News & Events

BD Medical - Ophthalmic Systems, a unit of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), today celebrated the 75^th anniversary of the BD Beaver™ product line, which includes surgical blades and knives produced in Waltham since 1932. Initially designed and manufactured by Rudolph Beaver, BD Beaver tools and equipment are used in ophthalmic, cardiovascular, brain, orthopedic and ear, nose and throat procedures. The business was acquired by BD in 1988.

“I congratulate our associates in Waltham for their hard work and dedication to our corporate purpose of ‘Helping all people live healthy lives’,” said Edward J. Ludwig, BD Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “BD associates are passionate about making better medical solutions available to people all over the world, and the innovative products manufactured in this facility are truly improving the delivery of healthcare.”

Doug Lawrence, General Manager and Vice President, BD Medical - Ophthalmic Systems, added, “In celebrating 75 years of developing and manufacturing a premier line of surgical products, we’re also celebrating 75 years of outstanding brand equity in the BD Beaver line. BD in Waltham has benefited from a talented workforce dedicated to technological innovation.”

With more than 200 associates from Waltham and the surrounding areas, BD is one of the region’s largest employers. The BD plant in Waltham produces more than 500 products, including BD Beaver™ surgical knives and blades, BD Xstar™ Safety Cataract Knives, BD Visitec™ instruments and accessories as well as BD Atomic Edge™ Safety Cataract Knives that are distributed to more than 100 countries around the world and used in millions of surgeries each year.