WARSAW, Ind. (Mar. 27, 2008) - Symmetry Medical Inc., (NYSE:SMA) a manufacturer of implants, surgical devices and medical cases for the orthopedics industry, announced today it will expand its operations here, creating more than 60 new jobs and expanding training for current employees.
The global company will invest more than $6.2 million over the next two years to upgrade its North Central Indiana facilities and provide advanced training to workers at its three Kosciusko County facilities.
"Creating an environment that allows businesses like Symmetry Medical to grow and thrive in Indiana is imperative to our economic success," said Nathan Feltman, Indiana Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
Located in Warsaw, Ind., a city known as the orthopedics capital of the world, Symmetry Medical will use a $127,000 grant from the state's Skills Enhancement Fund to further its employee training program and maximize the efficiency of new and current employees. As part of the effort, the company plans to provide workers with supplemental math training, second language training, equipment maintenance and manufacturing process training along with other company and industry-specific learning opportunities.
"Symmetry Medical has deep roots in northern Indiana and strong customer relationships that provide a platform for growth and expansion into other medical device markets," said Bill Frey, Symmetry Medical's senior vice president of U.S. instruments. "We are proud of our Indiana workforce and strive to provide competitive wages and benefits as well as opportunities for career growth and advancement. These include a company funded medical clinic and a rigorous apprenticeship program that is developing engineering and production leadership throughout our Indiana facilities."
Founded in 1976 as Othy Inc., the company became Symmetry Medical Inc. in 2003 and currently operates more than 15 facilities worldwide that employ 1,900 associates. More than 400 Hoosiers work for Symmetry at the company's three Kosciusko County facilities.
"Symmetry Medical is a vital part of our orthopedic community," said Ernest Wiggins, Mayor of Warsaw. "We want to do anything we can from an economic development standpoint to promote their continued growth."
About Symmetry Medical Inc.
Symmetry Medical (NYSE:SMA) is a leading provider of implants, instruments and cases to orthopedic device manufacturers. We also design, develop and produce these products for companies in the arthroscopy, dental, laparoscopy, osteobiologic, endoscopy and other segments of the medical device market, as well as provide specialized products and services to the aerospace market. With an impressive global footprint and world-class services, Symmetry Medical is the one source for Total Solutions. At Symmetry Medical, we offer a multi-disciplined team that assures your success.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. Since Daniels created the IEDC, the state has posted three consecutive years of record-breaking job creation. For more information about IEDC, visit http://www.iedc.in.gov/.
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Media Contacts:
Linda Scalet (Symmetry) - 574.267.8700 or lindasc@othy.com
Bill Frey (Symmetry) bill.frey@othy.com
Mitch Frazier (IEDC) - 317.232.8873 or MFrazier@iedc.in.gov
Link to this event: http://www.in.gov/newsroom.htm?detailContent=146_17125.htm