertheless arise, we ensure that these are rectified comprehensively and as quickly as possible.
2.5.2 Compliance with legal regulations
We fulfill our social responsibility in all our business activities. In all our business activities and decisions, we comply with the applicable laws and other relevant regulations of the countries in which we operate. We strictly reject any kind of unlawful behavior and consistently punish any violations.
2.5.3 Data protection and confidentiality
We ensure compliance with all applicable laws on the protection of personal data (in particular of employees and business partners) and any other obligations arising from confidentiality agreements. We protect the business secrets of our business partners. Conversely, we also oblige our business
partners to maintain confidentiality.
2.5.4 Intellectual property
We protect our intellectual property and respect the intellectual property of third parties. Intellectual property includes, for example, development results, drawings, patents, trademarks and other industrial property rights, copyrights, designs, trade secrets, samples, models, and other know-how.
2.6 Perfection in quality
2.6.1 Quality of products and processes
We strive tirelessly to improve the quality of our products and the development processes to fulfill our responsibility to users and patients and to ensure optimal patient care.
2.7 Environmental awareness
2.7.1 Environmental protection requirements
We work as sustainably as possible. We regard the legal requirements for environmental protection as a minimum standard and appeal to our employees and business partners to go beyond these minimum requirements. We see our work as a contribution to current and future generations.
2.7.2 Conservation of resources
We strive to continuously optimize and reduce the consumption of energy, water, and non-renewable resources.
2.7.3 Avoidance of critical ingredients
To protect life on land and under water (biodiversity), we make decisions in favor of environmentally friendly materials wherever possible, always in accordance with regulatory requirements.
2.7.4 Reduction of waste
We minimize waste and promote the circular economy, e.g., by developing, manufacturing, and using recyclable products and packaging and by enabling the return of recyclable materials for recycling.
2.7.5 Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
We strive to e ectively reduce the carbon emissions generated in connection with our business activities.
2.7.6 Material compliance
We ensure compliance with all relevant, applicable legal or other provisions for substance bans and restrictions.
More than 100 years of experience
Founded in 1906 by Georg Wolf in Berlin, the Wolf Group has drawn on its over 100 years of experience to play a leading role in the development of endoscopy and shockwave therapy. Innovative solutions for human medicine are the result. This integration of science and medicine is what defines the quest for first class products and system solutions. Richard Wolf GmbH has been owned by the Richard and Annemarie Wolf Foundation since 1968.

A global presence

What began as a family business from the headquarters in the German town of Knittlingen has grown to become a company of international relevance with a global presence. We currently have 16 subsidiaries and 130 distributors across the globe, to ensure we are able to fulfill the wishes and needs of physicians, patients, and technicians alike. In addition, further service locations work to meet requirements in particularly strong or emerging markets, due to supply and demand.
Multiple award-winners
Richard Wolf had many awards, such as quality, design, innovation, product design, or for our branding and communication strategy, and we continue Richard Wolf GmbH has been honored with awards on multiple occasions.
The core nova and OR integration solution was named as the top product at the M&K AWARD 2017. What's more, Richard Wolf received the Medical Communication Award in recognition of the company's marketing strategy in 2017. At international level, the ENDOCAM® Flex HD endoscopy camera was recognized by the International Business Award.

Putting people at the heart

In every area we are involved in, values such as fairness, respect, team spirit, and trust shape a good working environment in which quality and sustainable entrepreneurial results thrive.
Enjoying the work that we do is an essential factor for success at Richard Wolf. Our employees demonstrate our "spirit of excellence" with passion and knowledge, and—what's more—with a smile!
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