Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Investing in people, technology and in the long term is how Autocam Medical was built, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday celebrated its latest investment: a manufacturing facility at 1890 Polk Drive, Warsaw.
The family-owned medical device contract manufacturer makes orthopedic implants, spinal implants, precision instruments and orthopedic cutting tools for medical device original equipment manufacturers.
Autocam Medical President and CEO John Kennedy said, “This is certainly an exciting day for Autocam Medical, and I’m delighted that so many of you are here to celebrate the opening of our new facility.
Over the years, he said, they have built businesses around a few simple ideas.
“Invest in people. Invest in technology. And invest in the long term,” Kennedy stated. “I’ve always believed that if you get those three things right, a lot of other good things will follow.
“First, our people. You can buy the best equipment in the world and build a beautiful facility like this one, but without motivated, talented people who care about what they do, you really don’t have much. Our people solve problems, find better ways to manufacture things, take care of our customers and make sure we deliver the quality our customers and their patients deserve. We have an obligation to invest in them, to provide the training, tools and opportunities to grow and build rewarding careers, and support their families.”
Currently, 10 employees work at the plant, and hiring is underway to add more. As operations ramp up, Autocam Medical expects to create approximately 250 to 300 jobs, including CNC machinists and programmers, technicians, engineers and other advanced manufacturing roles, according to a news release from Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO).
On the second part, technology, Kennedy said they compete in a global marketplace and they’re not going to succeed simply by working harder or trying to be the lowest cost provider.
“We have to find better ways to do things. This means investing in advanced equipment, automation, engineering and unique manufacturing processes that allow us to use better products, more efficiently and at a lower cost,” he said, adding technology makes their people more productive. “And our people, through their experience, creativity and ingenuity make that technology valuable.”
Then on the third part, investing in the long term, Kennedy stated, “I’ve never believed that you build a great manufacturing business by focusing on only the next quarter or even the next year. You have to be willing to make investments today that take years to fully pay off, whether it’s developing a new manufacturing process, purchasing advanced equipment or training someone in a new technology. Those investments build capabilities that are difficult for others to duplicate. That’s how you create a lasting, competitive advantage and that’s what this facility represents.”
He said they’re not just adding square footage, but making long-term commitments to their employees, customers and the Warsaw community.
Autocam Medical Chief Operating Officer Jeff Goodman said, “Standing here today, it’s easy to look around and see a building of steel, concrete and machines. And if you’ve been inside, a whole lot of white floors. What I hope you’ll remember is this building isn’t really just for machining, it’s for people. And for our team here in Warsaw, welcome to your new home.”
He said Autocam Medical values their team for what they bring with their heads and hearts, not just their hands.
“We invest in their growth because when people grow, our company grows,” Goodman said.
He applauded Pioneer Construction for being a great partner on the building construction.
Jason Nyhuis, vice president, Design Build Group, Pioneer Construction, said it wasn’t too long ago (January) that they were shoveling the ground for the approximate 100,000-square-foot facility.
“One of the first things we decided is Autocam Medical is an ideal client, and that really rings true. All the decision-making and all the things that they do with their buildings just continue to enhance the employee benefit and doing the right thing to continue attract and retain talent. It’s just fantastic to work with them,” he said.
Nyhuis talked about not just the beautiful white floors, but also all the windows that lets the sunlight in and allows people to look outside. “Everything about the facility is just meant to be bright and open, and everything that they can do to really enhance things for their employees,” he said.
OrthoWorx President and CEO Ryan Christner said, “On behalf of the community, the staff at OrthoWorx and the board of directors, thank you to Autocam. This is a significant investment in the Orthopedic Capital of the Word. And congratulations to the entire team at Autocam Medical.”
He said what excited him Monday was, “This is bigger than the opening of a new business and location. Every time someone chooses to invest here, hire here, build something here or take a chance on an idea, it adds another piece to the momentum that our community holds.”
Warsaw Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner said when the Warsaw Technology Park was built 10 years ago, the intent was to develop projects like this with great community partners “and that’s what Autocam Medical is and that’s why we’re happy to have them here, and, hopefully, for many projects in the future.”
He said the big takeaway for him was that “these opportunities were created by the great state of Indiana. ... It’s programs they create, like the technology park program, that has allowed us to develop this park. There’s about $7 million in this park, from the state and the city, and it’s projects like this that make that $7 million worth the investment.”
Stephanie Kabel, Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) director of business expansion and retention Northern Indiana region, said, “Today’s event represents far more than the opening of a new building. It marks another chapter in Indiana’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and medical technology. It reflects the confidence that innovative companies like Autocam Medical have in our state’s future.”
Mary Martin, regional director to Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, said, “Your continued partnership strengthens our state’s economy and helps prepare the next generation of Hoosiers for long-term success. Your $70 million prime investment and additional 350 new jobs/workers is more than just scaling your operations, it represents your commitment to actively shaping the economy and landscape of Warsaw, Indiana.”
Travis Christman, KEDCO Board of Directors chair, speaking on behalf of KEDCO CEO Peggy Simmons, the Board of Directors and their full-time staff, congratulated Autocam Medical on their milestone.
“We are proud to celebrate alongside you and recognize what this investment means to Warsaw, Kosciusko County and the state of Indiana in the future to advance manufacturing in our community,” he said.
He, along with KEDCO Director of Projects and Operations Dawn Wilkinson, presented Kennedy and Goodman with a “commemorative first-piece off plaque that symbolizes the first piece produced here in Warsaw. May it serve as a long-lasting reminder and a milestone that starts with the production and ends with the investment and the people, talent and future of Kosciusko County.”
