Autocam Medical, a global contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices, has stayed open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while remaining completely committed to the safety of their employees.

Deemed an essential business because of the trauma-related medical devices they produce and the support they are offering customers involved in the production and operation of ventilators, the company elected to stay open to fulfill these critical needs. In addition to implementing many of the practices and procedures from their medical device plant in China which already dealt with COVID-19, the company instituted many of their own initiatives to keep their 500 employees here in America safe.

Precautions they’ve established include social distancing within their plants, mandatory use of facemasks, as well as a zero entrance policy for workers who exhibit signs of illness. In fact, before anyone can enter the building their temperature must be taken. Those with compromised immune systems, about 25 percent of their workforce, have also been furloughed.

The company is also only holding virtual meetings with their customers and suppliers. Internal meetings are held standing up as most of the chairs have been taken out of the conference room to maintain social distancing. They also have a cleaning crew that works throughout every shift disinfecting high-touch surfaces like door knobs and flat surfaces.

“The policies we’ve put in place are reflective of our commitment to keep our employees safe,” said John C. Kennedy, President/CEO of Autocam Medical. “So far they have worked well for us. Out of our 500 employees, only one, in our Plymouth, Massachusetts location, came down with the virus and they have since recovered. I believe that a large number of businesses could safely reopen using these same practices.”

About Autocam Medical
Autocam Medical is a global contract manufacturer of precision-machined drill bits, drivers, screws, plates, cutting tools and other complex, highly engineered surgical implants, instruments and handpieces, as well as other device components. Clients are involved with instruments and devices used in procedures including the foot and ankle, hand and wrist, hip and knee, shoulder and elbow, spine, as well as ophthalmology and craniomaxillofacial procedures. The company offers a value-added approach to high-precision manufacturing with specialties in CNC milling, turning and cutter grinding. The company has achieved ISO 13485:2016 certification. They also have facilities in the U.S., China and Brazil.

John Kennedy, IV, General Manager of Autocam Medical, was named the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s (GRBJ’s) Newsmaker of the Year in the Manufacturing category and was honored during the publication’s Newsmaker of the Year awards breakfast held on January 29th at Frederick Meijer Gardens.

Kennedy was one of three finalists, along with Murray Kessler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perrigo, and Kevin Lobo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stryker, in the Manufacturing category.

John Kennedy, IV has played a key role in Autocam Medical’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce. He has been a driving force behind their participation in the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP), a program focused on encouraging and facilitating the development of students pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing. He has also helped propel the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory (AMP Lab) located in Western Michigan University’s (WMU) downtown Grand Rapids campus.

“It is an honor to be ranked among business leaders that have helped spur the development of West Michigan,” noted Kennedy. “The growth of our area and our industry is also one of my key objectives. Our involvement in the AMP program and The AMP Lab will help raise the profile of advanced manufacturing in downtown Grand Rapids and draw more people into skilled trade careers. We also offer an apprentice program that provides students with the opportunity to become Certified CNC Machinists and earn their Journeyman’s card.”

Altogether, the GRBJ recognized 16 different individuals as the Newsmakers of the Year.

Autocam Medical, a contract manufacturer of precision surgical and medical components and devices announced three new pieces of their manufacturing equipment were installed in Western Michigan University’s (WMU) regional state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory (AMP Lab).

The equipment is just one example of Autocam Medical’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce. They are also a key partner in the AMP program, which is focused on encouraging and facilitating the development of students pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing. In addition, they participate in a CNC Machinist Apprentice program in which they send workers to college to receive training in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Students that complete 728 hours of classroom instruction while maintaining a full work schedule receive their journeyman’s card in CNC Machining and 27 college credits towards an associate’s degree.

Now students in the program will have access to some specialized equipment. The AMP lab equipment, a CNC 5 Axis Mill, a Swiss lathe, and a 3D metal printer, will provide engineering students and current engineers and designers with an opportunity to experience the high-tech devices needed to develop and test new products and prototypes. “We are primarily focused on the medical industry, so the machines are designed to make smaller parts,” said John Kennedy IV, General Manager at Autocam Medical.

For example, the CNC 5 Axis Mill is used to make metal orthopedic devices such as ankle replacements, shoulder implants, hip sockets, and trauma plates for stabilizing broken bones. The Swiss lathe is designed to make long and slender round components for different uses. The 3D metal printer can print ready-to-finish objects.

In addition to the opportunity to use the specialized equipment, students will also be able to receive valuable input from industry experts at the lab. “Engineering students that have a concept that is a little bit more technical than what they have the ability to do on the Web, can come down here and say, ‘I have this great idea can you guys help me figure out how to make this?,’ while they learn more about advanced machining,” said John Kennedy IV, General Manager at Autocam Medical.

The facility is located on the bottom two floors of WMU’s building at 200 Ionia Avenue SW in Grand Rapids. Students begin their learning in the apprentice lab and classroom and then move down to the lower level, where the new equipment from Autocam Medical is located for hands-on experience. In addition to providing students with the tools they need to bring their concepts to fruition, the location of the Autocam Medical equipment in the lab’s lower level allows passersby to have a birds-eye view of the machines from the sidewalk above.

“This type of visibility will allow people to see manufacturing in process,” said John Kennedy IV. “It will also help raise the profile of advanced manufacturing in downtown Grand Rapids and draw more people into skilled trade careers. Manufacturers are struggling to fill these positions with well-trained workers who can become productive immediately. The AMP Lab helps close that gap.”

Autocam Medical’s President, John Kennedy, has played a primary role in this unique partnership between private industry and public institutions. He has helped connect Herman Miller and Paragon Die and Engineering to the program which includes several other area manufacturers and donors such as, Amway, Cascade Engineering, Flexco, Haworth, and Rockwell Automation. Besides WMU, the companies will be involved with Grand Rapids Community College, Ferris State University, and Aquinas College. As a result, the Lab becomes a resource for all of West Michigan and beyond.