Dental company Envista Holdings is consolidating the manufacturing of implants, orthodontic appliances and diagnostic equipment in China while expanding sales of dental materials in India.
Dental Tribune International reported on the start of production at the new Suzhou plant in China and the launch of Kerr dental materials in India in its September 16 report. The moves combine investment in production facilities with expansion into sales markets.
A Suzhou Plant Bringing Three Brands Together
The new plant, representing an investment of $149 million, began production on August 25, 2026. Located in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, west of Shanghai, the facility brings manufacturing for Nobel Biocare, Ormco and DEXIS together at one site.
In terms of products patients encounter, the range extends from implants to orthodontic appliances and intraoral scanners. Nobel Biocare implants and Ormco orthodontic brackets are being manufactured in China for the first time, with clear aligners and intraoral scanners also included in the production lineup. Brands used in different treatments will share the same manufacturing base.
Plans to Participate in China's Volume-Based Procurement Tenders
China's government-led volume-based procurement is another aspect to consider alongside the factory investment. The report explains that international implant manufacturers are accepting lower unit prices to meet large purchasing volumes.
As of August, Envista expected the second round of implant contracts and the first round of orthodontic product contracts to be finalized in the second half of this year. It also plans to participate in procurement processes for brackets and wires, as well as clear aligners. These are the company's stated expectations and participation plans; they do not mean that contracts have been secured.
Expanding Dental Material Sales and Education in India
In India, Envista has launched Kerr dental materials. The report states that the launch event, attended by CEO Paul Keel, took place a week after the Suzhou plant opened. However, it does not specify the event date, so the article's publication date cannot be treated as the launch date.
Envista cited growing oral health awareness and demand for aesthetic and restorative treatment in India as reasons for entering the market. It plans to hold roadshows in several cities featuring dental experts from abroad and strengthen partnerships with universities and professional organizations. The approach pairs material sales with education and opportunities to engage with dentists.
The aspects that connect to patient care are the manufacturing locations for implants and orthodontic appliances and the sales channels for dental materials. However, this report does not indicate whether products manufactured in Suzhou will be supplied to South Korea or whether sales prices there will change. It is too early to use the start of production at the Chinese plant as evidence that treatment costs in South Korea will fall or supply will increase.