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WINONA LAKE – “MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase” brought together nearly 300 orthopedic industry professionals from around the globe on Thursday, Dec. 18 at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake.
The event was co-hosted by the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) and OrthoWorx and powered by local orthopedic company Priority Medical.
“This event was a powerful opportunity to spotlight the depth of talent, innovation and career potential within our orthopedic ecosystem,” said KEDCO CEO Peggy Friday. “By bringing industry leaders together in one place, we’re strengthening business relationships while highlighting why this community is an exceptional place to build a career and a home. From an economic development standpoint, this event was an incredible way to further our collective business attraction and retention efforts.”
The event marked the first in a multi-showcase series focused on the rich orthopedic medical device ecosystem headquartered in Warsaw, the Orthopedic Capital of the World, and the surrounding region. More than 15 OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) from Warsaw to Germany attended the event.
The evening included ample time for connection and camaraderie, creating opportunities for supplier discovery and strategic sourcing, and the program was emceed by Jameil “Jay” Pendleton of MedTech Voice, according to a news release from KEDCO.
Distinguished panelists, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Klaasen, Brian Hodorek of Ignite Orthopedics and Erik Kanalas of OrthoPediatrics shared insights on innovation, industry collaboration and the end-to-end manufacturing process — from design to patient — all within the Orthopedic Capital of the World.
“This event brought together the right people to support a complex answer to why make it anywhere besides of the Orthopedic Capital of the World,” said Travis Christman, Priority Medical’s quality and operations lead. “There was incredible value and energy in having all of the right people in the room to propel the industry and our ecosystem forward for many generations to come. This is only the beginning …”
The showcase portion of the event was designed to highlight local expertise and collaboration. Fourteen contract manufacturers from the region were challenged by Priority Medical to machine a custom part that showcased their company’s capabilities and competitive strengths. Each manufacturer took the stage for a focused presentation to share insights about their company and the part they produced.
Together, the 14 machined components were assembled into a single display, showing the distinctive offerings of each manufacturer and the unity of the region’s orthopedic manufacturing ecosystem.
Participating contract manufacturers included Arch Medical, Autocam Medical, Avalign Technologies, Complexus Medical, Instru-Med, Instrumental Machine & Development, Micropulse, Precision Medical Technologies, Rayco Steel Process, Single Source Medical, Sparc Engineers, Tecomet and Qualitex.
“As we continue to strategically build and strengthen our orthopedic ecosystem, opportunities like this are invaluable for attracting both business and talent to the region,” said OrthoWorx President & CEO Ryan Christner. “Collaboration, along with these intentional efforts are what truly set us apart as the Orthopedic Capital of the World.”
The news release offers “Many thanks to co-hosts and sponsors KEDCO and OrthoWorx, and additional event sponsors: 1factory, Amnovis, Assurance Technologies, Danco Medical, Grace College, and JP Morgan Life Science & Biotech.”
“I’d like to give a special shout-out to Split Road Media for their in-kind support and for helping bring this event to life through outstanding videography and creative services,” said Christman. “Bryce and his team brought exceptional talent and energy to the event."
