New York's World Product Centre, due to open in 2013, has won commitment from 11 major healthcare companies.
The new skyscraper building, advertised as 'The international destination for healthcare commerce and education', will become the world's biggest hub for the medical devices, diagnostics and healthcare IT sectors.
Medtech companies committed to participation in the World Product Centre include Cardinal Health, orthopaedic specialist Zimmer and healthcare clothier Encompass Group - as well as equity firm Roundtable Health Partners, whose portfolio of companies includes ACI Medical, Aspen Surgical, Avalign Technologies, Excelsior Medical and Vesta.
"The development of World Product Centre provides a transparent, neutral location for healthcare providers to evaluate products and services from a variety of manufacturers and distributors," said Mark Rosenbaum, Chief Customer Officer for Cardinal Health.
The commitment of participating companies at this stage is needed to secure a loan towards the $1bn construction cost of the 60-storey tower, which will be built from November 2009 at 11th Avenue and 34th Street.
The World Product Centre will house around 1800 companies that, as well as trading, will supply a year-round programme of health education events.