WINONA LAKE — Everyone’s heard about the high-profile orthopedic firms like Zimmer Biomet, OrthoPediatrics and DePuy Synthes, but there is also a slew of smaller contract manufacturers that industry heavyweights rely upon.

[caption id="attachment_124395" align="alignright" width="420"] Thursday's event kicked off with an hour-long networking session that was well attended. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

On Thursday night, more than 300 medtech representatives met in Winona Lake to showcase those companies at 'Made Here: A Manufacturing Showcase 2025.'

Some are well established and well-known, like Tecomet, but many others with little name recognition outside of the industry took the spotlight.

The network provides what some at the meeting consider to be a full complement of what those companies would need to compete.

“As far as a complete supply chain between Warsaw and Fort Wayne along that US 30 corridor, there’s over 100 companies that represent the orthopedic industry ecosystem," said Ryan Christner, CEO for OrthoWorx, who helped organize the showcase with the lcal economic developoment team, KEDCO and Priority Medical, a firm which provides engineering and business solutions  to the orthopedic community from its office in downtown Warsaw

[caption id="attachment_124415" align="alignright" width="402"] On display at each of the dinner tables were copies of a book by Dr. Mark Klaassen, an orthopedic surgeon who began work in 1987 and eventually started a joint replacement practice in Warsaw. Klaassen was one of the featured panelists at the event. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Another fact that seems to fly under the radar is the large concentration of orthopedic-related firms located between Warsaw and Fort Wayne.

"Everyone is using different vendors. Some of them are similar, some are different, and that's what makes our ecosystem so great is the interconnectedness that we have," Christner said.

Thursday night's gathering is the first of its kind in Warsaw, organized by OrthoWorx and Kosiusko County Economic Development Corporation.

The impetus was fueled by Priority Medical, a company founded in 2021 and has offices in downtown Warsaw.

Priority Medical assists companies with device development and design services.

Priority Medical previously sponsored several manufacturing roundtables with KEDCO.

“This is what came out of that, with Jake White with Priority Medical “We really started to challenge ourselves with how we can best put on display what is offered here.”

Organizers say they hope similar events will happen annually.

The evening featured a speech by Jay Pendleton, the founder of Medtech Voice. That was followed by a Q&A panel discussion and then a spotlight on 14 contract manufacturers.

Several of those speaking Thursday night said they see a strong future for the industry.

The orthopedic device market is expected to expand from $51.6 billion in 2024 to $65.8 billion by 2030, according to marketsandmarkets.com.

Innovations in AI and 3D printing are expected to further boost the industry’s future.

Among the featured companies included in Thursday's pitch were Autocam Medical, which announced earlier this year plans to construct a plant in the Warsaw Technology Park and employ 300 people with well-paying jobs.

The Grand Rapids-based company initially planned to move into the Medtronic plant along US 30, but Medtronic changed gears about moving jobs elsewhere and then announced last year it would continue to have a presence in Warsaw.

As a result, Autocam, after getting a taste of the local workforce after its temporary shared space arrangement with Medtronic, committed to expanding in Warsaw

Other companies include Complexus, of Mishiwaka, which offers robotic grinding and five-axis assisted milling; Sparc Engineering, a Warsaw company that started in 2024 and supports the medical device industry with robotics and process improvement, and Qualitex, of Columbia City, which manufactures external fixation rings, struts and clamps.

Pendleton recapped how the industry began in Warsaw and continues to thrive.

Much of that stems from the industry's foundation with Revra Depuy 130 years ago which then gained steam with Justin Zimmer a few years later.

"There’s something in the water. There’s something in the roots, he said.

“The truth is you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world, the innovation, the talent, the legacy ... the know-how that comes from doing it over and over again,” Pendleton said.

[caption id="attachment_124422" align="aligncenter" width="785"] Participants gathered for a photo at the end of the program. Photo provided.[/caption]

Below are a few more photos of the event by Dan Spalding, News Now Warsaw.

[gallery columns="1" size="full" ids="124410,124412,124413"]

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WINONA LAKE — Medtech experts and the public are invited to a meeting later this month that will showcase area manufacturing with a focus on orthopedics.

"MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase" will shine a spotlight on the Orthopedic Capital of the World as it brings together orthopedic industry professionals from around the globe on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake.

The event is co-hosted by the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) and OrthoWorx and powered by local orthopedic company Priority Medical.

"With 130 years of orthopedic excellence, our industry ecosystem stands as a global model for innovation, collaboration, and expertise," said OrthoWorx President & CEO Ryan Christner. "This showcase brings together the brightest minds and bold ideas to shape the future of orthopedics and MedTech right where it all began. When innovation connects with expertise and education, the possibilities are limitless."

It’s the first of a multi-showcase series focusing on the rich orthopedic medical device ecosystem that supports the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.

"Five generations of manufacturing excellence will come together under one roof to answer the question: ‘Why produce your orthopedic medical devices anywhere else? If it’s orthopedics, it’s MADE HERE’," said Travis Christman, Priority Medical Operations & Quality Lead.

Emceeing the evening will be Jameil "Jay" Pendleton of the MedTech Voice, and the agenda will include dedicated time for connection and networking, a panel discussion with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Klaasen, Brian Hodorek of Ignite Orthopedics, and Erik Kanalas of OrthoPediatrics, and a unique showcase highlighting 14 local contract manufacturers.

"Our goal is to welcome OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and guests to forge new and meaningful relationships while unlocking new possibilities within this vibrant industry," said Christman. "Whether seeking a strategic supplier, technical partner, or a glimpse at the future of orthopedic manufacturing, MADE HERE is where it begins."

Orthopedic OEMs attending will gain access to consolidated supplier discovery and qualification, opening the door to streamlined strategic sourcing opportunities—where connecting with one supplier often leads to connections with many. The event also helps strengthen relationships across the ecosystem, gives attendees a clearer view of the region’s talent pipeline, and offers insights that support long-term growth.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent and expertise within our orthopedic ecosystem," said KEDCO CEO Peggy Friday. "When you create the right energy and bring the right people together, that’s when great business happens and lasting relationships are built."

Ticket registration is still open, but seats are filling quickly. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://bit.ly/MADEHERE2025.

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