Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Biomet has given a lot to Warsaw, Kosciusko County and Indiana.
Now, the state is giving back to Biomet.
Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan presented the Warsaw-based biomedical firm with a $160,000 Training 2000 grant today to train 85 new employees and 450 current team members in job-specific duties and job skills.
"I come this morning with what I think is good news," Kernan said. "Biomet is one of our most important players in the biomedical technology industry - an industry the state has decided to make a heavy investment in.
"Since Biomet has made the decision to invest $6 million in new equipment and capital, I am pleased to be able to make a presentation of $160,000 for use by Biomet with this expansion," he said.
Biomet's director of benefits and compensation, Barb Goslee, said the grant will be useful in keeping the firm at the forefront of the biomedical technology industry.
"Biomet is looking at workforce development in the next century," Goslee said. "By investing in our team members and upgrading our equipment, we are ready to compete in the marketplace of tomorrow. This Training 2000 grant will assist us in fostering a learning environment geared toward the future."
The funds will be used for several different professional development programs, with the intent of encouraging employees to receive the latest in technical education, Goslee said. The training will be both in house and out, and will include tuition reimbursement for Ivy Tech, Indiana and Purdue University programs and Indiana Wesleyan's LEAP program.
Continuing technical education is vital to Biomet employees and the company so it can maintain its leadership position in the industry, said Biomet president and CEO Dane Miller.
"Over the past 20 years or so conventional manufacturing procedures have changed dramatically," he said. "This type of technical training is essential for Biomet to be able to remain competitive."
Miller said the 85 new positions are part of the company's continuing expansion plans with its existing product line. If the product line expands, so would the jobs created.
"If we have any expansion of our product line, that number (85) could increase significantly," he said.
Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins, on hand for the presentation, said he was very pleased to see the state's commitment to a major business partner in Warsaw.
"I would like to thank Lt. Gov. Kernan and the Department of Commerce for their investment in our community," he said.
Wiggins' gratitude was echoed by Joy McCarthy-Sessing, president of the Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce, who also said the local community, as well as the entire state, should be proud of having a successful corporate citizen such as Biomet.
"Biomet is a wonderful corporate citizen," she said. "Watching a local company prosper in their professional discipline is encouraging. Hoosiers across the state can be proud of the growth from this company."
Biomet, according to Gossley, employs 1,000 people locally and more than 3,000 worldwide.
