We’ve written before about our successful and long-lasting partnerships with a select group of suppliers who share similar values to Adam,Rouilly.
These guiding principles run through the very core of the business, having been established by the company’s founder Guy Rouilly.
One of the first partnerships he formed was with SOMSO®, and that close relationship endures today, almost 100 years later, with Adam,Rouilly continuing to be chosen as the authorised UK and Ireland distributor of SOMSO® models.
The SOMSO® name is well-recognised, with its models used extensively in anatomy departments, universities and hospitals throughout the UK and worldwide. It’s a name that has become synonymous with the highest standards of workmanship, accuracy and realism.
SOMSO® models are assembled and painted entirely by hand, with stringent controls maintaining that workmanship and realism.
Adam,Rouilly is well-known for supplying SOMSO® and many medical students will gain their initial understanding of gross anatomy and internal body structures by studying the characteristic green-based SOMSO® anatomical models.
We offer more than 500 anatomical models from SOMSO®, together with over 200 zoological models, over 100 botanical models with an additional collection of 200 fungi models and 125 fruit models.
Some of the most sought-after SOMSO® models in 2024:
- Model of the Female Pelvis
- Cavities of the Nose, Mouth, Throat and Larynx
- Muscles of the Leg with Base of Pelvis
Other popular models include Functional Model of the Knee Joint, Median section of the Male Pelvis, and Pelvis with Uterus in Ninth Month of Pregnancy
The legacy endures
SOMSO® is a family business established in 1876 and the company continues today under the management of the Sommer family, all of whom hold dear the passion and desire to continue the work of past generations, long into the future.
For over 35 years SOMSO has been promoted under the guiding principle that ‘Nature is Our Model’.
The SOMSO® Museum was opened in 2001 at the parent company in Sonneberg, Thuringia, to showcase the development of model culture over almost 150 years.
Close collaboration with scientific institutions ensures that SOMSO® models are consistently updated and further developed in line with current scientific knowledge and advancements.
SOMSO® model manufacture
SOMSO® models are manufactured solely by highly qualified, skilled employees in Sonneberg and Coburg, Germany, and most are made from virtually unbreakable, recyclable, SOMSO-PLAST®.
Despite the use of industrial components, the artisan finishing has the unmistakable character of traditional manufacture. Individually hand-painted, each and every SOMSO® model is a distinctively unique specimen.
SOMSO® assumes full social and ethical responsibility in the production of its models which is so much part of the DNA of a family business.
Joint and skeletal models have lifelike articulation. High quality, durable and flexible plastic is used for the ligaments. Screw connections are used where possible. Models are easy to handle when removed from their bases, and the metal and other fittings are robust.
Only genuine SOMSO® models bear the distinctive SOMSO® Sun logo and are the only anatomical models Adam,Rouilly supplies and delivers.
SOMSO® apprenticeships
As well as the strong family leadership, one of the ways SOMSO® has maintained its high standards of craftmanship is through its apprenticeship programme. For over 80 years model makers have been trained in SOMSO® workshops where, assuming the personal responsibility of working with their hands, with perseverance and patience, brings its own rewards.
Running over three years, the apprenticeship is integral to Germany’s strong manufacturing base, leading ultimately to the highest qualification, the master craftsman – The Meister.
Continuity of supply
SOMSO® guarantees the availability of models and spare parts even after decades. This continuity of supply ensures that all students have comparable learning tools in the lab and examination. It means that as departments grow, like-for-like collections can be expanded.
Director at Adam,Rouilly, Jenny Whitebread, said: “We hugely value our partnership with SOMSO® and are delighted to be their authorised UK and Ireland distributor after all these years. We’ve enjoyed nurturing a relationship that was established almost a century ago by those who came before us in the businesses.
“Our two family-run firms share many values, including that dedication to quality and craftmanship, to create the best possible medical teaching aids.”
The SOMSO® range of anatomical, zoological and botanical models can all be viewed on our website. If you need any help or advice when ordering medical training models and simulators, please contact our Sales team.
