Recently, Genesis Plastics Welding has been privileged to participate in multiple legislative roundtables and medical device conferences throughout Indiana. We are extremely proud to stand together with the state’s large medical device OEMs and discuss topics that effect companies of all sizes within our industry.

One common thread in each of the events has been the clear signs that Indiana’s life science ecosystem is evolving. Innovation across the board is taking our industry to places we’d not previously imagined and our health care system and regulatory bodies are sprinting to keep up with the emerging trends.

For example, as Mukesh Kumar, director of biomaterials research at Biomet referenced at the IMDMC annual conference in October, trends like medical components produced on demand in doctor’s offices from 3D printer software. Moreover, trends like smart medical devices with digital components that continually stream live data back to healthcare providers. Yes, the medical device landscape is quickly evolving with new innovation coming to life daily and regulatory guidelines must be developed just as quickly.

Just last month, both Governor Pence (IN-R) and Senator Donnelly (IN-D) have noted their desire to reinstate the R&D development tax credit, as well as continue to fight the medical device tax. As a small business in the state of Indiana, witnessing these excellent examples of bipartisan leadership gives me great hope for the future of the medical device and manufacturing industries. Progress is possible when OEMs, contract manufacturers and state legislators are working hand in hand to tackle the roadblock issues.

Another topic that I was pleased to get the opportunity to discuss with our legislative leaders was the idea of making it a priority for OEMs within Indiana to first review their own state’s resources when strategically sourcing for the manufacture of goods. By our legislators backing “Strategic Indiana Sourcing,” they would be helping to further grow the diverse economic landscape of Indiana with the creation of jobs and additional growth within the manufacturing sectors. The the creation of a new tax credit would incentivize OEMs to source within their own state before looking elsewhere for materials or services.

Genesis Plastics Welding has been strategically sourcing locally for years. We purchase foam, molded plastic, tooling, plastic film, hardware and secondary services screen printing all from local Indiana vendors. We appreciate that by sourcing locally, it keeps jobs in our state and saves us on logistics costs. It also is great for collaboration. Being able to stop over at our tooling shop during the day is priceless for us. Really, it just makes good business sense to source locally when you are able.