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Heritage

Sunrise Medical has a rich history that dates back to 1983. Find out some of the key points in our heritage.

1983

Sunrise Medical is incorporated and establishes its first distribution and manufacturing divisions in the United Kingdom and USA with the acquisition of BEC Mobility (a manufacturer of powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters formed in 1968).

Sunrise Medical is incorporated.
1985

Sunrise Medical expands its international presence with the addition of a new distribution division in Canada. 

1986
QUICKIE Acquired

Sunrise Medical acquires QUICKIE Wheelchairs. QUICKIE revolutionized the manual wheelchair industry by introducing personalized, ultra-lightweight wheelchairs to the mass-market.

QUICKIE Acquired
1987
First BREEZY wheelchair

The first BREEZY standard wheelchair is introduced. Designed to meet the needs of the elderly population, BREEZY is the first to bring comfort, performance and style to the geriatric wheelchair segment.

First BREEZY wheelchair
1988
First STERLING Mobility Scooters

The first STERLING branded mobility scooter is introduced. With its unique front and rear suspension, the STERLING scooter goes on to become Europe’s best-selling scooter in its first year.

First STERLING Mobility Scooters
1989
First ZIPPIE Wheelchair

The first ZIPPIE lightweight pediatric wheelchair is introduced. With the capability to grow with the child and available in a rainbow of bright colors, ZIPPIE is the first personalized, ultra-lightweight wheelchair to bring fun to the pediatric wheelchair market.

First ZIPPIE Wheelchair
1992
SOPUR Acquired

Sunrise Medical acquires SOPUR, a leading German manufacturer of active ultra-lightweight wheelchairs and handbikes.

SOPUR Acquired

Sunrise Medical launches a new distribution companies in France, the Netherlands and expands manufacturing operations into Spain.

Sunrise Medical UK becomes the first wheelchair and mobility scooter manufacturer to be awarded ISO 9000/9001 - an international standard that demonstrates the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

1993

Sunrise Medical establishes its Norwegian division with the acquisition of Norsk Rehab, the exclusive distributor of QUICKIE wheelchairs in Norway.

1994
Sunrise Medical acquires JAY

Sunrise Medical acquires JAY Medical, the recognized world leader in wheelchair seating and positioning products.

Sunrise Medical acquires JAY

Sunrise Medical establishes its Swedish division with the acquisition of Vitactiv AB, the exclusive distributor for QUICKIE wheelchairs and STERLING mobility scooters in Sweden.

1995
Sunrise Medical acquires COOPERS

Sunrise acquires COOPERS, a market-leader of ambulatory products with a history dating back over 100 years. 

Sunrise Medical acquires COOPERS

Sunrise Medical expands its international presence with the addition of a new distribution division in Australia. 

Sunrise Medical establishes its Italian division with the acquisition of Ala, the exclusive distributor of QUICKIE wheelchairs in Italy.

Sunrise Medical establishes its Swiss division with the acquisition of Rospo AG, the exclusive distributor of QUICKIE wheelchairs in Switzerland.

1996

Sunrise Medical is the official sponsor of the 1996 Paralympic games, held in Atlanta, GA.

1996 Paralympic Games

Sunrise Medical expands its global manufacturing with the addition of a new manufacturing plant in Mexico.

2004
Sunrise Medical acquires WHITMYER

Sunrise Medical acquires WHITMYER, a specialized manufacturer of personalized fit head support systems and accessories.

Sunrise Medical acquires WHITMYER
2005

Sunrise Medical acquires LOMAX, a UK-based designer and manufacturer of powered and manual wheelchairs.

Sunrise Medical expands its global manufacturing with the addition of a new manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China.

2006

Sunrise Medical expands its global manufacturing with an additional manufacturing plant in China.

2011

Sunrise Medical expands its global manufacturing with the addition of a new manufacturing plant in Poland.

2013
Sunrise Medical acquires JCM

Sunrise Medical acquires JCM Seating, a UK-based designer and manufacturer of highly-innovative and tailor-made specialist seating support systems.

Sunrise Medical acquires JCM

Sunrise Medical acquires Medicco S.R.O, our long-standing exclusive distributor in the Czech Republic.

2015
Sunrise Medical acquires GEMINO

Sunrise Medical acquires Handicare's mobility product lines (including GEMINO rollators) and its manufacturing divisions in Norway, Denmark, Netherlands and China..

Sunrise Medical acquires GEMINO
Sunrise Medical acquires RGK

Sunrise Medical acquires RGK, an industry leader in the development, design, manufacturing and distribution of bespoke high end sports/basketball and daily use manual wheelchairs.

Sunrise Medical acquires RGK
Sunrise Medical acquires SWITCH-IT

Sunrise Medical acquires SWITCH-IT, an industry leader in the development, design, manufacturing and distribution of specialty drive controls and input devices for power wheelchairs.

Sunrise Medical acquires SWITCH-IT
2017

Sunrise Medical expands its international presence with the addition of a new distribution division in Japan.

2018
Sunrise Medical acquires Magic Mobility

Sunrise Medical acquires MAGIC MOBILITY, an Australian manufacturer best known for its all-terrain power wheelchairs.

Sunrise Medical acquires Magic Mobility
2019
Empluse Introduced

The first EMPULSE wheelchair push aid is introduced with the R20. Designed to support the attendant pushing the wheelchair, the R20 is the only power-pack that can be folded with the wheelchair.

Empluse Introduced
2020
Sunrise Medical acquires Oracing

Sunrise Medical acquires ORACING designs, a manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of sports, made-to-measure manual wheelchairs, hand bikes and E-Mobility power assist products.

Sunrise Medical acquires Oracing
Sunrise Medical Acquires LECKEY

Sunrise Medical acquires LECKEY, a globally recognised pioneer in the research and development of products that help children and adults with disabilities to go, do, enjoy and participate in everyday activities throughout the day and night.

Sunrise Medical Acquires LECKEY
2022
Sunrise Medical acquires The Helping Hand Company

Sunrise Medical acquires The Helping Hand Company, a reputed British company specialising in the design, manufacture and distribution of pressure management seating and positioning products, Symmetrikit 24hour postural care range, independent living and environmental products.

Sunrise Medical acquires The Helping Hand Company
Sunrise Medical acquires Now Tech

Sunrise Medical acquires Now Tech, a tech start-up company with highly desired technical skills and 10+ years industry specific knowledge and expertise in the development of smart power wheelchair controllers (such as the innovative Gyroset Vigo special head control).

Sunrise Medical acquires Now Tech
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