Cretex Medical Attends ODT Forum 2026
The ODT Forum is hosted by Orthopedic Design and Technology magazine on the campus of the University of Memphis in Tennessee.
April 28, 2026
Cretex Medical | QTS President, Janelle Swanson, was a featured panelist at a session titles "The Make vs Buy Question: Factors for the Decision."
The ODT Forum, hosted by Orthopedic Design & Technology on the campus of the University of Memphis, brings together leaders across the orthopedic industry to explore critical challenges and emerging opportunities. With a series of focused symposiums and valuable networking opportunities, the event connects OEMs, contract manufacturers, and suppliers shaping the future of orthopedic innovation.
Cretex Medical was proud to sponsor this year’s forum and engage with industry leaders on the topics shaping the future of orthopedics. Events like these provide a meaningful platform to exchange insights, strengthen partnerships, and stay ahead of evolving market dynamics.
A key highlight was the session, “The Make vs. Buy Question: Factors for the Decision,” featuring Janelle Swanson, President of Cretex Medical | QTS. The panel explored how orthopedic companies evaluate whether to manufacture components in-house or partner with external experts, and the strategic considerations that guide those decisions.
Drawing from real-world experience, Janelle emphasized the value of leveraging specialized partners to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and ultimately save time and cost over the product lifecycle. She shared examples of both successful and challenging outsourcing engagements, highlighting what differentiates strong partnerships from those that fall short.
The discussion also underscored the importance of early and close collaboration between OEMs and contract manufacturers. Engaging partners early in the development process fosters alignment, enables greater agility, and helps teams respond more effectively to design challenges or shifting market conditions.
Janelle also highlighted how Cretex Medical’s vertically integrated capabilities support customers across the full product lifecycle. From packaging and sterilization management to assembly and kitting, these specialized services can help fill capability gaps and streamline operations. She further noted how advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, are being integrated across Cretex Medical to enhance efficiency and drive innovation.
As the orthopedic industry continues to evolve, thoughtful decision-making around the make vs. buy question remains critical. By combining deep expertise, early collaboration, and integrated capabilities, companies can build stronger partnerships and bring high-quality products to market more efficiently.
Cretex Medical is a vertically integrated contract manufacturer dedicated to helping medical device companies bring innovative products to market with speed, precision, and confidence. With expertise spanning design and development through full-scale production, our teams collaborate closely with customers to solve complex challenges and deliver reliable, high-quality solutions. By combining specialized capabilities, advanced technologies, and a customer-focused approach, Cretex Medical is committed to building strong partnerships that drive success across the orthopedic and broader medical device industry.
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