Staunton, Va.-based Cadence Inc., a contract manufacturer of advanced products, technologies and services to the medical, life-science, and industrial markets, is celebrating an anniversary—30 years in business.

The company, originally founded as Specialty Blades in 1985 by engineer Martin Lightsey, was developed with the concept of combining computer numerical control (CNC) and razor blade sharpening technologies to address the needs of companies that required high-performance, custom-made blades.

“It’s the people and the culture that have made this company a success,” said Lightsey. “This has been the realization of a dream 30 years in the making.”

Since the company’s inception, its capabilities and services have expanded beyond its original scope. Cadence has experienced substantial growth since 2003, company officials said, with a focus on serving the medical device and life-science markets, adding precision metal process capabilities, injection molding and clean-room assembly to its list of current capabilities.

Cadence now employs nearly 500 people worldwide. In addition to its headquarters in Staunton, the company has other facilities in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and the Dominican Republic.

“We have a defined culture in set of values at Cadence where doing the right things for our employees, customers and shareholders matters,” said CEO Alan Connor. “It’s what has allowed us to have 30 successful years and what will allow us to have 30 more.”