Reflecting on an illustrious journey that began 80 years ago, MICRO, the family-run metal-stamping company based in Somerset, NJ, has witnessed a phenomenal transformation. The company, initially known for its metal stamping endeavors, has evolved into a crucial player in the medical device manufacturing industry. This transformation epitomizes the forward-thinking and innovative spirit that has guided MICRO through eight decades of excellence in engineering and manufacturing.
A Pivotal Moment in the 1980s
In the 1980s, a momentous turning point enveloped MICRO’s journey. They were approached by a customer looking to relocate its in-house four-slide manufacturing of small metal components. This could have been a straightforward shift, yet MICRO innovators, who had considerably refined their multi-slide machines, envisioned a more efficient solution. Instead of merely transferring the manufacturing process, they proposed producing the parts directly at their New Jersey facility, an idea initially met with hesitation from the customer.
The collaboration forged between MICRO and the customer became transformative. They collectively designed a toggle attachment for a standard Nilsen four-slide machine at MICRO, which considerably improved the efficiency and quality of component production. The success of this endeavor prompted the customer to transfer all its component manufacturing operations to MICRO, encompassing heat treating, finishing, sorting, and packing. This pivotal moment catalyzed MICRO’s establishment of a comprehensive medical strategic plan by the 1990s, targeting not only component manufacturing but also focusing on subassembly and ultimately finishing devices. All these goals have since been meticulously achieved, marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution.
Legacy of Innovation
A central theme woven into MICRO’s narrative is its enduring legacy of innovation, a tradition initiated in the company’s early years by Frank Semcer, Sr., one of the founding figures. Demonstrating an early inclination towards integrating secondary capabilities into basic machines, he devised a unique method of welding a gold contact point onto components for telephone repeater connectors. This innovative mindset became a cornerstone of MICRO’s operations, paving the way for future advancements.
When Frank J. Semcer, his son, took the reins in 1976, he imbibed this legacy of creativity and leadership, driving forward groundbreaking developments. Among the key innovations under his watch were the creation of three-piece welded discs for producing industrial diamonds, the development of bandoliered pins for the connector industry, and sophisticated stamping techniques for electronics, automotive, and medical sectors. This pursuit of innovation persisted and evolved over the subsequent decades, continuing to steer MICRO towards new horizons and broader achievements.
Transformative Milestones in Medical Device Innovation
The 1990s stood as a testament to MICRO’s transformative milestones in the realm of medical device innovation. The company’s rollout of its Medical Strategic Plan was accompanied by the establishment of a dedicated prototype department, marking a significant leap forward. In pursuit of affordable solutions, MICRO introduced endoscopic scissors, dissectors, and graspers, utilizing a patented rolled tube stamping process. This major advancement also included the company’s creation of their stamped self-biased scissor blade design, boosting the efficiency and affordability of medical devices.
These milestones underscore MICRO’s unwavering focus on enhancing its engineering talent and expertise. This emphasis is key to transforming customer concepts from mere designs to actual production, a task facilitated by the company’s Engineering Rotation Program. This program plays a crucial role by providing engineers with vital experience in quality assurance, process engineering, and research and development. By promoting increased collaboration and teamwork, MICRO’s strategic investments in innovative talent foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
Customer-Centric Approach
A recurring theme in MICRO’s strategy is its steadfast customer-centric approach. The company places significant emphasis on collaboration and relationship-building to drive success. This holistic integration into their customer’s process, from conceptualization to commercialization, ensures the finished products fit seamlessly into their intended applications. This thorough continuity and involvement are pivotal to MICRO’s success, helping build trust and maintain long-term partnerships with customers.
The technical expertise embedded within MICRO delivers tangible benefits to all its customers. A noteworthy example is an engineering goal aimed at drastically reducing the cost of a disposable instrument from over $20 to less than $6 each. This ambitious goal was accomplished through substantial advancements in MICRO’s engineering capabilities, including the establishment of a Class 100 cleanroom assembly area and strategic partnerships with manufacturers like a Metal Injection Molding (MIM) supplier.
Advancements and Future Vision
As MICRO commemorates its illustrious past, it also champions a forward-looking vision. Other remarkable achievements throughout its history include enhancing tubing fabrication with robotics, establishing an assembly facility in Costa Rica, and leading in the development of robotic surgical components and subassemblies. Further, the launching of a CNC department and advancements in PEM technology illustrate MICRO’s prowess in addressing complex manufacturing challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
Looking ahead, MICRO’s commitment to honing its core capabilities remains unwavering. They continue to advance tubing and contract manufacturing while expanding their robotic-assisted surgery line of products and services. Their dedication to adopting the latest automation technologies ensures the delivery of high-quality products aligned with evolving market needs. Additionally, an integral aspect of MICRO’s future vision involves inspiring and nurturing future generations. Through an expanding internship and mentorship program and collaborations with local colleges, MICRO aims to provide students with valuable insights and opportunities for a career in manufacturing and product development.
Celebrating 80 Years at MD&M West 2025
Reflecting on an illustrious journey that began 80 years ago, MICRO, a metal-stamping company based in Somerset, NJ, has experienced an incredible transformation. Originally known solely for its metal stamping operations, the company has now become an essential player in the medical device manufacturing industry. This impressive shift highlights the forward-thinking and innovative spirit that has driven MICRO’s success over the past eight decades. The company’s impressive journey from simple metal stamping to producing complex medical devices showcases their commitment to growth, development, and adaptation. By continuously embracing new technologies and investing in research, MICRO has been able to remain at the forefront of the industry. Their transformation underscores the importance of evolution within a company to meet the changing demands of the market. Today, MICRO stands as a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and dedication, demonstrating how a family-run business can achieve remarkable success and become a leader in a highly specialized field.
