Swedish mobility and seating manufacturer Etac AB has purchased maker of custom, lightweight wheelchairs Convaid.
Founded in 1976 by Merv and Rachel Watkins in Torrance, Calif., Convaid (a portmanteau of “convalescent aids”) was built on and three key patents. The first patented folding wheelchair, called the Cruiser laid the groundwork for the company to become known for high-performance, lightweight and easy-to-use mobility products designed for all stages of a young person’s life, from infancy to young adulthood.
Etac offers mobility and living solutions including manual wheelchairs, advanced seating, patient transfer and bathing and toilet offerings. In 1982, Etac launched the R82 brand, which has grown to be global maker of seating, standing, walking, transportation, bathing and toilet aids for children and teenagers with special needs.
“We are extremely pleased with this opportunity,” Convaid’s President Chris Braun said. “Etac-R82 is known for its high quality, safety, design and vision to put the customer first. These are shared pillars of our companies’ cultures and we also share the mission of improving the lives of children with special needs and their families.”
The two companies will work to found a global platform for pediatric solutions, according to Braun.
“We look forward to continue to bring innovation, to invest in R&D to expand our product portfolio and to improve our customer’s experiences and services as part of the Etac group,” he said.
“Convaid is a very well-known and respected brand, with strength in design, manufacturing and marketing pediatric products which fulfill a clear niche in the mobility market,” Etac President Torben Helbo said. “Convaid brings leading technologies, market expertise and top quality products to Etac-R82, which will further strengthen our ability to meet the needs of the pediatric population.”