| Norman Noble Inc. Press Release |  |
Norman Noble announces major expansion in orthopedic implant manufacturing operation
Company completes acquisition that includes eight Willemin-Macodel 5-axis contour milling machines
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, OHIO - July 8, 2008 — Medical device contract manufacturer Norman Noble Inc., today announced a significant expansion in its orthopedic implant manufacturing operation. The expansion includes the addition of eight Willemin-Macodel 5-axis contour milling machines, making the company one of the largest providers of single-operation machining to the orthopedic implant OEM market. In addition, the company increased capacity in its Swiss turning and milling department and made capital investments in equipment to support its quality inspection department.
Dan Stefano, vice president of manufacturing for Norman Noble, said the decision to expand the business was a strategic one and that the new machining technology will be very synergetic with the company's core competencies.
"Orthopedic implants are one of the fastest growing segments of our business," Stefano said. "The U.S. spinal implant market alone is valued at $3 billion with sizable recent and forecasted growth," he added. "This additional technology and capacity fits our experience in manufacturing for this market, which requires tight tolerances, complex geometries and unique finishing requirements."
At the core of the expansion are eight Willemin-Macodel 5-axis, high-speed machining centers. The high-precision units machine parts such as spinal and extremity implants, by milling & turning them in one cycle from bar-fed stock to a complete six-sided part. Other methods for manufacturing orthopedic implants typically require additional machining steps that include multiple machining processes. The Willemin center can be programmed to automate the manufacturing process into a single-operation, resulting in higher output with greater precision & quality.
Chris Noble, vice president and chief operating officer for Norman Noble, said the eight Willemin machines will help support the growth of the company and position it as a leader for implant manufacturing both in terms of capacity and capability. "It's been Norman Noble's long-held vision to pursue markets aggressively and lead through the application of technology," Noble said. "We continually develop cost-effective manufacturing processes that provide our customers quality products to ensure their success."
The orthopedic implant manufacturing expansion is part of an ongoing company strategy to maintain double-digit growth. In addition to expanding its orthopedic implant manufacturing operation, in recent years the company has doubled the size of its facilities and made substantial investments in its Swiss turning capabilities and its proprietary laser machining and finishing technologies for stent manufacturing. Currently, the company is also undergoing a $1.7 million expansion of its mass finishing operation to support research and development and automated production. The mass finishing project complements, in part, the expansion of the company's orthopedic implant operation.
About Norman Noble, Inc.
Norman Noble, Inc. was established over 60 years ago and remains a family-owned and-operated
contract manufacturer, offering the most advanced processes for ultra-precision micromachining. The
company is known for its exceptional expertise and its ability to achieve subminiature precision beyond the reach of most manufacturers. Norman Noble Inc. is a supplier to most of the largest OEM's and well-known names in the medical device industry.
Norman Noble manufactures medical devices and components to customer specifications in compliance with FDA regulations and ISO:9001 & ISO:13485. State-of-the-art processes include laser machining & welding, Swiss turning & milling, conventional and wire EDM, high-speed 5-axis milling, NiTinol shape setting, and clean room assembly & packaging. Prototype services are available in separate & fully dedicated departments. For more information please visit www.nnoble.com
Media Inquiries:
Brian Hrouda
Director of Sales & Marketing
Norman Noble Inc.
Tel: 216-761-5387 / Email: bhrouda@normannoble.net
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