Quality certifications, investments in technology and a continuous commitment to meet and exceed clients' expectations have made Plastics Engineering and Development Inc., or PEDI, the company to turn to for manufacturing plastic products.
The custom plastic injection molding company specializes in medical and biomedical plastic device manufacturing. PEDI also has extensive engineering and injection molding expertise in manufacturing electronic, consumer, industrial and recreational products.
Some of the products the full-service contract manufacturer produces include a knee brace, oxygen tank collar and orthopedic disks. The company also makes a specially designed mask used by Emergency Medical Technicians nationwide to deliver air into the human airway.
The Carlsbad Business Journal interviewed Jack Sparacio, president and CEO of PEDI, about the company, which has 110 employees and has grown 20 percent in the last two years through its service to the medical device and bioscience industry.
CBJ: What is your professional background?
Sparacio: I have worked in executive management for the past 25 years and have sat on the board of several corporations. Prior to joining PEDI in 2001, I was president and CEO of Lang Manufacturing in Everett, Wash., for seven years. I have also worked for Johnson and Johnson, Advanced Technology Laboratories and American V. Mueller American Hospital Supply.
CBJ: What is the PEDI's background and history?
Sparacio: The company began in 1984 when it was founded by former Mallinckrodt employees upon a decision to divest of Mallinckrodt's molding business. The employees were given some equipment in exchange for a supply agreement. That group sold to the current owners in 1989.
CBJ: What is the company's philosophy and mission?
Sparacio: To provide quality products and services to our customers through our dedicated employees and the synergy of customer/supplier partnerships. We strive to provide a working environment that treats each employee with respect and honesty.
CBJ: What is unique about PEDI?
Sparacio: We are injection molding medical-grade PEEK (polyaryletheretherketone) material to manufacture implantable devices. PEEK resin is a highly engineered product that is notoriously difficult to work with. We may be one of the only companies in California injection molding with PEEK, and that sets us apart. We also pride ourselves on nurturing early-stage companies that we can help grow. Several years ago, we started working with a company that makes surgery products. It had 25 employees at the time and just last year it was acquired for $3.9 billion.
CBJ: What sets PEDI apart from other similar manufacturers?
Sparacio: PEDI holds a Food and Drug Branch of California Device Manufacturing License, which is a certification to manufacture medical devices that is annually renewed. The state, in partnership with the FDA, issued this after PEDI demonstrated compliance with the federal Good Manufacturing Practice Quality System Regulation. This license is not typically held by injection molders.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of this company?
Sparacio: We plan to continue to grow our business with our current customer base and through new opportunities. We will continue to support early stage companies with new technology by manufacturing their devices and introducing the products to the market.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Sparacio: Continuing to contain rising costs and seeking ways to manufacture more efficiently.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Sparacio: Allowing people to achieve and contribute to the company's success. Every employee has the opportunity to contribute. My role is to ensure they are given the tools to do so.
CBJ: What other information would you like to share about PEDI?
Sparacio: We are always on the lookout for synergistic and potential opportunities to partner with companies that could benefit each respective business and at the same time differentiate us from competition.
For more information, call PEDI at (760) 931-1844 or visit www.pediplastics.com.
The custom plastic injection molding company specializes in medical and biomedical plastic device manufacturing. PEDI also has extensive engineering and injection molding expertise in manufacturing electronic, consumer, industrial and recreational products.
Some of the products the full-service contract manufacturer produces include a knee brace, oxygen tank collar and orthopedic disks. The company also makes a specially designed mask used by Emergency Medical Technicians nationwide to deliver air into the human airway.
The Carlsbad Business Journal interviewed Jack Sparacio, president and CEO of PEDI, about the company, which has 110 employees and has grown 20 percent in the last two years through its service to the medical device and bioscience industry.
CBJ: What is your professional background?
Sparacio: I have worked in executive management for the past 25 years and have sat on the board of several corporations. Prior to joining PEDI in 2001, I was president and CEO of Lang Manufacturing in Everett, Wash., for seven years. I have also worked for Johnson and Johnson, Advanced Technology Laboratories and American V. Mueller American Hospital Supply.
CBJ: What is the PEDI's background and history?
Sparacio: The company began in 1984 when it was founded by former Mallinckrodt employees upon a decision to divest of Mallinckrodt's molding business. The employees were given some equipment in exchange for a supply agreement. That group sold to the current owners in 1989.
CBJ: What is the company's philosophy and mission?
Sparacio: To provide quality products and services to our customers through our dedicated employees and the synergy of customer/supplier partnerships. We strive to provide a working environment that treats each employee with respect and honesty.
CBJ: What is unique about PEDI?
Sparacio: We are injection molding medical-grade PEEK (polyaryletheretherketone) material to manufacture implantable devices. PEEK resin is a highly engineered product that is notoriously difficult to work with. We may be one of the only companies in California injection molding with PEEK, and that sets us apart. We also pride ourselves on nurturing early-stage companies that we can help grow. Several years ago, we started working with a company that makes surgery products. It had 25 employees at the time and just last year it was acquired for $3.9 billion.
CBJ: What sets PEDI apart from other similar manufacturers?
Sparacio: PEDI holds a Food and Drug Branch of California Device Manufacturing License, which is a certification to manufacture medical devices that is annually renewed. The state, in partnership with the FDA, issued this after PEDI demonstrated compliance with the federal Good Manufacturing Practice Quality System Regulation. This license is not typically held by injection molders.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of this company?
Sparacio: We plan to continue to grow our business with our current customer base and through new opportunities. We will continue to support early stage companies with new technology by manufacturing their devices and introducing the products to the market.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Sparacio: Continuing to contain rising costs and seeking ways to manufacture more efficiently.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Sparacio: Allowing people to achieve and contribute to the company's success. Every employee has the opportunity to contribute. My role is to ensure they are given the tools to do so.
CBJ: What other information would you like to share about PEDI?
Sparacio: We are always on the lookout for synergistic and potential opportunities to partner with companies that could benefit each respective business and at the same time differentiate us from competition.
For more information, call PEDI at (760) 931-1844 or visit www.pediplastics.com.