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Carestream Health
Carestream Health
from Wikipedia

Carestream Health, Inc., formerly Eastman Kodak Company's Health Group, is an American medical imaging company, owned by Canadian investment firm Onex Corporation.[3]

Key Information

Headquarters in Rochester, New York

History

[edit]

In 2007, the Kodak Health Group was sold to Onex Corporation for $2.35 billion in cash.[4][5] Around 8,100 employees transferred to Onex, and Kodak Health Group was renamed Carestream Health. In April 2017, Carestream Health announced an agreement to sell its Dental Digital business to private equity firms Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and the Hillhouse Capital Management group, part of CareCapital Advisors Limited. Carestream Dental provides imaging systems and practice management software for general and specialist dental practices. The dental X-ray film and anesthetics business were not included in the agreement and remain with Carestream Health.[6]

Products

[edit]

Products include: photothermographic laser imagers, photothermographic imaging film, computed radiography systems, digital radiography systems,[7] and other diagnostic imaging systems for the medical and dental imaging fields. Carestream Health owns more than 800 patents for medical and dental imaging technology. Digital imaging technologies include the DRX-1 series, which allows a wireless connection between the digital X-ray detector and computer system (whether part of their static system or a mobile/portable radiography system).[8][9]

Medical and Dental Products

Non-Medical Products

  • Contract manufacturer / Precision coating offerings, including coating; pilot coating and development; hard coating; PET manufacturing; TPU film manufacturing; solution preparation and delivery; analytical and quality testing; and converting and packaging.[12]
  • Non Destructive Testing Products, including: Computed Radiography and X-ray film.[13]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Carestream Health, Inc. is an American specializing in systems and non-destructive testing equipment. Headquartered in , the company was founded in 2007 as a spin-off from Eastman Company's Health Group and operates as a privately held entity following a 2022 recapitalization that eliminated $220 million in debt through a debt-for-equity exchange with lenders. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Carestream serves global medical and industrial markets, reporting annual revenue of about $1.5 billion. The company's origins trace back to over a century of imaging pioneered by Eastman Kodak, with the Health Group focusing on and diagnostic tools before its independence. Initially acquired by in 2007 for $2.35 billion, Carestream expanded its portfolio through product development and strategic divestitures, including the sale of its dental business to in 2017 and its healthcare information systems unit to in 2019. The 2022 financial restructuring strengthened its balance sheet, enabling continued in amid challenges in the sector. Today, under President and CEO Todd Clegg, Carestream holds over 1,000 patents and emphasizes , earning recognition such as the IMV ServiceTrak Award for Best in General . Carestream's core business segments include medical imaging, where it offers digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) systems, mobile X-ray solutions, AI-powered imaging software, and DR detectors for hospitals and clinics; non-destructive testing (NDT), providing X-ray systems, CR/DR detectors, and film for industrial applications like aircraft inspection and forensics; and precision manufacturing partnerships, utilizing roll-to-roll coating for energy storage, electronics, and automotive components. The company maintains a global service and support network, focusing on scalable solutions that adapt to customer needs while prioritizing environmental health, safety, and sustainability through initiatives like charitable contributions and operational excellence.

Overview

Company Profile

Carestream Health, Inc. was founded in 2007 as a spin-off from Eastman Company's Health Group and is headquartered in , . The company operates primarily in the , non-destructive testing, and precision contract coating industries, delivering technologies and services that support diagnostic, industrial inspection, and manufacturing applications. A owned by a of investors following a 2022 debt-for-equity recapitalization with lenders, Carestream focuses on advancing imaging solutions for diverse sectors. As of 2025, Carestream employs approximately 4,000 people worldwide, enabling its operations across multiple continents. The reported of about $1.051 billion in 2022, reflecting its scale in providing specialized imaging and coating services. Carestream maintains global operations with manufacturing facilities in locations such as , and , alongside sales offices and support networks spanning , , , the , , and . Its customer base includes healthcare providers for medical diagnostics, industrial clients for non-destructive testing in sectors like and , and contract partners seeking precision coating solutions. The company's mission emphasizes continuous innovation in imaging technology to enhance healthcare outcomes and industrial safety, delivering high-value products and services through operational excellence.

Ownership and Leadership

Carestream Health was acquired by , a Toronto-based Canadian firm, from in 2007 for $2.35 billion in cash. Following a 2022 recapitalization that involved a debt-for-equity exchange with lenders, the company emerged as a privately held entity owned by a group of investors. The company's leadership is headed by Todd Clegg, who assumed the permanent role on April 29, 2024, after serving as interim CEO from December 1, 2023, following the retirement of predecessor David Westgate. Clegg possesses over two decades of experience in healthcare executive positions and , notably as a Managing Director at where he led sourcing, oversight, and growth initiatives for portfolio companies. Supporting Clegg in the C-suite are key executives driving strategic and operational advancements, including Scott Rosa, who manages financial planning and risk to support expansion in medical and industrial markets; and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Kunal Singhal, who guides and operational efficiencies across segments. These roles collectively emphasize and market positioning in healthcare and industrial applications. The , chaired by B. Quentin Lilly—a consultant and private investor with broad strategic, operational, and financial expertise across global markets—provides governance oversight. Other members include Robert J. Marshall, Jr., and at Lantheus Holdings, Inc.; Rich Preziotti, CEO of Boulder Scientific; and Robert VanHees, contributing external perspectives on finance and operations. Onex's influence is evident through board member Todd Clegg's background, fostering a commitment to long-term innovation and value creation in Carestream's core sectors.

History

Origins from Kodak

Carestream Health traces its roots to the Eastman Kodak Company's Health Group, established as a pivotal segment within Kodak's diversified portfolio in the late following the discovery of s in 1895. The group initially focused on developing photographic films and media for applications, pioneering innovations such as the first capture medium and specialized films for diagnostic purposes. Over the decades leading up to , it expanded into digital technologies, integrating hardware and software solutions to support and healthcare workflows, while leveraging Kodak's expertise in imaging chemistry and processing. In January 2007, Eastman Kodak announced the sale of its Health Group to Healthcare Holdings, Inc., a of , for a base price of $2.35 billion in cash, with potential additional payments up to $200 million contingent on performance milestones; the transaction closed on May 1, 2007. The deal transferred approximately 8,100 employees worldwide, along with key assets including manufacturing facilities in , and a portfolio of imaging-related patents essential to the group's operations. This divestiture allowed to streamline its focus amid broader financial pressures, while enabling the Health Group to operate independently. Following the acquisition, the entity was renamed Carestream Health, Inc., in February 2007, retaining a licensing agreement to use the brand for certain products. The new company initially emphasized digital systems and healthcare solutions, building on the Health Group's established R&D pipeline to accelerate in computed radiography and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). One of the early hurdles for Carestream Health was navigating the inherited legacy of Kodak's film-based technologies during a rapid industry shift toward fully digital modalities, requiring substantial investment in reorienting product development and supply chains away from analog processes. This transition, while supported by pre-existing digital initiatives within the Health Group, demanded adaptation to standalone operations without Kodak's broader corporate resources.

Independence and Key Events

Following its establishment as an independent entity in 2007 through the acquisition of Eastman Kodak Company's Health Group by Onex Corporation, Carestream Health rapidly expanded its global footprint, operating in over 150 countries and establishing international subsidiaries such as Carestream Health Singapore Pte Ltd. and Carestream Health Suisse SA to support regional sales, service, and manufacturing needs. A pivotal strategic shift occurred in 2017 when Carestream Health divested its Dental Digital business to and Hillhouse Capital Management for an undisclosed amount, enabling the company to concentrate resources on its core and non-destructive testing (NDT) segments. The transaction, completed in the third quarter of that year, separated the dental operations into an independent entity and streamlined Carestream's portfolio for enhanced focus on high-growth industrial and healthcare applications. In 2019, Carestream Health sold its healthcare information systems business to for an undisclosed amount, with the transaction completing in August 2019 in most countries, further refining its focus on hardware and NDT solutions. Carestream Health bolstered its NDT capabilities during the 2010s through sustained internal investments in , introducing innovations such as the world's first large-format non-glass digital radiography (DR) detector and the first computed radiography (CR) system tailored specifically for NDT markets. These advancements, supported by over 50 years of accumulated expertise in industrial technologies, expanded applications in sectors like , automotive, and forensics, driving segment growth amid rising demand for efficient defect detection. By the mid-2010s, Carestream Health had accumulated more than 800 patents across , NDT, and related technologies, reflecting robust innovation with annual grants including 43 U.S. patents in 2016 and 42 in 2018. Concurrently, the company's revenue stabilized at approximately $1 billion annually by the late , underscoring operational resilience post-divestiture and amid market transitions to digital solutions. This period marked a consolidation phase, with the dental and healthcare IT separations further refining Carestream's structure toward specialized and industrial imaging leadership.

Business Segments

Medical Imaging

Carestream Health's Medical Imaging division focuses on providing diagnostic imaging solutions tailored for hospitals and clinics worldwide, encompassing computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), and comprehensive systems to support efficient clinical workflows and accurate diagnoses. These offerings include scalable DR detectors, mobile units, fluoroscopy equipment, and CR systems designed for small practices to mid-sized facilities, enabling seamless upgrades from analog to digital formats while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure. The division emphasizes workflow efficiency through AI-enhanced software such as , which optimizes image acquisition and processing to reduce exam times, alongside features promoting like low-dose radiation protocols and ergonomic designs for high-volume environments such as trauma centers. Carestream serves a global network of healthcare providers, holding a notable position in the X-ray equipment market with documented gains in the U.S. digital and computed segments, as reported by market analysts. Key operational aspects include rigorous regulatory compliance, exemplified by the U.S. (FDA) clearance granted on September 4, 2025, for the Image Suite software, a stand-alone radiographic imaging system that facilitates patient registration, image review, and archiving in compliance with standards for integration with healthcare IT systems and third-party modalities. The division advances its global reach through strategic partnerships in emerging markets, such as the July 2025 distribution agreement with Vietnam South East Asia (VISTACOM) to supply systems and detectors to over 2,000 hospitals and clinics, enhancing access to advanced imaging technologies. The medical imaging segment forms a core pillar of Carestream Health's operations, employing a substantial portion of its global workforce of approximately 4,000 dedicated professionals who support innovation and service delivery in this area.

Non-Destructive Testing

Carestream Health's Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) division specializes in industrial radiography solutions, leveraging X-ray and computed radiography technologies to detect defects in materials without causing damage, ensuring quality assurance and safety in critical applications. This includes digital radiography (DR) systems and the HPX family of computed radiography (CR) products, designed for high-resolution imaging in demanding environments. The division serves key sectors such as , , , and gas, automotive, and power , providing tools that enable precise of components like welds, castings, and composites to prevent failures and comply with rigorous industry requirements. Its products and processes adhere to international standards, including ISO 9001:2015 for , ISO 11699-1 for classification, and ASTM E1815 for radiographic systems, facilitating global adoption and certification in regulated markets. Operationally, Carestream NDT maintains a global footprint with dedicated research and development efforts focused on portable solutions, such as lightweight detectors and software for on-site inspections, supported by international service centers for maintenance and training. Headquartered in , the division positions itself as a leader in digital NDT imaging, contributing significantly to Carestream's overall revenue as a secondary but growing segment driven by industrial and the shift to efficient, eco-friendly inspection methods.

Precision Coating Services

Carestream Health's Precision Coating Services division operates as a contract arm, providing specialized solutions for a range of industries beyond its core healthcare focus. This segment leverages advanced technologies to apply precise layers of materials onto substrates, enabling the development and production of high-performance products. The services encompass single and multilayer using methods such as slide, , slot die, and gravure, with capabilities for thicknesses from less than 1 μm to 400 μm, widths up to 1,900 mm, and speeds reaching 550 m/min, ensuring uniformity within 2-5% variability. The division specializes in coating films, PET/TPU materials, and custom substrates, including paper, foil, and non-wovens, using aqueous, solvent-based (e.g., MEK, IPA, toluene), and dispersion solutions. These coatings support applications in medical devices, industrial components, electronics, energy storage, displays, and optics, such as flexible circuits, optical films, and battery components. This expertise, inherited from Eastman Kodak's legacy in film production, allows Carestream to offer end-to-end solutions from prototyping to high-volume manufacturing, drawing on over a century of innovation in precision coating. Manufacturing occurs in state-of-the-art facilities, including operations at the headquarters (1669 Lake Avenue) for controlled environments, alongside pilot-scale and production sites in , and , to facilitate scalable production. The division maintains a diverse client base, partnering with firms in non-healthcare sectors like , automotive, and window films, to develop tailored solutions that meet specific performance needs. Services include R&D collaboration through the Coating Assessment Lab, which provides prototyping, analytical testing (e.g., SEM, AFM), and custom formulation development to accelerate product commercialization. Economically, Precision Coating Services contributes to Carestream's diversification strategy by generating revenue from non-imaging markets, helping stabilize the company's overall financial profile amid fluctuations in healthcare demand; the broader organization reported approximately $1.15 billion in revenue in 2021, with contract manufacturing enhancing scalability and reducing time-to-market for clients. The division adheres to rigorous environmental standards, including the company's multi-site ISO 14001-certified , which promotes waste reduction—such as recycling MEK in coating processes—and sustainable design principles like the "ē·co·pride" framework for low-toxicity materials in applications like solar photovoltaics.

Products and Innovations

Medical Solutions

Following the sale of its dental digital business in 2017, Carestream Health shifted its emphasis toward non-dental solutions, prioritizing advancements in diagnostic for hospitals and imaging centers. Carestream's core medical imaging products include the DRX-1 series of (DR) detectors, which are designed for retrofit compatibility with existing systems in both fixed rooms and mobile units, enabling a seamless transition to digital workflows without major infrastructure overhauls. The HORIZON system complements these detectors with its scalable analog-to-digital design, featuring a floating table for enhanced patient positioning flexibility during exams in small- to mid-sized facilities such as orthopedic clinics and urgent care centers. For high-resolution applications, the FOCUS HD detectors provide a 100-micron pitch to capture fine details in diagnostic images, along with operation and an IP56 rating for durability in clinical environments. Software integrations enhance these hardware offerings by streamlining imaging workflows. Vue PACS serves as a comprehensive , providing clinicians with facility-wide access to images and integrating directly with CR and DR setups to support efficient diagnostics. Similarly, Image Suite MR 10 software optimizes performance in CR/DR systems through an intuitive interface, advanced image processing tools powered by the Eclipse engine, and features like automated exam protocols to reduce processing time and improve overall efficiency. Key features across Carestream's medical solutions include dose reduction technologies, such as AI-based Smart Noise Cancellation, which allows radiologists to lower in digital X-ray exams while maintaining image quality, as validated by FDA clearance and clinical studies. These products also emphasize broad compatibility with legacy hospital infrastructure, supporting modular upgrades that minimize downtime and costs for healthcare providers.

NDT Solutions

Carestream Health's NDT solutions encompass a range of digital and traditional systems designed for non-destructive testing in industrial applications, emphasizing portability and durability. The INDUSTREX HPX-PRO portable computed radiography (CR) system is a key offering, featuring a (35 lbs/16 kg) design with rigid aluminum construction, vibration damping, and protective elements to withstand harsh field environments. It supports high-speed processing, enabling a full weld scan in up to one minute, and is powered by batteries for up to 45 minutes of continuous , making it suitable for on-site inspections. In 2025, Carestream introduced the INDUSTREX HPX-ARC 1043 PH digital radiography (DR) solution, a 98 µm bendable detector that conforms to curved surfaces up to a 4-inch diameter for enhanced imaging flexibility and defect detection. This system delivers high-resolution images for code compliance and rapid analysis, reducing reshoots in demanding settings. Complementing these are industrial X-ray films under the INDUSTREX brand, such as the MX125 and HS800, which provide fine grain, high contrast, and resistance to heat and static for applications like weld evaluation and pipeline inspection. Accessory lines enhance NDT workflows, including INDUSTREX Flex GP, HR, and XL Blue phosphor plates for CR systems, which offer reusability (thousands of cycles), higher resolution than traditional films, and reduced exposure needs while wrapping around complex shapes. The INDUSTREX Digital Viewing Software (version 7.2) integrates with CR and DR modalities, providing tools for image analysis, such as EDGE processing, contrast sensitivity checks per ASTM E2737, and DICONDE archiving to streamline compliance and sharing. These solutions differentiate through their emphasis on portability—via battery operation and compact designs—and adherence to standards like ASTM E2446, supporting sectors such as for engine inspections and for mapping. The NDT division primarily serves industrial markets requiring reliable flaw detection without material compromise.

Technological Patents and R&D

Carestream Health maintains a robust portfolio, with over 1,000 granted worldwide in key areas including , detector technology, and coating processes. These encompass innovations in (DR) detectors, (AI) applications for image enhancement, and precision coating methods that support multilayer film production for imaging applications. For instance, the company's advancements in flexible DR detectors enable bendable imaging for specialized applications like pipeline inspection and anatomical . This extensive holdings underscores Carestream's commitment to protecting core technologies that drive efficiency and quality in and non-destructive testing sectors. The company's (R&D) efforts are centered on advancing AI-enhanced imaging, low-dose technologies, and sustainable materials to improve diagnostic accuracy while minimizing environmental impact. Investments in AI focus on optimization and image quality improvement, such as algorithms that reduce radiation dose without compromising clarity in DR systems. In sustainable materials, R&D emphasizes energy-efficient coating processes that conserve resources during manufacturing. Primary R&D facilities are located at the company's headquarters in , with additional global labs including the Global R&D Center in Shanghai, China, supporting localized innovation and international collaboration. These efforts have resulted in consistent filings, with more than 50 new patents awarded annually in recent years as of 2022—for example, 20 in 2022, 45 in 2021, and 70 in 2020—enhancing Carestream's competitive edge in the imaging industry. Carestream fosters collaborative initiatives with academic and research institutions to accelerate advancements in imaging technologies. Notable partnerships include collaborations with the for developing advanced technologies and with Robarts Research Institute to advance in pulmonary and cardiothoracic imaging using digital systems. These alliances leverage external expertise, with examples like the Robarts partnership refining CR/DR workflows, contributing to innovations that improve accessibility and performance in global healthcare settings. Such partnerships not only bolster R&D output but also position Carestream as a leader in cross-segment technological progress.

Recent Developments

Leadership Transitions

In 2023, David C. Westgate retired as Chairman, President, and of Carestream Health after a tenure spanning over 15 years, during which he led the company through significant milestones including the 2019 divestiture of its Information Systems business and a successful amid the global pandemic. His retirement took effect on December 1, 2023, prompting the to appoint Todd Clegg as interim President and CEO on the same date. On April 29, 2024, Todd Clegg, who had joined Carestream in October 2023 as Senior , , and , was named permanent CEO and appointed to the , effective immediately. With over two decades of experience as an executive, investor, and board member focused on growth and in healthcare and related sectors, Clegg's emphasizes sustaining Carestream's position as a leader in systems and non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions through continued development of innovative products. He stated, “Carestream has been a consistent leader in the healthcare and non-destructive testing markets with innovative products and solutions and we expect this to continue going forward.” No additional major C-suite changes, such as new hires in or operations, were announced in 2024 or 2025. The transition to Clegg's permanent leadership has reinforced a corporate emphasis on customer-centric , aligning executive direction with ongoing advancements in and NDT growth strategies.

Product Launches and Recognitions

In 2025, Carestream Health launched the INDUSTREX HPX-ARC 1043 PH, a new digital solution that expands its bendable product line for non-destructive testing (NDT), offering enhanced portability for field inspections while maintaining high image quality. This launch addresses the need for flexible, durable imaging in challenging environments, building on the company's existing NDT portfolio. On September 23, 2025, Carestream launched the INDUSTREX Fieldview Tablet, an industrial tablet designed to simplify NDT workflows by enabling on-site image acquisition, validation, and review, reducing retakes and improving inspection efficiency. On October 1, , Carestream introduced an update to its Image Suite V4 Software (version MR 11), featuring enhancements such as cross-system detector sharing, customizable image looks, and AI-powered tools to boost diagnostic accuracy and user confidence in . At the Radiological Society of (RSNA) conference in November, Carestream showcased its award-winning innovations, including advancements in systems designed to improve diagnostic efficiency and patient outcomes. The company was recognized by Healthcare Outlook as the "X-ray Imaging Company of the Year" for its innovative solutions and commitment to customer-driven advancements in . In July 2025, Carestream formed a strategic partnership with South East Asia (VISTACOM), a leading distributor, to expand its solutions into the Vietnamese market, targeting hospitals and clinics with advanced and digital systems. This collaboration strengthens Carestream's presence in amid growing demand for high-quality diagnostic tools. To address rising production costs and global supply chain challenges, Carestream announced price increases on its films in 2024 and 2025. In April 2024, the company raised prices worldwide on medical imaging and NDT films by up to 25%, ensuring continued supply reliability. In October 2025, similar adjustments were applied to laser imaging and dental films, reflecting ongoing adjustments to raw material and logistics expenses. These measures support the sustainability of Carestream's film-based products in a transitioning digital market.

References

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