More than 25 years of
expertise in the healthcare
sector
A journey dedicated to
improving healthcare
with easy, simple but
special solutions
In 1994, Erik Joosten, a young, enthusiastic graduate makes his career purpose to improve the healthcare system with simple, innovative products. He strongly believes that there is a solution for each irritation encountered in daily healthcare activities.
With more than 25 years of expertise in compression stocking donning aid industry, Arion is now a global player.
After years of perseverance on introducing the new personal hygiene concept of washing without water, Arion’s brand Swash®, became market leader in several European countries.
Our timeline
Scroll down to see the milestones in the
history of Arion.
1994
Easy-Slide
Erik Joosten leaves his job at a consultancy company in healthcare to start his own entrepreneurial adventure. He buys the patent and the intellectual property rights of Easy-Slide, the product he created during his time at the consultancy company.
1994
First entrepreneurial steps - Arion's registration
On the 1st of March 1994 Erik registers Arion at the Dutch Commercial Register.
1996
First international expansion
Arion opens its first subsidiary abroad, in Atlanta, Georgia USA. That marked the international ambition of the company. After that, more subsidiaries were opened around Europe.
1999
Swash®
Swash® - the launch of a new personal hygiene concept in healthcare.
2004
First real office
After years of "garage" type of business, Arion moves its headquarters, office and production to Geleen, in a big building.
2005
Arion's International recognition
Dutch and International business communities start to acknowledge the rapid growth of the young Arion company and rewards its effort with several important nominations.- Nominated for Deloitte Fast 50
- Nominated for Deloitte Fast 500 (EU)
- Winner ABN AMRO Export Award 2005
2008
Skylla, the manufacturer of Easy-Slide products, is founded as a joint-venture between Arion and Maco.
Over the years Skylla grows and expands its activity in Tunisia and Macedonia. In 2020 Skylla becomes an independent company.
2009
Opening of Arion
Manufacturing B.V.
Major change of Arion strategy. The company stops its distributor activities and starts focusing on business owner-
ship, by getting its own production facilities, cleanroom and laboratory, in Geleen, the Netherlands.In a later phase Arion takes the full control over Swash® production by installing its own lotion blending facilities.
2011
Magnide®,
Arion launches its 5th patented product, Magnide®, a donning aid for medical compression stockings and tights with a closed toe.
2015
First CSR initiatives
We started implementing various CSR actvities, leading later on to the achievement of CSR performance ladder 4. This makes Arion a frontrunner in its sector.One year later Arion makes a partnership with Made Blue: for each Swash® package sold, Arion ensures 1l of clean drinking water for communities without access to it.
2016
Swash® fragrance
First hypoallergenic fragrance createdexclusively for Swash®.
2016
Birth of the
Bathing 21® concept
The proven success of more than 17 years of experience in healthcare makes it clear that washing without water is the bathing of the century. Arion integrates its personal hygiene solutions under the Bathing 21® concept.
2017
Moving on the border
Arion moves to a new building at Avantis BusinessPark, located exactly on the Dutch-
German border.
2018
Swash® Perineum+ Patent
Swash® team starts the development of a new product, Swash® Perineum+, which will lead to the registration of the second Swash® patent 1 year later.
2019
Arion’s 25th anniversary
Arion celebrates a major milestone:A quarter of a century!
2020
Managing board expanded to 3 members
Arion starts 2020 with 3 board members: Erik Joosten as CEO, Carl Joosten as CFO and Raoul Braeken, as CCO.The trio is committed to lead Arion to further expansion and growth.
2022
Swash® GREEN fragrance
We launched our second hypoallergenic fragrance createdexclusively for Swash®.
2023
The acquisition of the Cocune brand
Arion Manufacturing buys the Cocune brand from Stöpler.
2024
Foot care: A new Swash product category
With the launch of the Swash® Foot Cap, we extend our portfolio to personal care from toe to hair. Proper foot care is crucial for overall wellbeing.
2024
30 years Arion Easy-Slide
Invented 30 years ago, Arion Easy-Slide still helps millions of people around the world…let’s Easy Slide!Interactive timeline with key moments highlighted (including icons and tracking colour line)