By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WINONA LAKE — OrthoWorx held its first-ever OrthoWorx Summit Wednesday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.

The event was an opportunity for the community and medical device companies to further engage in helping strengthen the already thriving industry.  

It also highlighted the recently announced National Science Foundation grant that's working to establish what’s being described as an “impact engine” in Indiana.

The project involves a consortium led by Indiana University of more than 170 Indiana industry, clinical, and university partners and will receive up to $160 million (potentially) over the next 10 years to turn research into real-world solutions.

Jim Lancaster, a former executive with Zimmer Biomet, now serves as the CEO of the NSF Impact Engine in Indiana. He highlighted the initiative at the summit.

“Think of it as seed money that the National Science Foundation has put into our region to not drive just one entity, but to drive this collaboration across a very broad region.

[caption id="attachment_134679" align="alignright" width="350"] Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Public Schools, which has established a series of dedicated STEM academies that support Orthopedics, was one of the participants in a group discussion at the OrthoWorx Summit. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Dr. Michael Meneghini, the founder of Indiana Orthopedic Institute, was the keynote speaker and said such collaborative efforts come at a crucial point as technology and innovation gain momentum in the orthopedic industry.

“I will tell you right now that it is happening faster than many of you probably even realize,” Meneghini said.

He compared ithe industry's need to look foward to that of a quarterback who understands who is looking downfield and anticipating where his receiver is headed.

“When a market is changing this fast, you can't look at where it is now,” Meneghini said.

“It is changing faster than in my 30 years in medicine than I've ever seen it. Ever. Not even close,” he added.

The following is a news release issued by OrthWorx after the event:

OrthoWorx brought together leaders from across orthopedics, education, healthcare, innovation, workforce development, and community development for the inaugural OrthoWorx Summit on Aug. 12 at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. 

Centered around the theme “Engage,” the Summit created a space for meaningful conversation, collaboration, and action around the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

The afternoon began with grounding attendees in the history of OrthoWorx and its role as a catalyst and collaborator within the region’s orthopedic ecosystem. From there, programming explored the forces shaping what comes next, from a historic investment in musculoskeletal innovation to the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities to strengthen the region’s talent, community, and innovation infrastructure.

“The Summit was designed to bring people together, not simply to talk about the future, but to engage with one another and help shape the next chapter,” said Ryan Christner, President and CEO of OrthoWorx. 

“The energy in the room reinforced what we know to be true about this community: when we bring different perspectives together and focus on what we can accomplish collectively, there is tremendous potential for impact. Our job at OrthoWorx is to help create those connections and turn that momentum into action.”

One of the day’s first conversations focused on the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana, an Indiana University-led initiative selected as a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine. 

The initiative brings together industry, clinical, university, and research partners to build a regional innovation ecosystem focused on musculoskeletal health. The panel explored what the investment could mean for Indiana and, more specifically, for the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

A key message from the conversation captured the collaborative spirit at the heart of the initiative: “If we are going to be successful, it’s going to take everyone coming together to build a connected and sustainable ecosystem across the Hoosier state.”

The Summit’s keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Meneghini, offered a candid look at the future of orthopedics, addressing both the significant opportunities ahead and the headwinds facing the industry. His presentation challenged attendees to think beyond the region’s historic strengths and consider where continued investment, innovation, and adaptation will be necessary to maintain global leadership.

Attendees then participated in focused breakout sessions designed to encourage deeper discussion and generate actionable ideas around the forces shaping the region. The interactive sessions provided an opportunity for participants to share perspectives, explore challenges, and identify ways to become more engaged in the work ahead.

The Summit also celebrated an individual whose leadership has had a lasting impact on the orthopedic industry. 

State Rep. Craig Snow was presented with the inaugural Dr. Dane A. Miller Legacy Award, recognizing his contributions to the region and his commitment to advancing the orthopedic industry and the community it calls home.

The afternoon concluded with a charge from Vince Wong, CEO, BioCrossroads, to think beyond individual organizations and communities and embrace Indiana’s collective strength as the BioHeartland. Wong challenged attendees to unite around the opportunity to root and sustain a broader Hoosier life sciences ecosystem, one that can continue to drive innovation, talent, economic growth, and improved quality of life.

For OrthoWorx, the Summit marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to bring people together around the conversations and partnerships that will shape the region’s future.

“Engage was more than a theme for this event, it was a challenge,” Christner said. “We want people to leave this Summit asking themselves, ‘Where can I lean in? What can I contribute? Who else should I be working with?’ The future of the Orthopedic Capital of the World will not be built be one organization or one sector. It will take a joint effort, and we’re excited to keep building on the conversations and seeing action take place in our schools, community, and across our industry.”

The conversations sparked at the Summit will continue through additional opportunities to engage throughout the region. MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase, returning Dec. 9, will bring together manufacturers, innovators, suppliers, educators, and community leaders to showcase the depth of the region’s orthopedic ecosystem. 

Looking ahead to 2027, OrthoWorx will also launch its Joint Effort event series, creating opportunities to dive deeper into topics explored at the Summit and bring together partners from across the community to move ideas toward action.

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WARSAW — Kosciusko County is on the verge of its biggest bump in job growth in a long time with the arrival of Slate Auto at a revamped facility on Old Road 30 and Autocam Medical’s 100,000-square-foot production site currently under construction a mile away along US 30.

[caption id="attachment_134506" align="alignright" width="350"] Part of Slate Auto's parking lot, pictured last week, is already often crowded as it ramps up toward employing 1,900 workers later this year. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Slate Auto is expected to begin production of its electric pickup trucks later this year at its facility in the old RR Donnelley parking and a large number of vehicles from employees and contractors can already be seen every day as it plans to eventually employ upward of 1,900 workers.

Combined, those two numbers represent a 5.2% increase in the Kosciusko County workforce, based on US Census statistics.

Officials with Warsaw and the county have been working to address the need for more housing for years, but is seeing some results, with the opening of two new apartment complexes in Warsaw anticipated this year, and with construction of several other subdivisions across parts of the county.

But more plans are in the works.

Peggy Simmons, the executive director of KEDCO, acknowledged that they want to see more of the new and future workers find homes nearby rather than commuting from other nearby counties.

She said they've been working on a housing plan for two years.

"We're going to be making some announcements pretty soon," Simmons told News Now Warsaw last week. "The team at KEDCO has been working with Club 720 and Mission Build from Fort Wayne to bring attainable housing here."

Simmons, in an interview for the public affairs show, In the Know, also commented on a recent story by News Now Warsaw about the increased fuel sales at the Warsaw Municipal Airport in the past year. Much of that is attributed to flight traffic involving Slate and Autocam, according to the airport manager.

Simmons said she thinks that kind of increase, if sustained, could boost the airport in the future.

“We are hoping that the increase in usage and sales in fuel will spur the airport to grow. We know that if we want to land larger jets, we need a longer runway. So hopefully, we're starting to make the case that the numbers speak for themselves and that there is room for growth,” Simmons said.

Plans for lengthening the airport's east-west runway have been discussed for years but is still not a top priority.

Other long-term changes, such as a still-unresolved solution to CR 100E, have become an immediate concern.

A tunnel or another solution to that road issue is needed before runway expansion can be considered.

Simmons said KEDCO’s annual banquet is Sept. 9 at Oakwood in Syracuse and the featured speaker will be Polywood CEO Brady Maller. Representatives of Slate and Autocam are also expected to address the gathering.

Simmons joined OrthoWorx CEO Ryan Christner for last week's public affairs show on Kensington Digital Media radio stations.

Christner highlighted current work undertaken by OrthoWorx. You can see that story here.

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WARSAW — While Slate Auto is capturing national attention as it prepares to open its manufacturing facility in Warsaw, the robust local orthopedic industry — and specifically OrthoWorx — is having another memorable year. 

The non-profit, which works to support the orthopedic industry in Warsaw in various ways, will host its first-ever OrthoWorx Summit on Wednesday in Winona Lake.

The event at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center begins at 1 p.m. and will include speeches and group discussions, and is a chance for guests to further appreciate what's happening locally in orthopedics.

OrthoWorks CEO and President Ryan Christner calls it "a deliberate convening of the entire ecosystem."

“We want anybody in attendance to come and understand … some of the history about the Orthopedic Capital of the World, what OrthoWorx has done in the past, but also, and more importantly, how to engage in the future to help write the next chapter of the Orthopedic Capital of the World," Christner said in a recent interview with News Now Warsaw.

The program will include a "fireside chat," a keynote speech and a handful of breakout sessions on a variety of subjects, including innovation.

You can learn more about how to participate with this link.

The local industry is also seeing a direct benefit from another event held in December of last year.

The first-ever Made Here Manufacturing Showcase highlighted local industry and attracted hundreds of people in Winona Lake.

Among those also attending were representatives of industry from outside the region.

Christner said the program was a key moment for a German company looking to establish a presence in the United States.

“We met with them the day after the showcase, and they were just amazed. They actually thought that we put the showcase on just for them coming here … They just were so in awe of the expertise that we have, 130 years plus of orthopedic expertise,” Christner said.

“They said right then and there, we're going to put a facility here in the Warsaw area,” he said.

The company, Amnovis, specializes in titanium 3D printing and is working toward opening a facility near North Webster. 

Much of the work will involve orthopedic applications. 

Christner said they'll begin operations with about 20 employees.

Christner was joined by Peggy Simmons, the CEO of KEDCO, the county's economic development wing, for a wide-ranging discussion about business activities in Kosciusko County.

You can hear it this weekend on In the Know,  the public affairs show that airs on Kensington digital media radio stations this weekend.

Much of OrthoWorx mission involves education that improves strengthening the workforce pipeline for local orthopedic-related companies.

Other highlights: The organization raised $3,500 for local STEM programs through a "Bones & Barrels" fundraiser and launched the Spring and Summer 2026 Orthopedic Scholar Institute series alongside local hiring fairs.

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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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WARSAW — OrthoWorx has announced the appointment of Andrea Sullivan as the new Executive Director of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI).

In this role, Sullivan will lead efforts to implement and advance the OIRI’s mission of talent attraction and retention through community amenities, strengthening and accelerating the orthopedic industry in the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

Sullivan brings more than a decade of experience in the healthcare and medical device industries, where she has held leadership roles in marketing, communications, and strategic community engagement.

“Andrea’s depth of experience in the orthopedic industry and her long-standing commitment to this community make her an excellent fit for the OIRI Executive Director position,” said Ryan Christner, President and CEO of OrthoWorx. “Her ability to connect strategy with impact and to bring people together around a shared vision will be vital as we continue shaping the future of Kosciusko County’s orthopedic ecosystem.”

Sullivan has lived in Kosciusko County since 1995, when she and her husband moved to Warsaw to begin their careers in orthopedics. Over the past three decades, she has been deeply engaged in community service and volunteer leadership, supporting efforts that strengthen workforce development, quality of life, and local collaboration.

“I’m honored to step into this role and help lead an initiative that represents such a significant investment in our community’s future,” said Andrea Sullivan, OIRI Executive Director. “Kosciusko County has long been the center of orthopedic innovation, and OIRI presents an incredible opportunity to build on that legacy, enhancing our region’s ability to attract talent, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for generations to come.”

The Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI) is a state-funded, three-year effort designed to enhance Kosciusko County’s global leadership in orthopedics by supporting quality-of-place, talent development, and innovation efforts.

As Executive Director, Andrea will serve as the primary point of contact for the initiative, working alongside community leaders, local and state partners, and regional stakeholders to bring the OIRI vision to life. 

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WARSAW — OrthoWorx has announced the appointment of Ryan Christner as president and chief executive officer.

The appointment was effective on Monday.

Christner, a longtime orthopedic leader in Kosciusko County, steps into the role following his time as Executive Director of the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI).

“Ryan brings a deep understanding of both the orthopedic industry and the broader needs of our community,” said Terry Schlotterback, OrthoWorx Board Chair.

“He has already demonstrated his commitment to advancing our mission through his leadership of the OIRI project and his many years of service in talent development initiatives. His collaborative style, community focus, and industry insight make him uniquely qualified to lead OrthoWorx into its next chapter.”

A lifelong resident of Kosciusko County, Christner has over 15 years of experience in the orthopedic industry, having held roles in operations management, supply chain, logistics, customer service, and human resources at local orthopedic companies. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Grace College and has been actively involved in community efforts related to education, workforce development, and youth mentorship.

Most recently, he played a key role in founding Youth & the Outdoors United, a nonprofit organization committed to connecting local youth with outdoor recreation through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.

In his new role, Christner will focus on growing and sustaining OrthoWorx’s impact as a catalyst for talent attraction, retention, community engagement, and industry relations across the community.

“Stepping into the role of President & CEO at OrthoWorx is a tremendous honor,” said Christner. “Our community has a remarkable legacy of orthopedic innovation, and I am deeply committed to ensuring it continues to be a place where individuals and families choose to live, work, and thrive. We have a wonderful story to tell and I’m excited to build on our strong foundation and advance our mission of connecting industry, education, and community so we can attract and retain the talent that will shape our future for generations to come.”

Christner’s appointment follows his leadership of the OIRI project, a $30 million state-funded initiative focused on enhancing quality of life and solidifying Kosciusko County’s position as a global center of orthopedic excellence. Under his guidance, the initiative has already begun to unite stakeholders around transformative projects supporting long-term community and workforce development.

“Ryan has shown time and again that he can bring people together to solve complex challenges,” said Suzie Light, a Founding OrthoWorx Board Member, “His ability to work across sectors and his deep roots in the community make him exactly the kind of leader OrthoWorx needs to expand its influence and impact.”

As CEO, Christner will continue to strengthen OrthoWorx’s role as a convenor of partners and a driver of strategic initiatives designed to enhance educational opportunities, workforce pathways, quality of place, and cultivate innovation.

“Our mission of Advancing the Orthopedic Capital of the World® for Generations to Come has never been more vital,” adds Schlotterback. “With Ryan at the helm, we are confident OrthoWorx will continue to lead boldly, collaborate widely, and innovate meaningfully for the benefit of our industry and community.”

Christner lives in Kosciusko County with his wife and four children. An avid outdoorsman and dedicated community advocate, he volunteers, coaches youth sports, and brings a deep personal passion to OrthoWorx’s mission of impact-driven leadership.

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