Industry: Safe Lifting Leadership Award

In our ongoing series on local businesses, I find this press release appropriate for a couple of reasons.

1 - a local company has created a portal to work the bigger issue (safe lifting)
2 - as part of that portal, they select someone doing the right thing (the award winner)

This is a win/win in my book. Congrats to Liko for sponsoring this award and for Gundersen for winning it.

Franklin, MA – March 17, 2009 – The pro bono healthcare injury prevention website Safe Lifting Portal (http://www.safeliftingportal.com/), has announced that its newly instituted Safe Lifting Leadership Award has been presented to Gundersen Lutheran Health System of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The award was given in recognition of Gundersen Lutheran’s outstanding accomplishments in safe patient handling, safe lifting, and caregiver injury prevention.

A DVD describing the hospital’s accomplishments can be ordered from http://www.safeliftingportal.com/gundersen-lutheran/

Gundersen Lutheran Health System includes a 325-bed teaching hospital and a Level II Trauma Center. As one of the leading medical facilities in the mid-west, the health system has received eleven top 100 designations in as many years. It serves patients throughout western Wisconsin, northeastern Iowa, and southeastern Minnesota, providing care in 19 counties.

In 2003, Gundersen Lutheran Health System initiated a patient and staff injury prevention program. Key components of the program included installation of ceiling lifts to transfer patients, an extensive staff orientation and training program, and on-going monitoring of usage compliance. The ceiling lifts were installed in units hospital-wide, including intensive care, coronary care, rehabilitation and PT, pediatrics, morgue, diagnostic areas, and the OB/GYN water birth room.

Among the more significant results of the program have been substantial decreases in injury rates, reduced workers’ compensation costs, and less employee lost time and restricted time. The program has also increased staff retention rates and proved to be an excellent staff recruitment tool.

Emphasizing Gundersen Lutheran’s firm commitment to patient and employee safety, Gary Brunslik, Manager of Safety, commented, “Preventing staff injury is good business from the financial standpoint, but also, it is the right thing to do."

Kathy Weitekamp, RN, BSN, Care Manager, went on to say, “We’ve been able to show a 57% decrease in the number of patient handling claims, which we feel is pretty significant. Lost time has gone down 78% and restricted time has gone down 81%, so we’re very pleased. Our ceiling lift return on investment has been less than three years."

Dr. William Scorby, Medical Director for Employee Health, added, "We also see the safe lifting program as playing an important role in staff retention and recruiting - keeping our experienced nurses safe and injury free while attracting new nurses trained in safe lifting techniques to Gundersen Lutheran." The objective of the Safe Lifting Leadership Award is to encourage other institutions to follow the lead of “best practices” institutions in their attempts to instill permanent, sustainable culture change – a so-called “culture of safety” – within their organizations. Patient safety, advocacy for healthcare excellence, successful implementation of safe lifting initiatives, and willingness to share results and assist other institutions are among key evaluation criteria for the award.

For more information on the Safe Lifting Leadership Award or Liko’s sponsorship of the Safe Lifting Portal, contact

Liko – A Hill-Rom Company,
122 Grove Street,
Franklin, MA 02038;
telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993;
fax (508) 528-6642;

visit the Liko website at http://www.liko.com/
or visit http://www.safeliftingportal.com/

This press release was found here

THE MOSELEY GROUP HELPS WITH RE-IMAGING OF CUMBERLAND FARMS

In our continuing series on the businesses located in Franklin, this press release just came out featuring the Moseley Group.



FRANKLIN, MA -

Cumberland Farms, the well‐known convenience store throughout the Northeast, takes on a new look this week with the help of The Moseley Group, a leading food and beverage consulting firm in Franklin, Massachusetts.

The grand opening of Cumberland Farms’s new concept store Friday in Farmington, CT, celebrated the family‐owned company’s farm heritage with a new identity and décor package, and new made‐to‐order food offerings.

The Moseley Group was hired by Cumberland Farms a year ago to help reimage the 71‐year old company and reinvigorate the business model for its 600 stores in 11 states.

“We updated the concept with new identity, new décor, new food and new packaging,” said Tom Moseley, president. “Yet we were careful to remain true to the core of the brand. There is tremendous loyalty within the Cumberland Farms customer base, and we worked to extend the brand assets to reach new customers, too. It is not well known that Cumberland Farms is a family‐owned business in its third‐generation of leadership. We wanted to highlight this story to create a more personal connection between the stores and their customers, which we did through identity and packaging.”

The new identity includes a timeless expression of the company name, refined tree icon and new color palette; the elements work together to convey a commitment to freshness. Packaging design highlights the founding family, depicting images from circa 1930, and expresses the company’s principle commitment to good quality and value.

Moseley’s culinary team led the development of a new menu featuring hot flatbread, ciabatta and breakfast sandwiches. “This offering is what the New England convenience‐store customer is seeking – on‐trend flavor profiles delivered in a ready‐to‐eat format,” said Chris Milloff, managing partner. “Cumberland’s program is new for New England, and we expect they’ll see tremendous success with it.”

The new concept store features Merrychef accelerated ovens, which deliver sandwiches 10–15 times faster than conventional convection ovens, with perfectly toasted breads, caramelized meat flavors, and melted cheeses. Farmington, CT is the first reimaging of a Cumberland Farms store, to be followed by a store in Deep River, CT slated for opening later this month. The new design and culinary principles will be rolled out in many markets over the coming 18–24 months.

The Moseley Group is based in Franklin, MA.

Industry: Moseley Group

Continuing our series on local companies based in Franklin, I find the Moseley Group with this press release that is the most social media friendly I have seen to date.

Way to go Moseley Group!

FRANKLIN, MA – The Moseley Group, a leading food and beverage industry consulting firm, was chosen Thursday by the Governor’s Task Force on the Economic Sustainability of Maine’s Lobster Industry to help strengthen and improve the state’s leading fishery.

The Task Force, formed last fall after a sharp decline in lobster prices, chose The Moseley Group following a thorough review of more than a dozen proposals from marketing and consulting firms from across the country. Task Force members cited Moseley’s depth of experience in working with internationally known brands and products, such as Coca-Cola, Ocean Spray, Juan Valdez, McCain, Nestle and others, as a key factor in their choice.

Kristen Bailey, a vice-president at Moseley, will be the lead consultant on the project. A Maine native, Bailey is the former executive director of the Maine Lobster Promotion Council and was the architect of the Certified Maine Lobster program that was aimed at preserving markets and strengthening the Maine lobster brand. She operates offices in Portland, Maine and Franklin, Massachusetts.

“Working with Maine’s lobster industry is very rewarding and meaningful to me,” she said. “Our firm looks forward to utilizing our experience with other industries to help strengthen and improve the economic model of Maine’s lobster industry.”

The initial discovery phase of the project will begin with an industry panel meeting in Portland, scheduled for February 26.

For more about the Moseley Group check out their web site here.

For what their social media ready press release looks like visit here.

Industry: Bank merger proceeds

Benjamin Franklin Bancorp's proposed merger with Rockland Trust, one of the state's largest community banks, is nearing completion.

Shareholders of Benjamin Franklin approved the deal yesterday, while their counterparts at Rockland Trust's parent company, Independent Bank Corp., are scheduled to vote tomorrow. State regulators held a hearing this week and will likely decide in the near future on approving the deal. If all is approved, Benjamin Franklin Bancorp's name would be changed to Rockland Trust.

The all-stock deal is a rarity in the financial sector these days, the banks merging by choice rather than necessity. It would create a 72-branch company with about $4.5 billion in assets.

Read the full article about the merger of Ben Franklin Banking in the Milford Daily News here.

Industry: RokkSoft partners with VocalEZ

From the PR news wire today, we find out about RokkSoft.

Franklin, MA, February 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- RokkSoft Solutions Corp has partnered with VocalEZ LLC to expand the distribution of the VocalEZ voice recognition medical dictation transcription service.

VocalEZ wraps an integrated work flow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform that is scalable from a single dictator to a large clinic or integrated hospital system, resulting in cost savings of 50 percent when compared to traditional transcription methods.

RokkSoft will offer the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics. Medical practices of all sizes are confronted with escalating costs. Because VocalEZ is a pay-for-use service, administrators are now equipped with a solution that dramatically reduces monthly expenses, without requiring a major capital outlay.

VocalEZ fundamentally changes the way the transcription industry provides clinical documentation by creating significant enhancements and savings through the entire process. This HIPAA-compliant solution delivers more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation.

VocalEZ has created a solution that allows every physician practice to enjoy the same benefits that had previously only been available to the largest groups and hospitals. By focusing on the needs of this largely overlooked segment of the healthcare market, the partnership with RokkSoft is an indication of the VocalEZ commitment to improved patient care while driving down costs.

###

About RokkSoft

RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings.

For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.


From PR.Com here

"can result in both civil and criminal penalties"

By Michelle Laczkoski/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Dec 17, 2008 @ 01:06 AM

---

FRANKLIN —

An Upper Union Street sheet metal company will have to pay nearly $50,000 in restitution and penalties for violating the state's wage and overtime laws, Attorney General Martha Coakley's office announced yesterday.

The attorney general has issued a civil citation against Custom Metal Systems, Ltd., and owner Sarah Farren, 45, of Wrentham, for unintentionally violating the state's wage and overtime laws.

Farren was ordered to pay $42,507 in restitution to the affected employees and a $4,600 fine for unintentionally failing to pay the proper prevailing wage.

In August, Coakley's Fair Labor Division received complaints from two employees alleging the company failed to pay the proper wage and overtime for sheet metal work performed at the Ralph Small Elementary School project in Fall River.

Investigators conducted an audit of the company's certified and general payroll records and found the company had misclassified 14 employees as laborers rather than sheet metal workers.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Industry: CPDocks - compact cell phone charger

In our continuing series on the companies who do business here in Franklin, we find this press release:

New Plug-in-Shelf Portable Cell Phone Charging Station Eliminates Cell Phone Clutter

The clutter from cell phones and cell phone charger cords is increasing due to the growing number of cell phone users in the home. The CP Docks brand of cell phone charging stations introduces a new portable unit, the Plug-in-Shelf. It joins the EZ Mount home organizer model introduced last year at www.cpdocks.com. The Plug-in-Shelf Cell Phone Charging Station is a convenient new cell phone accessory that simply plugs into any electrical outlet. When you travel, just unplug and go!

Franklin, MA (PRWEB) December 16, 2008 -- CP Docks introduces its latest cell phone charging station, the new, portable Plug-in-Shelf model, a product that eliminates the tangle of cell phone charger cord clutter from counters and tables. When you need to travel, simply unplug the unit and take your charger and charging station with you!

The Plug-in-Shelf cell phone accessory is a clever problem solver that allows cell phones, chargers and cords to be placed on a small convenient station that plugs into any electrical outlet in your home. The unit consists of a shelf for the phone, a cord holder to hide the charging cord and a unique plug adapter to plug in your existing charger. There is no need to store the charger when not in use since it can always stay with the charging station, even when you travel.

Manufactured from durable plastic with a skid-free pad to hold the phone or PDA, the Plug-in-Shelf plugs into any outlet and keeps your charger and cell phone in one place. No storing and looking for your charger and best of all, no more messy charger cords laying on your kitchen counter! The Plug-in-Shelf is $12.95 and available at www.cpdocks.com. with free first class shipping.

Professional home organizers have discovered the CP Docks cell phone chargers. Geralin Thomas, a professional organizer from North Carolina, recently learned about the units and put them in her own home.

My kitchen counter space had disappeared with the mess of cell phone cords from my husband and my two teenagers. It seemed I was always pushing them out of the way ... the EZ Mount solved my problems -- and the kids can finally find their car keys!

I am a contractor who can get a call in the middle of the night. I keep my EZ Mount next to my bed. The phone acts as a night light while charging and it is handy if I get a late night call. A great product!

"Recently, I discovered the Plug-in-shelf and I'm impressed! It's a gizmo that requires no learning curve, no batteries and best of all, it is inexpensive. This product actually conquers and cures countertop-cord-confusion. Clients love them. Professional Organizers love them. Geeks love them. Families love them. I appreciate the way one intelligently designed little thing can change the entire landscape of a room. If your counter tops are covered with cords from iPods, mobile phones, digital cameras, computer cables, etc. I suggest the Plug-in-Shelf or EZ Mount Cell Phone Charging Stations."--Geralin Thomas, Metropolitan Organizing, www.metropolitanorganizing.com

The benefits of the Plug-in-Shelf charging station include:

• A permanent location for your cell phone and charger.
• Uses your existing cell phone charger.
• No more need to store your charger when not in use.
• No more looking for your charger when you need to charge your phone.
• Your cell phone is always charged and ready to use.
• Keeps your tables and counters clear of messy charging cords.
• Protects your phone from spills and damage.
• It makes the perfect holiday gift.

Many other customers have discovered the benefits of the CP Docks line of cell phone charging stations.

"My kitchen counter space had disappeared with the mess of cell phone cords from my husband and my two teenagers. It seemed I was always pushing them out of the way ... the EZ Mount solved my problems -- and the kids can finally find their car keys!" -- Carol, MN

"The Plug-in-Shelf works great for me. I am getting an extra one for my fiancb-Wendy, MI

"I am a contractor who can get a call in the middle of the night. I keep my EZ Mount next to my bed. The phone acts as a night light while charging and it is handy if I get a late night call. A great product!" -- Dennis, MA

"I love it! It would be a great idea for a gift." -- Nancy, NH

The portable Plug-in-Shelf, along with the EZ Mount Charging Station, which features a built-in key hook, is now available online at www.cpdocks.com. You now have two great solutions to keep your home organized and clear of the tangle of cell phone charging cords.

Open for business: PetShop.biz

As part of our continuing series on businesses located here in Franklin, I find out that PetShop.biz is now open for business via this notice.

Founded by Paula And William Ross, Petshop.biz has about 1,000 products to help pet owners enhance the health and relationship with their pets.

PetShop.biz offers a business opportunity in the $40 Billion Pet Industry and an on-line Pet Store for each Petshop.biz affiliate. Petshop.biz affiliates have a fully equipped customer service center at their disposal, ready to take customer orders.

For more info, you can buzz them at 888-303-7775, visit their website (http://www.petshop.biz), or stop in at their Franklin, MA headquarters.

For information on other businesses in Franklin check out the prior postings here

Industry: Vacumet - holography

I found this press release recently and want to add it to our growing collection of what is happening in the industry located here in Franklin.

Franklin, MA, September 08, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Vacumet, Corp., the world’s leading vacuum metallizer, today announced the launch of its new commercially available holographic stock design library. Vacumet’s new library houses over 100 holographic stock designs and represents two years of research and development efforts and an over $2 million investment. Vacumet’s holographic stock designs are being used to create unique, illuminating effects for packaging across industries, including food and beverage, beauty, publishing, home entertainment and holographic security. While maintaining the expanding holographic stock library, Vacumet will continue to offer its award-winning custom holographic design service.

The new library offers an assortment of exclusive stock patterns and utilizes all manners of holographic techniques, including dot matrix and conventional “full wave” holography. Vacumet’s library represents both traditional and modern patterns, and is currently stocking a variety of “Multiple Dots” patterns, “Cracked Ice/Broken Glass” designs, as well as distinctive lenslet and kinetic plaid designs. Vacumet plans to continually add to this stock library and will announce additional exclusive holographic stock patterns in the coming months.

“Brand differentiation and shelf appeal continue to be important factors in building a successful point-of-purchase sales strategy,” said Joe Formosa, business manager for HoloPRISM® at Vacumet. “With our extensive holographic stock design library, Vacumet can provide virtually limitless packaging solutions than can increase brand visibility while boosting sales.”

About Vacumet Corp.

Vacumet Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Scholle Corporation, is the single largest commercial metallizing company in the world. Its metallized products are used in the production of some of the most exciting and functional, barrier, cosmetic, labeling and promotional packaging products for major brands across industries and around the world. Vacumet products and processes are representative of its ongoing commitment to sustainable packaging. For more information, please visit http://www.Vacumet.com.

Vacumet Corp. - Holography is located at 24 Forge Park, Franklin, MA 02038 USA

"We are taking this action now"

FRANKLIN, MA, July 21, 2008 ---

PLC Systems Inc. (AMEX:PLC) announced today that it will defer the commencement of the U.S. pivotal trial of its RenalGuard™ System in the prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN). The company continues to support the investigator-sponsored clinical trial now ongoing in Milan, Italy as well as the limited market launch of RenalGuard in Europe, which began in the first quarter of this year, both of which are focused on the CIN prevention market.

PLC Systems was mentioned earlier in our Franklin Industry series

Q & A 3 - responses continued by Doak, Cafasso (audio)

From the Franklin Override Information Forum coordinated by the Joint Parent Communication Councils and held on Wednesday, 5/28/08.

A - Doak, picking up on another comment to increase the revenues. We get get a good deal from the industrial and retail establishments. We have tried to foster commercial and industrial growth with smart policies. Council has encouraged good growth over the years and is looking to continue that so the residential taxpayers don't take the whole burden.

A - Cafasso, the school department has made cuts over the years to protect the classroom and to be as efficient as possible.

Time: 3 minutes, 15 seconds



MP3 File

For reference, the Franklin School Departments budget reductions over the years from 2002 to 2009 can be found here

Industry: Liko New Disposable Repositioning Sheet

New Disposable Repositioning Sheet for Hospitals and Nursing Homes

    FRANKLIN, Mass., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Liko, a leading supplier of
patient lifting equipment, has announced the launch of a new disposable
repositioning sheet. Repositioning patients in bed is often cited as one of
the most potentially dangerous care tasks for caregivers and may account
for between 45% to 60% of bedside patient handling injuries.

   The new sheet, designated the Solo RepoSheet(TM), is designed for those
patients and residents with specific needs such as isolation patients,
where specific needs exist to control infection and cross-contamination, or
where a method is needed consistent with current laundry control practices.
Outbreaks of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and C.diff
(Clostridium difficile) and new CMS regulations have greatly increased the
demand for products that can help control nosocomial or
institution-acquired infections.

   The Solo RepoSheet is usually applied above the fitted sheet and below
the draw sheet, but can be used in place of the draw sheet. Because the
Solo RepoSheet rests under the patient ready to be used, the sheet is not
composed of ordinary disposable paper-like material, but a fabric made of
100% light weave breathable cotton. The soft fabric was especially selected
for the patient's comfort. The Solo RepoSheet is a single patient use sheet
which should be disposed of when it becomes soiled or when the patient no
longer needs it.

   As part of a Safe Lifting Initiative in Healthcare, the Solo RepoSheet
is used in combination with a facility's existing overhead (ceiling) or
mobile floor lifts. In addition to eliminating rotational and compression
forces associated with moving patients up in bed, the Solo RepoSheet can
eliminate cumulative trauma associated with turning patients, holding them
in side-lying, and rotating a patient from supine to prone.

   In order to facilitate these patient handling actions, each Solo
RepoSheet has five strap loops sewn securely to each side. One strap loop
is color coded to indicate the head end of the sheet. The strap joints are
sewn onto the sheet without pressure points for maximum comfort and skin
safety. While laundering does not impact the sheet's safety or physical
properties, the original label disintegrates upon washing and exposes a "DO
NOT USE" symbol to prohibit use with other patients.

   For more information on the Solo RepoSheet(TM), write to Liko at 122
Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038, e-mail at info@liko.com, call them at
1-888-545-6671, or visit them at http://www.liko.com.

Franklin Industry: PLC Systems

PLC Systems, which was in the news in December, has announced an international distribution agreement:

Franklin, MA - PLC Systems Inc., a company focused on innovative cardiac and vascular medical device-based technologies, announced recently that it has entered into a 3-year exclusive agreement with Artech s.r.l., Cavezzo, Italy for distribution of its RenalGuard System into Italy. Artech is one of Italy's leading distributors of interventional cardiology-related medical devices, doing business with most of Italy's major interventional cardiology centers. Artech will target early adopters who recognize the benefits of utilizing the unique fluid balancing capabilities of RenalGuard System in a cath lab setting during cardiovascular imaging procedures for patients at higher risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN).

Read the full announcement here.

Read the December news here.

Franklin Industry - Echo Therapeutics Inc

Help for diabetics on the way from Franklin:

A small Franklin company says it is developing a novel device that could potentially let diabetics continuously monitor their blood-sugar levels - without having to draw blood.

Echo Therapeutics Inc. is expected to say today the device passed one of its first key tests, a pilot study with two dozen patients in the intensive-care unit at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. The Symphony system, a disc about the size of a half dollar, is designed to read glucose levels through the skin and transmit the information wirelessly to a nearby computer or hand-held meter. Currently, diabetes patients must normally prick their skin to draw a few drops of blood and place them on a measuring strip.

"I think it's extremely promising," said Dr. Stanley Nasraway, a Tufts University School of Medicine professor and director of surgical intensive-care units at the medical center. Nasraway said Echo's experimental device appeared to be reliable, relatively accurate, and easy to use, though he cautioned that it must first be tested in much larger clinical trials with a wider group of patients.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe

In the news - Chamber of Commerce Awards

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GateHouse News Service

Posted Mar 13, 2008 @ 01:27 AM

---

WRENTHAM —

Franklin business leaders dominated the United Chamber of Commerce's 20th annual meeting and awards gala at Lake Pearl Luciano's last night, taking home five of seven awards recognizing members.

People winning awards at last night's Chamber gala included: Franklin Town Clerk Deborah L. Pellegri, the Public Service Award; Franklin's Luigi Moccia of Putnam Investments, the Ambassador of the Year; Incontro Restaurant in Franklin, the Small Business of the Year; William D. Green, a Dean College alum and chairman and CEO of Accenture, a global management consulting and outsourcing company, Business Person of the Year.

Dean College President Paula Rooney accepted the award for Green, who was out of the country. ``He is without a doubt the most compassionate, caring intellectual human being I get the pleasure of speaking with on a regular basis,'' she said of Green.

Rooney read from a letter Green gave to her: ``We need an educated work force. Without that, the future is very bleak.'' Rooney said Green just gave Dean College a $1 million gift.

Read the full article here.

Franklin Industry: Liko - health care patient lifts

A recent press release tells us about a new product from Liko:

FRANKLIN, Mass., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Many of the newer model beds and stretchers emerging onto the healthcare market utilize components such as frames and drive mechanisms that are within just a few inches of the floor. This means traditional mobile patient lifts can be difficult to use because their legs normally are too high to extend under these beds and stretchers. Liko's newly introduced Golvo LowBase(TM) model circumvents this problem with a lower total leg height, including wheels, of only 2 1/3 inches.

Liko's Golvo is unique among mobile lifts due to its flexible lift strap, vertical lifting motion, and parallel widening base legs. Originally introduced in 1986, Golvo represented a breakthrough in mobile lift design because its unique telescoping mast and lifting strap enabled patients to be lifted vertically, similar to an overhead ceiling mounted lifting system.

The new Golvo 7007 LowBase(TM) model is an ideal solution for applications such as lifting or transferring patients to or from low profile beds or stretchers. In addition to its low bed compatibility, the Golvo 7007 LowBase(TM) is ideal for lifts to/from the floor, horizontal lifts, and ambulation assistance for patients weighing up to 440 lbs.

About Liko North America

Liko North America is one of the world's leading suppliers of patient lifts, including mobile, overhead rail, sit-to-stand, and bariatric lifts, as well as a selection of more than 250 slings and accessories. The company is also the exclusive sponsor of the pro bono "Safe Lifting Environment" campaign designed to help prevent caregiver injuries (visit http://www.safeliftingportal.com/ for more details). For more information on Liko's complete line of patient lifts, contact Liko North America, 122 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Telephone (888) 545-6671 or (508) 553-3993; fax (508) 528-6642, or visit the Liko website at http://www.liko.com/.

Franklin does have a varied industrial base, for previous posts on industry located here, follow this link.

Franklin Industry: Arthrosurface

A recent press release brings this to my attention

Franklin, MA-based Arthrosurface, a developer of less-invasive joint resurfacing systems with some 7,000 of its devices now implanted in patients, announced today that is has taken in roughly $4 million in Series F funding. With the new round, the company has raised approximately $31 million in equity from repeat investor Boston Millennia Partners and private investors.

So what does Arthrosurface do?

Arthrosurface is entering its fourth year of commercial launch with approximately 7,000 devices implanted by more than 2,000 surgeon users in the various joint applications of the HemiCAP(R) system. Last year, US implant sales were up 55% with strong growth across all key product lines. In particular, sales of the company's first US knee device, the Patello-Femoral HemiCAP(R), grew 237% year on year. "We have found that within the first year of clinical launch, implanting surgeons closely monitor patient progress and, once they have confirmed positive results, sales begin to rise significantly. An excellent example of this was our great toe product. Cases went from a few hundred in the first year to thousands within two years. We expect similar adoption with the release of our new products," commented company president Steve Tallarida.

The company's HemiCAP(R) systems consist of a range of contoured articular prosthetics and instrumentation intended for the repair of significant lesions and cartilage damage in the major joints. Arthrosurface continues to grow its line of shoulder, great toe, patello-femoral and hip products in the US. These same products are sold in Europe in addition to its knee femoral condyle and talar dome devices.

Imagine that. Franklin used to be known for textiles and straw hats. Someday it may be known for joint repair products.

For more info on Arthrosurface you can visit their web site. Select patient and follow the links to see what they can do for your hip, shoulder, great toe, etc.

Check out the video coverage they have received here.

And most importantly, their customer testimonials can be found here.

They are located at 28 Forge Parkway.

Industry: Air & Vacuum Technologies (AVT)

Recent news item found that reveals:

Schneeberger adds New England rep to linear motion control product distribution channel

Schneeberger, a provider of linear motion control technology, has added Air & Vacuum Technologies (AVT) in Franklin, MA, to its North American product distribution network. AVT is a distributor of pneumatic, electrical and mechanical automation products.

• AVT will offer Schneeberger's motion control solutions to air and vacuum technology manufacturers and users in the New England region.
• Motion control solutions include: linear bearings and recirculating units, linear slides, tables and stages, linear guideways with integrated measurements, linear and rotary modules and precision ball screws.
• AVT will support the product offering with installation, project management and electronic documentation services.

For more info on AVT you can visit their web site.

Franklin Industry: The Boston Group

In a retail era dominated by big-box stores, area independent appliance dealers credit the Boston Group - and its seemingly endless supply - as the reason why they're able to stay in business.

The group lets them buy more merchandise for better prices then they could individually. The warehouse holds the discounted merchandise for the independent stores and the stores in turn pass the savings on to their customers.

The group, founded in 1963 by Jerry Ellis, now the president of Building 19, is a cooperative of about 75 independent appliance stores throughout New England that have joined to leverage their buying power and warehouse space. Members say their combined market share attracts manufacturers' interest in a way they could never do alone, while helping them compete against big-box stores' prices and selection.

Read more about this operation based here in Franklin that the Franklin Gazette profiles.

Franklin Industry in the News - PLC Medical

FRANKLIN, MA, December 21, 2007 --- PLC Systems Inc. (AMEX:PLC) announced today that it has received the CE Mark Certificate for its RenalGuard System™, clearing the way for the Company to begin its initial launch of the product in the European Union. The Company expects to initiate a limited launch of RenalGuard™ in the first quarter of 2008 in Italy, targeting early adoptors who recognize the benefits of utilizing the unique fluid balancing capabilities of the RenalGuard System in a cath lab setting during cardiovascular imaging procedures for patients at higher risk of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN).

Read the remainder of this press release here.

About PLC Medical

PLC Systems Inc. is a medical technology company specializing in innovative technologies for the cardiac and vascular markets. Headquartered in Franklin, Mass., PLC pioneered the CO₂ Heart Laser System, which cardiac surgeons use to perform CO₂ transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) to alleviate symptoms of severe angina. CO₂ TMR offers a treatment option for angina patients who suffer from severe coronary artery disease. The CO₂ Heart Laser is the world's first TMR angina relief device cleared for commercial distribution by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and to obtain a CE Mark for European distribution.

PLC Medical is located at 10 Forge Park.

The PLC Medical web site can be found here.