By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — Autocam Medical, which has been eyeing Warsaw for years, celebrated its arrival Monday when it opened a $70 million facility along US 30 in the Warsaw Technology Park.
Eager to tap into the Warsaw workforce, the Grand Rapids-area company has been using space at the nearby Medtronic facility but has begun moving new high-tech machining equipment into its new 100,000-square-foot facility on the west end of the tech park.
The company is currently hiring and will employ upward of 300 people over the next few years as it ramps up production.
Autocam Medical CEO John Kennedy said the company is eager to integrate into the Orthopedic Capital of the World.
“When we put down roots, I mean, we’re here for the long term. We want to become an important part of the Warsaw community, and we certainly value what we see here in terms of the quality of employees that we’re able to attract here,” he said.
OrthoWorx President and CEO Ryan Christner was one of several who spoke at the event.
“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,” Christner said.
Kennedy said the company believes in investing in people, technology, and long-term planning.
He told News Now Warsaw afterward that the company is already looking at expanding to an adjacent lot, where they have an option to buy.
“We will probably exercise that right to do it because, certainly inside of four years, we would be hoping to start construction on the next building, and this is where we’ll go next,” Kennedy said.
The family-owned medical device contract manufacturer makes orthopedic implants, spinal implants, precision instruments and orthopedic cutting tools for medical device OEMs.
Local officials celebrated the moment.
“As Mayor of Warsaw, it is an absolute pleasure to welcome a company of Autocam Medical’s caliber into our community,” said Jeff Grose, Mayor of the City of Warsaw. “From their $70 million investment to the anticipated creation of 250 jobs, they will be a strong economic driver for our city.”
“Warsaw’s reputation is built by people who turn precision into better lives. Autocam Medical’s opening adds a new chapter to that story, and new opportunities for the people who call Kosciusko County home,” said Peggy Simmons, CEO of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation.
Pure Architects designed the facility, and Pioneer Construction built it, according to the company.
