Compression Garment Manufacturer, Gottfried Medical, Inc., Celebrates its 30th Anniversary, in its New, Expanded Facility. For Gottfried Medical, Inc., the American Dream is Alive and Well.

TOLEDO, OH, January 01, 2011 (Press-News.org) Gottfried Medical manufactures medical devices. They specialize in the engineering and manufacturing of made-to-measure compression garments, including: stockings and sleeves. The majority of their products aid in controlling numerous vascular conditions and lymphedema. They also manufacture compression garments specially engineered to suppress and control hypertrophic scarring, resulting (most often) from serious burn injury.

Their new facility is almost 12,000 square feet, nearly double the previous. This writer had the pleasant opportunity to spend a day there, asking questions and learning about the company from its President, Brent Gottfried. Brent set aside an entire day to speak with us and was our guide for our facility tour.

What amenities, or improvements, does the new location provide, that previous did not?

"We absolutely love our drop docks, as well as the additional warehouse capacity and a spacious parking lot, all notably absent at our previous location."

What prompted the re-location and was it anticipated?

"Based upon our historical growth and projections, we anticipated needing either a newer, larger facility or an extensive expansion of our (then) current one within three years. Previous experience and the state of the Real Estate market suggested we begin our search when we did."

"The building we ultimately purchased was (curiously enough) one of the first ones we considered. Six months later and after $75,000 in renovations and upgrades, it was ready for Gottfried Medical to occupy. From our initial search to the move-in, everything came together much faster than we had experienced previously."

"Much of our good fortune is a result of the wonderful companies that helped make it all happen. The entire project was financed by: Signature Bank N.A. Our general contractor was: JMS Real Estate Services. Both companies are (like us) also Toledo-based and worked very closely with us."

"Our 30 year success story is due (in large part) to our customer service. Even today, every call Gottfried Medical receives is answered by a person. No voicemail, no buttons to push. In our new facility, we invested in state-of-the-art fiber optics for even more efficient communication both internally and with our customers."

"It's not just about getting bigger," Brent continued, "As we grow, we are constantly evaluating our methods and workflow. Our new facility provides the added space we need to accommodate the staff and equipment necessary to meet the increased demand. By design, the facility has also allowed us to streamline some of our operations, thereby increasing our efficiency, so that we may continue to provide the delivery service our customers have come to expect."

Why Toledo? What keeps your business from moving offshore?

"Toledo," said Brent, "is not only my home and birthplace; it is the birthplace of the industry Gottfried Medical serves. Conrad Jobst, who originated and developed the concepts for gradient pressure stockings, lived in Toledo and worked for Owens-Illinois, then a Toledo-based company. Jobst (Conrad Jobst's namesake) was also originally a Toledo-based company. My father, Max Gottfried, the founder of Gottfried Medical, began his career in this field working for Jobst."

"Manufacturing offshore is not practical for our business model. Virtually everything we produce is one of a kind; therefore, economies of scale do not apply. Our products are time-sensitive. For the reason of efficacy alone, from the time an order is placed, engineered, manufactured and finally delivered, is counted in days. Although it might be possible to save a few pennies (in my opinion) the loss in time and quality control could never justify the savings of moving manufacturing offshore."

You mentioned Max Gottfried, your father, and the company's founder. How did it all start?

"Max Gottfried believed a lower cost and longer life made-to-measure compression garment could be made without reducing its quality or compromising its efficacy. With three employees in 1,000 square feet of space, he proved he was right and so in 1981 Gottfried Medical, Inc. was born. His dream lives-on in our new facility, now employing 30 people."

How will e-business, technology and virtual world affect Gottfried Medical?

"To look into our future, we must look at our past. Our first fax machine was very expensive. At the time we wondered if its cost would ever be justified, yet we made the investment to better serve our customers. Before there were PC's, we had an internal computer network that could multi-task. This provided us a means for efficient and accurate record keeping, helping to keep costs down."

"We were also early entrants into Internet and are proud of our website: www.GottfriedMedical.com, going through several major upgrades over the years. We continue to work on improvements and online content. Soon, we hope to be offering online ordering."

"Reflecting on how the company technology has changed in the last 30 years makes the future look very exciting. 3D imaging and ultrasonic sewing are just two of many areas that hold promise. It's simple: at Gottfried Medical, we embrace technology we feel will improve our products and service."

At the close of our day with Gottfried Medical, we were granted permission to pose the following question to a few of the company's senior management:

How do you envision the move to the new location will affect your role at Gottfried Medical and why?

(Brent Gottfried, President) "The move has taken some pressure off me. We now have elbow room and the space to grow. That's what we have done every year of our existence. We also now have the space to evaluate some of the new technologies we are interested in. Personally, I am gratified by the level at which the employees are enjoying our new home."

(Beth Joy, General Manager) "By moving to the new building and including the entire staff throughout the process, the sense of ownership is heightened for each employee. This sense of ownership creates more of a team atmosphere. We all love our new surroundings and want to continue to grow the business and provide the service we are known for. The move has affected my role as General Manager by the positive attitude of the employees and their willingness to do what it takes."

(Brandon Scanes, Sales Manager) "A move such as this, by default, puts added pressure on all those involved. As an example, my role expanded and shifted to one of logistics - organizing the transfer of product and inventory to the new location. Prior to and throughout the move itself, new situations required quick and decisive decisions. As we settle-in to our new offices although things are returning to 'normal,' as a result of that move (going forward) I now possess new skills to call upon that will help me deal with my workday."

(Darla Hredzak, National Sales Representative) "What the move represents has a huge impact on my motivation. To be a part of a company that grows every year is an honor. It stands upon the promise of its President, Brent Gottfried: 'do one thing and do it well.' As their national sales rep, that means providing our customers the highest quality products to aid in their patients' journey to either recovery or maintenance of their unique health concerns."

As Gottfried Medical turns the corner on thirty years in business, their future remains bright, as does their commitment to the Toledo-area as their home and to their promise to remain a company sought-out by employee and customer alike.

Website: http://www.gottfriedmedical.com