Manufacturing Processes

The Manufacturing Processes class toured two facilities in the cities on April 30th. The two facilities were Medtronic and MTS. While MTS designs and builds very innovative, often one of a kind, test equipment, I was definitely more impressed with Medtronic. Medtronic is a, if not the, world leader in the manufacturing of medical devices. However, this was not what sets this company apart. What sets this company apart is its adherence to a mission statement since 1960 (really since the company formed in 1949):

To contribute to human welfare by application of biomedical engineering in the research, design, manufacture, and sale of instruments or appliances that alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life.

Medtronic is an ethically motivated organization that believes strongly in the value of citizenship:

Our corporate citizenship vision is twofold:

• to leverage our resources, assets, and expertise to catalyze dramatic improvement in the lives of those affected by chronic disease, and
• to operate responsibly in all facets where our business intersects with society.

Further, the work environment seemed structured but yet welcoming. The employees were friendly and all seemed to greet others with a smile. This is no small accomplishment for an organization, let alone such a large organization. The strength of an organization lies in the character of its employees. There was no lack of character at Medtronic. 

- Sue Benolken