MERC Online Company Interview - ConMed Linvatec

MERC Online talks with ConMed Linvatec Training Manager, Todd Gladden

MERC Online: Please give a brief description of your company's products and services, including any new technologies that your company is exploring. Also, what is the size of your workforce?
 
ConMed Linvatec: ConMed Linvatec, founded in 1963, is a global leader in the fields of arthroscopy, multi-specialty endoscopic medical video systems and powered surgical instruments. Headquartered in Largo, FL, ConMed Linvatec is at the forefront of technology for a growing range of minimally invasive and orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Orthopaedic surgeons use ConMed Linvatec arthroscopic instrumentation, implants, fixation and tissue repair systems with brand names that include Linvatec and Shutt®, for diagnostic purposes, minor surgeries and complex reconstructions of knees, shoulders and small joints such as the wrist and ankle.

Currently, at our Largo headquarters, we employee more than 1,100 people on three shifts. We have divisions in other states and around the world as well.

MERC Online: What would an engineer or technician in your manufacturing operations be expected to do at your company?

ConMed Linvatec: Engineers and technicians fulfill various roles depending upon their department. For Engineers, this may include everything from sustaining engineering functions to new product development. For Technicians, this can range from basic assembly operations to precise soldering, trouble-shooting and advanced assembly duties depending on post-secondary education.

MERC Online: What technical skills do you look for as you hire new employees?

ConMed Linvatec: We look for technical aptitude, and ability to do problem solving and trouble shooting. But just as critical is an employee’s ability to work successfully with others. Our factories are set up in High Performance Work Team environments and being able to thrive in that atmosphere is crucial.

MERC Online: List the top three interpersonal skills that you would like to see in new employees.

ConMed Linvatec: We believe that the ability to work with others, being able to resolve conflicts successfully and accountability are the three top skills needed by all staff members at ConMed Linvatec.

MERC Online: What do you think is the most important skill for a manufacturing engineer to have in your company?

ConMed Linvatec: In many cases our Manufacturing Engineers serve as project managers. That means they must be able to explain details — like  technical specifications — so that employees of varying levels of education can understand and do their own jobs. Communications is very important to be able to drive projects and get results.  

MERC Online: How valuable in your operation is it for a new employee to have an Associate Degree?

ConMed Linvatec: Any advanced degree is important. The more advanced the degree, the more opportunity there is for an employee’s career advancement and financial benefits.

MERC Online: Do you encourage your existing employees to obtain an associate degree if they do not already have one?

ConMed Linvatec: We encourage continuing education throughout our company. We provide $5,250 per year to any employee who goes back to school.

MERC Online: How many positions in your company require an associate degree? How many require a bachelor’s degree?
 
ConMed Linvatec: Approximately 20 percent of the positions here require an Associates degree; about 30 percent require a Bachelor’s degree.

MERC Online: How is an employee's long-term advancement affected by continuing education?

ConMed Linvatec:  While continuing education is critical, it is also important that education can include a certification program in a skilled trade. We need just as many of these employees as those with advanced degrees.

MERC Online: If you could talk to manufacturing educators, what suggestions or comments would you pass on to them?

ConMed Linvatec: We would encourage educators to teach theory, yes, but to concentrate more on real-world applications and more practical uses of the theory. We would ask also that educators stay in tune with the business world through on-site visits, by reading business journals, etc.