DePuy Dedicates Research Center

DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, Tuesday dedicated its new expanded Research and Innovation Center. Kevin Sidow, group president, DePuy Inc., said, "There are few facilities like it anywhere in the world. This is good news both economically and medically."

Sidow spoke of Depuy's and Johnson & Johnson's commitment to Warsaw and Indiana as a "tangible measure" of the fact that J&J chose Warsaw in which to invest. He said, "DePuy's world headquarters will stay in Warsaw. The center will create additional employment - not just locally, but new products will create jobs worldwide."

Sidow also stressed that the focus of the new center will be in research, life science and new products.

Richard Tarr, DePuy's vice president of worldwide research and emerging technologies, served as host for the event. He opened the ceremonies by saying, "We have one clear mission - to help people find relief from pain and immobilily by turning technology into treatment."

Sharon Kendall, director of Indiana Department of Commerce's Region 2, represented the state. Region 2 covers Kosciusko, Elkhart, Fulton, LaGrange, LaPorte, Marshall, Pulaski, St. Joseph and Starke counties. Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan was originally scheduled to appear. She was appointed by Kernana in October 20-02 to serve as the state's lead economic development official in north central Indiana.

Kendall said, "Major projects like this are the result of partnerships. The company drives the project, but must partner with the local community and state for their support. This partnership brings all the parts together to pursue enhancement of the quality of life in Indiana and throughout the world."

Kendall also announced that the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund has awarded a two-year, $1.8 million grant to DePuy, Purdue and Notre Dame. The grant will finance research on ways to connect tendons and muscles to artificial implants.

Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins spoke of the amazing presence of DePuy and Warsaw in the orthopedic industry. He said, "The Research and Innovation Center helps define our community." He thanked DePuy for their investment in Warsaw.

Dr. David Fisher, Indianapolis, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement and clinical assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Indiana University shcool of medicine, said, "Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of pain and suffering. Medical treatment has improved, but there's still no cure. Surgical joint replacement provides the best tools to treat arthritis, to enable a pain-free, active lifestyles."

The dedication plaque was unveiled by Evelyn Stofer, Warsaw, recipient of hip replacements, and Bob Faught, Jasper, recipient of knee replacements. Stofer, a teacher, moved to Warsaw from Plymouth in 1967. Part of her first work in Warsaw included developing a library for the Warsaw school system.

Stofer spoke enthusiastically about the possibilities afforded through joint replacement. She also was highly complimentary of DePuy, which provided the hip replacement parts for her surgery. Rather than work through a surgeon, she researched the companies that could provide the necessary parts. She said, "The people at DePuy showed interest in me. I knew what I was getting."

Once she had selected DePuy, DePuy recommended an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steve Fisher, Fort Wayne. She said, "My surgery was done five years ago, and I have no pain. I can't say enough about the people at DePuy. They were wonderful."