Visit to Stryker Trauma GmbH in Schönkirchen

On 7 May 2026, we made the long journey to Kiel. We toured the city and had a joint dinner to strengthen us for the main event on the next day: a visit to Stryker Trauma GmbH.              
After arrival, we introduced ourselves and our work in the RTG and learned about the history of Stryker as well as the production site itself, which dates back even further. We learned that around 550,000 nails produced by Stryker are used worldwide each year – about one every minute – and that most of them are produced in Schönkirchen. Thereafter, we received a practical demonstration on how to utilize one of their products, the so-called “Gamma4” nail, which is used to stabilize hip joint fractures. Next, we were shown around the production itself, where we could observe the entire process from titanium rods through various milling and bending steps up to sterilization and packaging. Additionally, we were able to take a look at Stryker’s biomechanical laboratories. We concluded our visit with a workshop on product development.           
We finished the day with a visit to the beach and another dinner, before making the way back to Jena on 9 May.
Overall, this trip provided us with valuable insights into the industry, their way of thinking and how they are tackling problems that occur while developing products for the market.

Philipp Stempfle