Over the past two years, the single-use surgical mask became an essential part of our daily lives in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. And although we all admit to feeling tired of its prolonged use, we must acknowledge that thanks to it, we remained safe and felt protected from the unprecedented threat throughout this challenging period.
Today, the availability of masks is taken for granted. However, during the height of the crisis in the summer of 2020—when masks, though essential, were scarce in markets worldwide, and even more so in Greece—a new entrepreneurial venture was launched in Xanthi by Ilias Chatziefraimidis and his partners. Their goal was to contribute to the self-sufficiency of the Greek market in high-quality medical technology products.
The Idea
The idea for the creation of Hellenic Medical Supplies was born almost simultaneously with the outbreak of the pandemic in Greece, in early 2020. The entrepreneurs—experienced and well-established professionals in the field of medical equipment, medical consumables, and orthopedic products—quickly recognized the emerging need for surgical masks and began exploring how they could set up their own production line.
The Contribution of ena Development Consultants
Recognizing the importance of this investment initiative, ena Development Consultants embraced the Hellenic Medical Supplies business venture from day one and ensured the identification of a suitable funding source to support it.
ena Development Consultants undertook the submission and implementation of the investment plan for the establishment of Hellenic Medical Supplies, under the action “Support for the establishment of businesses, with priority in sectors of the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy (Action 3a.4.2)” of the Regional Operational Programme Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2014–2020.
More specifically, under the guidance of ena Development Consultants, Hellenic Medical Supplies secured approval for inclusion in the above-mentioned action, receiving a 70% subsidy for the following expenses:
- Construction of modern offices with high standards and quality materials
- Installation of cutting-edge Clean Room facilities, with an ISO 8 certified cleanroom for mask production
- Procurement of state-of-the-art machinery for mask production
- Development of customized ERP systems
- Certification of quality systems according to ISO 9001:2015 standards and in compliance with Regulation (EU) 2017/745 for the National Organization for Medicines (EOF)
The implementation of the investment plan was undertaken by Giannis Kaltsas, the specialized consultant for the Secondary Sector at ena Development Consultants. With experience in over 70 projects within the framework of operational programs such as Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (EPAnEK 2014–2020), Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (PEP Eastern Macedonia & Thrace 2014–2020), and Fisheries and the Sea (EPALTH–Fisheries 2014–2020), he successfully guided the project to completion.
ena also connected the new entrepreneurs with established professionals from other fields, each of whom contributed to the success of the project in their own way. Specifically, Nana Zygoura, business development, marketing & communications consultant, took on the strategic planning and branding of Hellenic Medical Supplies, while the implementation was carried out by the successful graphic design studio we are two, led by Babis Perdikopoulos and Katerina Kotti!
Difficulties
According to Demis Chatziefraimidis, partner and brother of Ilias, the challenges they faced were numerous. From the initial communications with major machinery and raw material suppliers in China, to obtaining the necessary certifications from the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), and constantly adapting to ever-changing safety measures that forced them to continuously revise their next steps—working in this field proved to be anything but simple.
The initial delays—caused by a lack of experienced engineers and necessary know-how, production difficulties, the unavailability of suitable facilities for setting up the business in Xanthi, and delays in obtaining certification from the National Organization for Medicines (EOF)—were effectively overcome thanks to hard personal work and collaboration with reputable professionals (consultants). Specifically, from the very beginning, masks.gr set its sights on quality and has consistently achieved higher standards than those required by Greek legislation throughout its journey so far.
The Present of Hellenic Medical Supplies
The goal of the entrepreneurs behind Hellenic Medical Supplies remains the provision of high-quality, certified, branded products.
Today, the company’s production capacity exceeds 2,000,000 masks per month, with its new machine producing approximately 100 masks per minute. The company aims to distribute its products both in the Greek and international markets through medical technology and related product sales networks, as well as through its online store, www.masks.gr.
The company has built a dynamic network of partnerships that has successfully brought masks.gr from Xanthi to every corner of Greece! It currently collaborates with pharmaceutical warehouses and wholesalers nationwide to distribute its products to pharmacies and retail points of sale for medical technology products.
The Company’s Facilities
The business activity takes place at the company’s new, modern facilities in Xanthi, following the issuance of the relevant license by the National Organization for Medicines, granting approval for the production of medical technology products.
The mask production takes place in a specially designed High Cleanliness Controlled Area | Clean Room Class D, which was designed, constructed, and operates in a way that controls the entry, generation, and retention of particles within the space. It fully meets the cleanliness and control standards required for the manufacturing of high-quality medical devices (MD).
The Company’s Product
Hellenic Medical Supplies exclusively produces single-use surgical masks Type IIR | Surgical disposable face masks Type IIR, which comply with the European standard EN 14683:2019. Type IIR masks with BFE ≥98% filter out bacteria at a rate of ≥98%.
Hellenic Medical Supplies masks are three-layered (made of high-quality nonwoven fabrics and a meltblown filter), in the standard adult size of 17.2 x 9.4 cm. They are hypoallergenic, latex-free, feature soft elastic ear loops for easy wearing, and have a flexible plastic nose clip for a comfortable fit.
They are primarily intended for use by healthcare professionals in operating rooms or other medical procedures with similar requirements, but also for use by patients, other professionals, or the general public during their work activities and social interactions to reduce the risk of infection transmission—especially in situations of epidemics or pandemics.
Each mask produced by the company features an embossed masks.gr authenticity mark, which also helps guide the user on the correct way to wear it. The masks are available on the market in paper packaging of 50 and 20 pieces, clearly labeled with usage and storage instructions. They come in seven colors: light blue, green, pink, black, purple, burgundy, and gray.
Although the demand for surgical-type masks in the Greek market has decreased due to the widespread use of FFP2 masks, the company manages to maintain its client base and remains committed to its core principle of producing products that are manufactured in accordance with European quality standards.
The Future of Hellenic Medical Supplies
Hellenic Medical Supplies is here to stay in the Greek market—even in the post-Covid era.
By investing in quality from the very beginning, the company remains active and adaptable to changing conditions, continuing to offer its certified products to the public—those who still rely on surgical masks for health and hygiene reasons in their daily lives and work.
The company has already invested in the addition of new, state-of-the-art machinery, which will further enhance its production capacity. While the general public may be “ditching” their masks, the need for certified, high-quality products will always be “here.”
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