How can a company learn more about the medical devices industry?
The first step is to visit a trade show and find out what kinds of products are out there. Some shows, such as the Orthopedic Manufacturing and Technology Exposition in Chicago in June, are manufacturing-focused. You can see what’s out there and find out who makes what. It’s a great place to interact with potential customers. You can hold the parts in your hand and ask yourself, “How would I make this?” Also, many manufacturing societies, such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, are increasing their focus on medical device production. SME even has a 2008 yearbook devoted to medical manufacturing. How can an auto supplier make the move into the medical device industry? One way is to make prototypes for a medical device OEM. Start-up companies are often the key to a first contract. There is continuous innovation in this field, and many new medical devices come from venture startups with zero manufacturing expertise. They are focused on product development, marketing and regulatory
