The transfer of the Surgical Handle Department from "Unit 1" to the new "Cobb Works" site opposite the main building in Owlerton Green was completed in January 2008.

The move coincided with advancements in the handle manufacturing technology utilized by Swann-Morton in response to changes in world demand towards Stainless Steel handles and away from the more traditional Nickel Alloy Handles.

Standardizing the existing handle range to enable us to pass on long-term cost savings and benefits to our customers is now a priority and we are currently phasing out the "plain" standard stainless steel handles No.3 (0903) and No.4 (0904, offering instead the "graduated" version No.3 (0933) and No.4 (0934).

After analysing our current sales the demand globally for the "graduated" handle outweighs that for the "plain" handle and this has influenced our decision.

There is no pricing differential between the two types of Stainless handles. Further developments relating to our Handle range will take place throughout the next 12 months.