How quickly time passes. It has been 40 years since Elmwood Park, N.J.-based Phillips Precision Medicraft began serving orthopedic clients.

Like many classic American success stories, this one began with humble beginnings. Founder of the company, Francis Phillips, a machinist by trade—along with his wife Jeanne—purchased and refurbished one milling ‘hand’ machine in 1967, which they kept in the basement of their Northvale, N.J., home. To support their growing family, Phillips started producing small jobs for a former employer as well as engineers from various industries.

He developed strong relationships with local engineers, which led him to an introduction that changed everything. In 1972, he met an engineer with Howmedica (now Stryker) who decided to give the young machinist an opportunity.

Recognizing the value and importance of the work he was doing for Howmedica and the increase in volume in this sector, Phillips decided to manufacture exclusively for the orthopedic industry. Since then, the company has expanded to include the manufacturing of delivery systems such as cases and trays as well as implants and instrumentation.

Today, Phillips Precision Medicraft has more than 200 employees, manufactures from two state-of-the art facilities and strives to maintain the spirit of innovation started by the company’s founder.