WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet has announced plans to acquire a company specializing in robotics that will take its surgical abilities to a new level.

The Warsaw company has reached an agreement with Monogram Technologies of Austin, Texas, to acquire the company for roughly $177 million, according to a news release issued Monday.

Monogram’s semi- and fully-autonomous robotic technologies are expected to complement and expand Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA Robotics platform.

Zimmer Biomet said it expects the move will provide "a clear pathway to become the first and only company in orthopedics to offer a fully autonomous surgical robot."

To see the full statement, click here.

To better understand what makes this company exciting, check out this conversation.

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WARSAW — Autocam Medical, a fast-growing med tech company, got a taste of the Warsaw workforce after it began using part of Medtronic’s local facility, and now it wants the full entree.

[caption id="attachment_113337" align="alignright" width="420"] Above is an architectural rendering of Autocam Medical's planned facility in Warsaw. Artwork provided.[/caption]

The company announced on Monday that it plans to construct a $70 million facility in Warsaw’s tech park and will hire up to 300 people over the next few years.

The company originally got its start in the auto industry, but branched out and has become a well-established contract manufacturer of precision-machined tools and items used in orthopedics.

Autocam Medical is headquartered in Grand Rapids and also has operations in two other states.

At the same time, the company already has a strong working relationship with Medtronic and other local orthopedic companies.

The appreciation for local workers, though, began to grow after it began using a portion of Medtronic's facility as part of a long-term plan for Autocam to take the entire building while Medtronic began a planned phase-out of Warsaw.

But those plans changed after Medtronic had second thoughts and decided to stay.

[caption id="attachment_113355" align="alignright" width="168"] Kennedy[/caption]

As a result, Autocam decided to construct its own facility in Warsaw, said President and CEO John Kennedy.

Kennedy said they have come to realize the orthopedic capital of the world has become a great source of workers.

The company has other stateside operations in Plymouth, Mass., and Murfreesboro, Tenn., but the desire to expand to Warsaw began to emerge as it became more familiar with what the firm describes in its announcement as a "vibrant workforce culture."

“When we put an ad in the paper, we had very highly qualified individuals — and a lot of them — relative to what we see in other markets,” Kennedy told News Now Warsaw Monday afternoon.

“We’ve really done well with people there,” Kennedy said. “It’s certainly a great workforce and a great opportunity for us.”

The company said it plans to break ground on the project this year, but construction could take upward of 18 months.

The company says most of the jobs will be high schooled and pay well.

Those include CNC machinists, engineers, and a wide range of technical and manufacturing roles.

"At Autocam Medical’s Michigan location, the average machinist’s salary exceeds $74,000 annually, and the company is looking at similar wage levels in Warsaw," the company said.

The company has been one of the faster growing companies in the orthopedic sector, according to Kennedy.

"We're almost double the size we were, pre-COVID," Kennedy said.

The company constructed a new facility outside of Grand Rapids a few years ago and is still filling out the anticipated 300 or so positions.

Kennedy expressed appreciation for how the city of Warsaw has worked to accommodate the company's expansion plans.

He and Jeremy Skinner, the director of community and economic development for the city of Warsaw, both see the expansion as a double victory for the city.

“Medtronic staying and them needing to find a new location really worked out for us,” Skinner said. “Obviously, having the tech park and the land available (that is) shovel-ready has been huge.”

Monday's announcement was issued in a news release on Autocam's website that area media groups quickly began to highlight.

Hours later, the city's redevelopment commission, with very little fanfare, discussed Autocam and took the first step toward essentially giving the company 15 acres for the expansion at the corner of CR 200W and US 30. The land has already been appraised for  $521,000 but will be disposed of for $1, Skinner said.

Autocam mentioned in its news release a desire to be visible from US 30.

When construction is complete, Autocam and Medtronic facilities along US 30 will serve as bookmarks along the front of the tech park.

The park was established about 12 years ago. In the last eight years, the park has become home to three orthopedic firms: Banner Medical, Mentore Media and what is now known as Medartis.

Skinner said they continue to look for new opportunities to attract more firms and maybe eventually expand the park.

"We’re absolutely thinking about what’s next,” he said.

Over the years, the city has invested about $5 million into the park and has generated well over $50 million in corporate investments.

The 300 jobs with Autocam would mean the park will eventually be home to companies that employ some 800 workers.  

“The encouraging thing is the sheer amount of investment we’ve had out there based on what we’ve put out," Skinner said.

[caption id="attachment_113377" align="aligncenter" width="1044"] Above is a rendering of a new facility operated by Autocam Medical in Kentwood, Mich., just outside of Grand Rapids. Artwork provided.[/caption]

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By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Autocam Medical, an orthopedic manufacturer with headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich., plans to construct a $70 million facility in Warsaw’s Tech Park along US 30.

Construction of the 100,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is expected to begin in 2025, with anticipated completion and occupancy within 12 to 18 months of groundbreaking, according to a new release by the company posted on its website.

The company currently employs 10 people at the Medtronic building in Warsaw, but is expected to create up to 300 high-skill jobs with the expansion, the news release said.

The workforce will include CNC machinists, engineers, and a wide range of technical and manufacturing roles.

At Autocam Medical’s Michigan location, the average machinist’s salary exceeds $74,000 annually, and the company is looking at similar wage levels in Warsaw.

Autocam Medical selected Warsaw for its renowned expertise in orthopedic manufacturing, proximity to key customers and suppliers, and vibrant workforce culture, the news release said.

The facility is designed to maximize visibility and brand impact, as its location on a high-traffic corridor will serve as both a production hub and a recruitment tool for future talent.

The facility, which will be built on a 15-acre parcel at the Northeast corner of CR North 200W and US 30, represents a capital investment of over $70 million in building and advanced manufacturing equipment.

An announcement is expected later today.

“Warsaw offers a workforce with technical excellence in the medical device space and unique industry leadership. That’s exactly the kind of environment where we want to invest,” said John C. Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Autocam Medical. “We are thrilled to expand in the Warsaw community and contribute to its continued leadership in orthopedic innovation.”

The company currently employs 10 people at the Medtronic building in Warsaw but is expected to create up to 300 high-skill jobs with the expansion. This includes CNC machinists, engineers, and a wide range of technical and manufacturing roles. At Autocam Medical’s Michigan location, the average machinist’s salary exceeds $74,000 annually, and the company is looking at similar wage levels in Warsaw.

Autocam Medical selected Warsaw for its renowned expertise in orthopedic manufacturing, proximity to key customers and suppliers, and vibrant workforce culture. The facility is designed to maximize visibility and brand impact, as its location on a high-traffic corridor will serve as both a production hub and a recruitment tool for future talent.

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WARSAW — The city of Warsaw's certified technology park, originally intended to serve the orthopedic industry, will soon have another med tech-related tenant.

Jeremy Skinner, director of community and economic development for the city, who helped establish the park more than a dozen years ago, told News Now Warsaw on Tuesday that an existing orthopedic company will soon move its operations to the park along US 30.

Skinner was limited in what he could discuss, but said the company is not a new startup.

"Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks, we'll make an announcement. Right now ... it will probably be around 100,000 square foot. We'll know more details in a couple weeks," Skinner said during an interview for In The Know, the public affairs show you can hear this weekend on Kensington Digital Media Radio stations.

Skinner mentioned the upcoming announcement while discussing his approach as the city works to expand the tech park.

He described the plan as a "pretty significant investment that will complement all of the other investments that we have out at the tech park, so we're excited."

He said the company will start out with about 100 employees at the new location and that that could potentially "ramp up" to about 300 within a few years.

Mayor Jeff Grose, who also participated in the radio interview, added, "Incredible — now, the burden (is) where are all these people going to live in the area?"

The pending business announcement is the latest in an eventful few months of economic development news in the county. 

Earlier this year, the county voted against opening the door for a data center near Leesburg, and then shortly afterward, Slate Auto announced plans to open an electric vehicle plant in Warsaw that will attract 1,700 workers.

In the last eight years, the tech park has attracted Nextremity Solutions (later sold to Medartis), Banner Medical, and Mentor Media. Medtronic, one of the biggest med-tech companies in the world, contemplated closing its Warsaw facility, but changed course and announced it planned to stay.

According to the state of Indiana, the Certified Technology Park program is used as a tool to support and grow high-technology businesses and promote technology transfer opportunities. The designation also allows for the local recapture of certain state and local tax revenue, which can be invested in the development of the park.

*  *  * 

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WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet announced on Wednesday a new partnership with one of the world's most iconic Hollywood heroes — Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Warsaw-based med tech company's announcement was accompanied with a video you can see here.

https://www.multivu.com/zimmer-biomet/9295451-en-zimmer-biomet-welcomes-arnold-schwarzenegger-chief-movement-officer

From conquering the world of bodybuilding as Mr. Universe and captivating TV and film audiences, to forging successful paths as an entrepreneur, author and as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger has consistently embodied a spirit of innovation and continuous evolution, all the while motivating and inspiring others to join him on that journey —principles that align seamlessly with Zimmer Biomet's commitment as a MedTech leader, the company said in a news release.

He has been promoting health and fitness for more than five decades and has made it his life's mission to inspire people to move more and find what their bodies are capable of, from "Pumping Iron" to books about fitness, to his Arnold Sports Festival — the largest multi-sport fitness festival in the world — to his daily newsletter, "Arnold's Pump Club," that reaches nearly one million people every day with workouts, health and fitness information they can trust.

"Arnold's bold approach to personal health, innovation and evolution echoes Zimmer Biomet's vision to be the boldest company in MedTech by solving the most meaningful problems in healthcare today," said Ivan Tornos, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zimmer Biomet.

"People are seeking to lead healthier, more active lifestyles as they age, and the demand for people to keep moving pain-free is increasing. Innovative solutions like ours are making it easier to achieve that goal. I cannot think of a better partner than Arnold to join us as Chief Movement Officer, to help advance our shared Mission to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people around the world. Together, we're going to do amazing things for patients, surgeons and communities," Tornos said.

Schwarzenegger added, "I am energized by Zimmer Biomet's Mission because it aligns with my own 50-year fitness crusade. I want every single person in the world to discover the joy of fitness and movement that has made my life better every step of the way. Through this partnership with Zimmer Biomet, I can continue to encourage others to make positive changes each and every day that support them living their best and most active lives possible. We never have to stop moving," he said.

"I agree with the famous quote: 'If you rest, you rust,' and my goal with Zimmer Biomet is to continue to push people to see that movement creates joy and extends the quality of our lives."

Visit ZimmerBiomet.com to sign up for healthy lifestyle updates from Zimmer Biomet and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

About Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a global icon known for his many accomplishments ranging from world-champion bodybuilder, Hollywood action hero, businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, best-selling author and public servant. Known for his roles in blockbuster films and as Governor of California from 2003-2011, he most recently has joined Zimmer Biomet as Chief Movement Officer. Follow Schwarzenegger on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X / Twitter.

About Zimmer Biomet
Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health. We seamlessly transform the patient experience through our innovative products and suite of integrated digital and robotic technologies that leverage data, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

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News Release

WARSAW — OrthoWorx has filled the first of two positions involving the state distribution of $30 million aimed at boosting orthopedic job retention.

OrthoWorx announced this week the appointment of Ryan Christner to the role of Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) executive director.

“Given Ryan’s progressive career track, which has included a broad set of responsibilities across a number of different disciplines and various roles at some of our local orthopedic businesses, we believe he is an outstanding fit for this newly created role at OrthoWorx,” said Bob Vitoux, OrthoWorx president and CEO.

“Ryan is passionate about the industry and has been a supporter of and contributor to OrthoWorx through his involvement as a volunteer in several talent and community-related initiatives over the past decade, which should serve him, the organization, and OrthoWorx’s partners well as he settles into this new role.”

Christner, a lifelong resident of Kosciusko County, is invested in the community where he and his wife are raising their four children, according to a news release from OrthoWorx.

He earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Grace College and has over 14 years of experience in the orthopedic industry, holding positions in operations management, supply chain and logistics.

Christner’s commitment to the community and workforce development is demonstrated through his volunteer work, including serving on the Education Workforce Committee and the OrthoWorx Academy Advisory Board, along with traveling abroad earlier this year with several leaders from the state as a part of the Richard M. Fairbanks funded iLab initiative, to explore youth apprenticeship education models in Switzerland. He also actively coaches youth sports, serves as chairman of the local Wawasee Ducks Unlimited organization and volunteers with his church’s youth group. In his free time, Christner enjoys adventuring in the outdoors.

The OIRI executive director will oversee the implementation and deployment of the $30 million state-funded Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative.

In this role, Christner will serve as the primary point of contact for the initiative, working in close partnership with the OIRI Visioning Committee, government entities, industry and business leaders and other community stakeholders to fulfill the vision of OIRI.

“I’m incredibly excited about the vision laid out by those who have been key in securing the state funding, and I’m deeply inspired by the opportunity to contribute to such as an important initiative,” Christner said. “Kosciusko County has a rich legacy of innovation, growth and a remarkable talent pool which makes it a fantastic place to live and work. As the Orthopedic Capital of the World, there’s no better place to continue building on this legacy. It’s truly an honor to be a part of a team which is working to bring the OIRI vision to life and create a brighter future for our community and future generations.”

In addition to the OIRI executive director role, OrthoWorx is actively recruiting for the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative project manager position that will  report to the OIRI executive director.

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WINONA LAKE — Plug and Play Warsaw put on a display of innovative proposals by seven start-ups Tuesday that are seeking to establish themselves in the evolving med tech sector.

Held at the Miller Sunset Pavilion in Winona Lake with a large crowd in attendance, the expo was a unique glimpse into what possibly lies ahead in the industry.

(Check out recaps of proposals at the bottom of the story)

Plug and Play is the premier global innovation platform that connects startups with corporations, universities and venture capital firms.

Tuesday’s event highlighted the first such batch of firms participating in the new Plug and Play office in Indiana which was sponsored by Zimmer Biomet, Paragon Medical and Orthopediatrics.

"It's a big day for Warsaw for sure," said Bob Vitoux, chief executive officer of OrthoWorx who was credited at the meeting with helping bring Plug and Play to Warsaw. 

"It's symbolic of where we're headed as a community — just a lot of energy. We believe winning begets winning and this is a step in that direction," Votoux said.

Vitoux spoke to the audience and alluded to the $30 million set aside by the Indiana General Assembly for Orthoworx to attract and retain orthopedic firms to the area and told onlookers there are "30 million reasons" to consider Warsaw as a corporate home.

Seven of eight startups that were part of the first "Medtech Batch" highlighted a variety of concepts, with most looking for infusions of money and — for some — to eventually be acquired by an established orthopedic firm.

The emerging companies pitched proposals ranging from imaging collection to the tracking of medical history. Some relied on artificial intelligence. Two companies focused on solutions for damaged cartilage while another put forth a plan to develop a smart implant device that is adjustable.

Indiana State government was represented at the meeting by David Watkins, senior vice president of Entrepreneurship & Small Business with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Plug and Play in Warsaw is the first in Indiana, but officials said more such sites are in the works for eight other communities. Those will focus on life sciences, hard tech, sports tech and animal health, according to a graphic displayed at the event.

Plug and Play in Warsaw established itself six months ago and Watkins described the interest since then as a "barn burner."

Given the history of orthopedics in Warsaw, Watkins asked rhetorically, 'Why wouldn't Plug and Play want to be here?"

Officials concede many of the startups will eventually look elsewhere to establish their companies, but local officials, including State Rep. Craig Snow, hope firms will consider sinking their roots into the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

"I think that's the goal. We really want to build out an ecosystem, have companies come in, entrepreneurially to start up here and more importantly to stay here," Snow said.

Another highlight of the meeting was a speech by Ben Lytle, a former CEO of Anthem who has authored the book, The Potentialist, which looks at life-altering changes in the next 30 years.

After hearing pitches on Tuesday, officials will gather in a more private setting on Wednesday to meet with the next nine companies seeking to be part of the Plug and Play.

[gallery size="full" columns="1" ids="98264,98267,98268,98266"]

Below are recaps from seven of the eight participating startups.

[gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="98270,98276,98277,98271,98273,98274,98275"]

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