The majority of 15 of the top medical device makers grew their workforce by an average of 6 percent in 2013, indicating a strong outlook for the industry, according to a report from EP Vantage, a financial analysis firm.
These medical device makers made more hires than fires, according to the report. Raleigh, N.C.-based Baxano Surgical had a 57 percent growth rate, making it the top hirer of the year, in terms of percentage, according to the report.
In many instances, large growth was the result of mergers and/or spin-offs, according to the report. For example, Deerfield, Ill.-based Baxter International acquired Lund, Sweden-based Gambro AB and added 10,000 employees, a 20 percent growth rate.
Just three of the top 15 device makers experienced a reduction in headcount, and two of the instances were the result of companies initiating spin-offs of their pharmaceuticals, according to the report.
"The trend toward pharma spin-outs means large medtech is getting purer," said Elizabeth Cairns, author of the report and an EP Vantage medtech reporter, in a news release. "And with several megamergers underway, we can expect to see much more drastic changes in device makers' headcounts in the coming years."
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