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30 Years of Innovation in Marquette, Michigan
RESOLVE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES
BY PAT NICHOLS, PRINCIPLE, SUN UP COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF RESOLVE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES
Innovation is often inspired by need. Frustrated by the limitations of monofilament wire for back surgeries, Dr. Matthew Songer, a Marquette, Michigan-based orthopedic surgeon, embarked upon a mission to build a better implant.
Relying on his clinical experience, as well as an academic background in mechanical engineering, Dr. Songer successfully developed the Songer Cable, a system of stainless steel or titanium cable that can be adjusted and secured with a single instrument.
This breakthrough innovation led to the 1992 founding of Pioneer Surgical Technology in Marquette to manufacture the cable and, in the years that followed, other spinal and orthopedic implants and instruments. After three decades of medical advances, company evolution and growth, the recently rebranded company, Resolve Surgical Technologies, has stayed true to its innovative roots. Today, it designs, develops, and manufactures metal and polymer implants and instruments for orthopedics, spine, and cardiothoracic applications.
The company has also continued to advance its business model as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), developing and manufacturing products for distribution by other medical technology companies. Resolve Surgical Technologies has honed and expanded its processes, providing collaborative R&D and design, rapid prototyping, vertically-integrated, high quality manufacturing process and end-to-end product lifecycle and regulatory management.
Megan Osorio, recently named the president of the company, says that the close customer relationships and comprehensive approach set Resolve Surgical Technologies apart. “We establish long-standing partnerships with our customers, which include some of the leading medical technology providers in the industry,” she explains. “This approach has been successful in freeing up their time and resources so they can focus on their innovation and growth priorities.”
That business model has stood the test of time. Two of the company’s original customers continue to work closely with Resolve Surgical Technologies, expanding and scaling their product development. “In a typical medical technology company, the product development process takes four years or more,” Osorio explains. “Because of our systems, business processes and expertise, we can typically accelerate that to 18 months. That provides our partners with a quality and speedto-revenue advantage that their competitors can’t match.”
Also, a competitive advantage for Resolve Surgical Technologies: a largely Michiganeducated talent base that appreciates the quality of life in the Upper Peninsula. Marquette, an outdoor adventure mecca on the shores of Lake Superior, has been an ideal home for the company, supporting significant growth over the past decade. Marquettebased University of Northern Michigan and Michigan Technological University, based in nearby Houghton, continue to be primary sources of engineering and technical talent.
The company’s recent return to independent operations under private ownership has been a catalyst for increased investment to accommodate market demand – investment that includes advanced equipment and infrastructure. The 110,000-square foot vertically-integrated plant and office facility, which operates 24-hour shifts, now employs more than 250 individuals, making it one of Marquette’s largest employers. The additional capacity is expected to support customer account growth and expansion in the coming years.
Jason Sandstrom started with the company as an NMU engineering intern in 2004 and today leads its research and development team. “Our company has changed over the years, and technology and techniques continue to evolve,” he explains.
RESOLVESURG.COM
