JRI: A story of choices

Source: Healthcare Digital

Date :01/11/2008 00:00:00

Meet JRI, the UK based orthopaedic implant manufacturer with over 30 years experience in designing and manufacturing replacement joints.

Written by Ian Armitage and Produced by Paul Radbourne

Things are going very well for London based JRI Limited at the moment. The orthopaedic implant specialist has a long history of innovation and is renowned for its experience in designing and manufacturing replacement joints. As a result, its instruments and prostheses systems are becoming increasingly popular.

“Our founder, Ronald Furlong, pioneered the clinically acclaimed Furlong H-A.C. Total Hip Replacement,” explains Brian Jones, Managing Director. “Proven over 20 years, the unique coating offers unsurpassed physiological solutions for the hip.”

That is the first thing that distinguishes JRI from some pretty tough competition; the second is the fact it offers “unrivalled service” to every customer.

“That’s right,” adds Jones, “we give an unrivalled service to all customers. Why would we do that? Well, we are a small company in terms of this global industry; we are competing against firms who turnover billions of dollars, so there is a difference in scale and, as a result, we have to set ourselves apart from the others through quality and service. We provide a top quality product and we’re very focused on the customer.”

Given this quality focus, it came as no surprise to learn that JRI’s manufacturing unit in Sheffield, which opened in 2007, bucking the trend for manufacturers to move overseas, is staffed with some of the very best people in the business. The unit is also equipped with the most modern computerised CNC machinery and measuring technology. “This ensures the high quality of implants and instruments on which hospitals and surgeons alike have come to depend,” says Jones. “After all, there’s very little point in giving good service if the product is not of the highest quality and we supply a product that is generally acknowledged in the industry as being one of the most reliable in terms of performance.”

BUCKING THE TREND

This year has been a difficult one for most manufacturers, who have been blighted by the credit crisis, which has inflicted terrible damage on the both the global banking system and economy. But even in these difficult times – times when most are struggling – JRI is enjoying relative success. Indeed, it is already well on the way to surpassing ambitious sales targets and is also involved in developing the next generation in joint replacement.

This is perhaps one of the most exciting developments in the firm’s illustrious history.

“We’ve just entered into an exclusive agreement with Active Implants Corporation to distribute their advanced hip articulation system,” says Jones. “The TriboFit Hip System introduces a new, low wear, polymer bearing surface material.”

In clinical use for two years, TriboFit presents new benefits over current total hip bearing surface couplings available today. The TriboFit Hip System features an innovative acetabular component constructed of an advanced polymer that has a modulus of elasticity equivalent to cartilage. As natural cartilage encourages and facilitates lubrication in the joint, the TriboFit acetabular cup is hydrophilic and encourages enhanced lubrication. This feature coupled with its cartilage like shock absorption capability mimics more closely the natural biomechanics of the hip.

“We are, unsurprisingly, very pleased to be able to offer our customers this exciting new bearing option,” he adds. “We believe the TriboFit Hip System combined with the well established Furlong Total Hip Stem can provide an exciting new hip arthroplasty solution. If we can extend implant life with these great technologies, we will provide important new benefits to the increasing population of younger patients requiring total hip reconstruction.”

Despite having every reason to be optimistic, JRI is still very aware that “cash is king” and as such is vigilant, according to Jones: “We will continue to seek opportunities for expansion while at the same time ensuring that we are investing where we will get a good return. In fact, the company is now developing a shoulder joint replacement system, which will be its first entry into the fast growing upper extremity joint replacement market. Traditionally we have been known as an innovator and pioneer in the design and manufacture of hip prostheses and we will continue to add to our product range to further grow our share of the hip replacement market. However, other segments of the joint replacement market are also expanding, some at a faster percentage growth rate than hips, and the shoulder is one such segment which represents a significant opportunity for profitable growth,” says Jones.

The market is continually changing, and has altered significantly in recent years, so these sorts of moves mark JRI’s attempts to maintain a good track record of growth, both in sales and organic expansion.

30 YEARS AND COUNTING

JRI was established in 1969 and, apart from some early year challenges typical of a small start-up company, has grown year on year to become a solid SME with a turnover of more than £15m and a healthy balance sheet. It was directed by Mr & Mrs Furlong from its inception until 2002, when the couple passed away. They left their entire estate, including the company, to a charitable foundation they had formed called the Furlong Research Charitable Foundation – a foundation that all at JRI remain committed to and passionate about.

“The company is still owned by that charity,” says Jones. “So, all our unretained profit goes to charity, to carry out medical research. Naturally, we are committed to that and to continuing to support leading edge orthopaedic research for the common good by providing significant funds to the Furlong Research Charitable Foundation. It is an organisation that is completely independent of JRI.

’’JRI conducts its own research and development because we have a clear focus for the future – to be the world’s leading independent manufacturer, supplier and innovator of biological orthopaedic solutions,” he adds. “We are also committed to continuing to develop and attract highly skilled passionate people capable of delivering innovative and superior quality solutions for patients, balancing commercial needs with exceptional value for all our customers.”