CICP News & Updates

Warsaw, IN, September 23, 2009 – The future of Warsaw, Indiana, the orthopedics capital of the world, received a significant boost today: the single largest private foundation grant ever awarded in the region.

“Indiana is indeed fortunate to be home to this extraordinary cluster of orthopedic companies in the Warsaw community,” said N. Clay Robbins, president of the Endowment.  “We are pleased that a promising plan and framework have been developed, after many months of deliberation and good effort, to secure and enhance the region’s competitive appeal to the orthopedic industry now and in the future.

The OrthoWorx initiative was created out of a comprehensive Endowment-funded study conducted by BioCrossroads, Indiana’s public-private collaboration for investment, development and advancement of the state’s signature life sciences strengths.  Released Sept.10, the report, "Warsaw, Indiana: The Orthopedics Capital of the World  -- An overview, analysis and blueprint for future industry and community growth", explores the sector's current assets and challenges and sets forth a series of action-oriented recommendations designed to secure and advance the community's current position as home to nearly a third of the world's orthopedic device industry.

For example, within a talent and workforce development initiative, OrthoWorx will engage the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Ivy Tech, Grace College and other higher education institutions, to help identify gaps in training and associate and baccalaureate degree programs. They will then work to develop new educational programs through state and federal grants and other sources of funding to fill such gaps. OrthoWorx also will explore ways to enrich and expand K-12 options in the region and develop further the research collaborations among orthopedic companies and Indiana’s research universities. It also will build relationships with the human resources, management and manufacturing departments of the various Warsaw-based orthopedics companies to ensure that companies can get the specifically trained workers they need.

“Much as BioCrossroads has become the supporting brand for Indiana's broad field of life sciences assets, OrthoWorx will become the voice that promotes the presence and potential of the Warsaw-based orthopedics industry and the community that supports it,” said David Johnson, president and CEO of BioCrossroads.  “As the epicenter of the orthopedics industry, Warsaw offers both a unique industry and a unique community. OrthoWorx will bridge the two to put the best strategic opportunities into action.”

“While many have contributed to the development of this plan, we are especially impressed by the leadership and dedication of the president of Grace College, Ron Manahan; the executive director of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, Suzie Light; and the leaders of the orthopedic industry and BioCrossroads. Without their tireless efforts we would not be here today,” Robbins added.