Medical technology giant plans to put its longtime Seattle-area campus up for sale

June 2, 2026 - 03:29

Philips, the global medical technology giant, has announced plans to put its sprawling Bothell, Washington, campus up for sale. The decision signals a major shift for the region's medical device sector, as the site has long been a cornerstone of ultrasound innovation and a key employer in the Puget Sound area.

The campus, located about 20 miles northeast of Seattle, has served as a primary hub for Philips' ultrasound research, development, and manufacturing for decades. It was originally home to ATL Ultrasound, a pioneering company that helped establish the Pacific Northwest as a global center for medical imaging technology. Philips acquired the facility in the late 1990s and has since invested heavily in the site, which at its peak employed thousands of workers.

Company officials cited changing workplace needs and a broader real estate strategy as reasons for the sale. Like many large tech and healthcare firms, Philips has embraced hybrid and remote work models, reducing the need for expansive office space. The company plans to relocate its remaining Bothell-based employees to smaller, more flexible leased spaces in the area, ensuring that its research and production operations continue without major disruption.

The decision comes as Philips works to streamline its global footprint following a turbulent period that included a massive recall of respiratory devices and ongoing supply chain challenges. While the company remains committed to its ultrasound business, the sale of the Bothell campus represents a symbolic end to an era. For local officials and industry observers, the move raises questions about the future of the region's medical device cluster and what will become of a site that helped put Washington state on the map for high-tech healthcare innovation.