Gov. Scott Honors Arthrex Founder at Grand Opening of Ave Maria Plant
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Published on Thursday, 03 October 2013 21:12
Flanked by dignitaries and employees at the new Arthrex manufacturing facility in Ave Maria, Gov. Rick Scott praised company founder Reinhold Schmiding Thursday afternoon, presenting him with the Governor's Ambassador medal.
"There are not too many people who could do what your CEO has done," Gov. Scott told employees at the company, which has grown to more than $1 billion in worldwide sales since Mr. Schmieding founded it in the early 1980s. Left, Gov. Scott and Mr. Schmieding answering questions from the media. Below right, Gov. Scott presents the medal to Mr. Schmieding.
The 190,000-square-foot plant has hired more than 200 new employees, Arthrex officials said, and now has more than 500 people working to make devices and implants for orthopedic surgery. Close to 1,000 more employees are planned to be added in the coming years.
Manufacturing began gearing up in July, but the "grand opening" Thursday was an opportunity to officially recognize employees who built and work at the state-of-the-art facility.
"It's a great day for us," said Mr. Schmieding, "A great day for Florida and a great day for Collier County."
For his part, Mr. Schmieding presented the governor with a book chronicling the construction of the plant.
Above, Mr. Schmieding with Arthrex employees. Right, Gov. Scott with Mr. Schmieding's wife, Erika, and Arthrex employees.
Photos by Jeremiah Rappley
