Special Feature
Jun 04

HIGH STANDARDS, Expertise Makes Medrecon Top Choice in OR Table Market

At a time when many business owners are dabbling in a broad range of product segments in an effort to be all things to all people, it’s refreshing to find a company that commits to one area of expertise to ensure the utmost in quality and customer service.

Medrecon is one such company with a longstanding history of knowledge and excellence in the OR table industry. For over 30 years, the Garwood, NJ-based firm has been rebuilding operating room tables and setting the highest quality standards in the industry. Medrecon offers numerous services, including rebuilding and repairing of all makes and models of OR tables, sales of rebuilt tables and accessories, preventive maintenance, trade-in programs, rebuild/ exchange program, and technical and parts support. It’s reputation for integrity, quality, attention to detail and expertise in the marketplace has enabled Medrecon to service more than 1,500 facilities nationwide, and also offer a two-year parts and labor warranty for every table sold or rebuilt.

Here, Medrecon president Gary Sitcer discusses the business philosophies behind the company’s three-decades of success, the key differences between a rebuilt and refurbished OR table, and why it pays to partner with a specialty firm that fully understands the equipment, inside and out.

Q: Why did you decide to become involved in the
O.R. table market?

A: Medrecon was founded in the early 70s by Jack Markham. He performed maintenance in hospitals and when he discovered there was really nobody out there who could fix operating room tables, he decided to do it himself. The company was very successful and grew to a point where he became uncomfortable with its size, and decided to sell. I bought Medrecon in 1986. Prior to that, I was running a company in a totally unrelated field—it was a privately owned company that I didn’t own any of—so I was looking for a company to buy. I looked at many companies and when Medrecon became available I was immediately interested because it was a unique and stable niche market. The mission of Medrecon has always been to be the operating room table specialist. I like that we can focus on one thing and do it exceptionally well.

Q: Specifically, what services does Medrecon offer?
A: We repair, troubleshoot and rebuild OR tables. Medrecon offers all aspects of service on OR tables. Some companies are really just used equipment sellers. They either sell a used table as is or just refurbish it, or they do some general cosmetic touch-ups. We see ourselves as a real alternative to buying new OR tables because we completely rebuild tables and really know them inside and out. We believe that a rebuilt table should have the same life expectancy, dependability and appearance as it did the day it was brand new. The only difference is that it saves the facility a substantial amount of money. There has been a good deal of consolidation in the operating room business over the last 35 years, and most of the tables manufactured five years ago are no longer supported. That’s a problem for a hospital that has a five-year-old table and now can’t get the support they need for it. We have such a proven track record that certain manufacturers recommend that customers contact us in these situations. The reality is that a table should be able to last at least 8-10 years if it’s been properly maintained, and regular preventive maintenance has been performed.

Our business is essentially in two areas: First and foremost, we rebuild tables; this is where the business has flourished. If we go into a hospital with equipment that’s been abused or neglected, we can ask them, ‘If the table was brand new, would it do everything you need it to do?’ If so, we have the very simple solution of rebuilding it. We can also offer the rebuild/exchange program, where we give the customer a rebuilt table of the same make and model from our inventory and take theirs in return. We make the process very simple for the customer, regardless of where they are located. If someone in California gives us an order for a rebuild/exchange, for example, we’ll ship a completely rebuilt OR table first with the understanding that they’ll have the opportunity to trial the table. If they are happy with it, they keep it. This program gives customers the opportunity to see the finished product before they turn over their old table, and we’ve never had our tables come back.

The second major part of our business is buying tables on the used equipment market and rebuilding them to sell. We have much more competition in this area because it’s easier to just buy a table and turn around and sell it as-is. What sets us apart from other manufacturers and companies is that we offer a two-year parts and labor warranty, which in most cases is better than what you’ll get on a brand new table. We do this because we want to earn the trust of our customers. We’re not interested in doing one-time business and then moving on. When a customer finds us as a resource for their operating room table needs, we want to establish a long-term relationship and continue to fulfill their needs.

Q: What is the difference between a rebuilt and refurbished table?

A: A rebuilt table is disassembled, disinfected and completely rebuilt. Our process is extensive and the most complete in the business. The table is re-chromed and all worn parts are replaced. A complete overhaul of the hydraulic system is performed, and the table is subjected to a series of tests to ensure long-term dependability. We believe a rebuilt table should always come with a two-year warranty because the quality is so high. A refurbished table, on the other hand, is usually just new cushions and some spray painting on the chrome (sometimes called ‘Spray and Pray’). Beware of used equipment dealers that are buying and selling used equipment with only a 90-day warranty. Customers may believe they’re getting a good deal, until they have a problem and the company is then nowhere to be found. It’s important to find a reputable company that has a long history of excellence, and has a proven track record. Medrecon has been rebuilding OR tables for hospitals, surgery centers and physician offices for more than 30 years. We always offer a list of references with all of our quotes.

Q: Why should someone have their O.R. table rebuilt instead of buying new?

A: The savings. A rebuilt table can cost one-third of the price of a new table. If a table meets the customer’s needs, but is old, unsafe, and causing downtime in the OR, we can rebuild it and bring it back to the original condition, saving thousands of dollars that can be used for other purposes. We rebuild all makes and models; no table is obsolete. If a manufacturer has upgraded a table since it was made, we will incorporate those improvements on that model. We guarantee the same table functions and capabilities as a new table of the same make and model. Medrecon also offers complete product liability insurance to protect the patient, hospital staff and facility from physical or financial damage on all tables we rebuild, service or provide as loaners.

Q: What are Medrecon’s core business philosophies?

A: We are a small company, so I am very active in the business. I’m here and I’m available, and I encourage customers to contact me directly. Often, companies don’t rely on repeat business or work to build longstanding relationships. The Internet has allowed companies to demonstrate a presence that they really don’t have, and in many cases, it has become a sort of hit-and-run business. Medrecon has always been about substance and seeing different situations—and even challenges or problems—as an opportunity. When someone calls us about one of our tables, we’re not looking to get off the phone with them as quickly as possible and take the least expensive way out. We believe that if we perform well during the problem, we’ll keep that customer. After 30 years, we’re still here under the same name and same location, so customers can trust that we’re not some fly-by-night company that is going to make promises it can’t deliver. Because we know tables inside and out, we can offer the most cost-effective solutions. For example, if there’s a problem with a circuit board, which can consist of about 80 different parts, we can often fix it at the individual component level, rather than replacing the entire board. Obviously, this saves a substantial amount of money. We pride ourselves on having a solution to virtually every situation. Over the years, we’ve found the suppliers that original manufacturer use, so when the manufacturer doesn’t support a product anymore, we can go back to the supplier and get the parts to continue to support the table. We try and find a solution or an alternative to every problem for the customer.

For more information about Medrecon or the products and services they offer, contact 800-526-4323 or visit www.medrecon.com.