Our history
Built on ingenuity
When Dr Homer Stryker, an orthopaedic surgeon from Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S., found that certain medical products were not meeting his patients’ needs, he invented new ones. As interest in these products grew, Dr Stryker started a company in 1941 to produce them.
Today, we are one of the world's leading medical technology companies, and alongside our customers, we are impacting the lives of millions of patients each year. Our diverse array of innovative products and services in Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine help improve patient and healthcare outcomes. As our portfolio grows, our culture still reflects Dr Stryker’s legacy, and we are well-positioned to continue making healthcare better for generations to come.
When Dr Homer Stryker, an orthopaedic surgeon from Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S., found that certain medical products were not meeting his patients’ needs, he invented new ones. As interest in these products grew, Dr Stryker started a company in 1941 to produce them.
Today, we are one of the world's leading medical technology companies, and alongside our customers, we are impacting the lives of millions of patients each year. Our diverse array of innovative products and services in Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine help improve patient and healthcare outcomes. As our portfolio grows, our culture still reflects Dr Stryker’s legacy, and we are well-positioned to continue making healthcare better for generations to come.
Stryker origins
Innovation is in our DNA
Learn more about Dr Homer Stryker, and the legacy that inspires our mission.
1936-1939
Dr. Homer Stryker, the Company’s founder, invents the turning frame and walking heel while completing a degree in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Michigan.
1940
Dr. Stryker begins his medical practice in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and establishes offices in Borgess Hospital. He uses the basement area for research and development.
1941
Dr Stryker creates The Orthopaedic Frame Company.
1942
Manufacturing of the Wedge Turning Frame begins, which allowed carers to turn patients with serious back injuries, while keeping the spine immobilised.
1946
Dr Stryker incorporates The Orthopaedic Frame Company.
1947
We patent the oscillating saw; it cuts hard cast material but not human tissue. This product is the forerunner to a broad line of our surgical instruments.
1955
Dr Stryker’s son, Lee, becomes the General Manager of the Company.
1958
A decade in development, the Circ-O-Lectric bed capitalises on the legacy of the turning frame.
Our sales reach US$1 million.
1964
Dr Stryker retires from his medical practice, and we change our name to Stryker Corporation.
1968
The 1960s usher in a new era of product development with the micro reciprocating saw.
1969
Lee Stryker becomes our President.
1976
The Company’s sales grow to US$17.3 million.
Lee Stryker dies in a plane crash.
1977
We name John Brown President and Chief Executive Officer of Stryker Corporation.
1979
The initial public offering of stock brings greater awareness of the Company.
1979
Stryker acquires Osteonics Corp. and enters the orthopaedic implant market.
1980
Dr. Stryker dies at age 85 and John Brown becomes Stryker’s Chairman.
1980
Divisionalisation brings focus to each of our three major product groups.
1981
The purchase of SynOptics provides expansion into the endoscopy business.
1985
Our annual sales reach US$100 million.
1992
The acquisition of Dimso, SA opens opportunities in the spinal fixation field.
1994
We introduce RUGGED™ ambulance cots to expand into emergency medical services.
1996
The acquisition of Osteo SA provides entry into the orthopaedic trauma market.
1997
We are listed on the New York Stock Exchange after 18 years on NASDAQ.
1998
We acquire Howmedica, a major player in the worldwide orthopaedic market, and double in size in the following year.
2000
We enter the surgical navigation market, providing precision in locating surgical targets.
2003
The Dekompressor and PCD System provide entry into the interventional spine market.
We are listed on the FORTUNE 500 for the first time.
2005
Stephen MacMillan becomes President and Chief Executive Officer and John Brown transitions to the role of Chairman of the Board.
2009
We acquire Ascent Healthcare Solutions, Inc., the market leader in the reprocessing and remanufacturing of medical devices in the US.
2010
John Brown retires as Chairman and Stephen MacMillan becomes Stryker’s third Chairman of the Board.
Our sales grow to US$7.3 billion.
2011
We are listed in FORTUNE magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For for the first time.
2011
We acquire Boston Scientific’s Neurovascular division, greatly expanding our neurotechnology business.
2012
Kevin Lobo becomes President and Chief Executive Officer.
2013
We acquire Trauson Holdings Company Limited and expand into the value segment of the emerging markets.
2013
The acquisition of MAKO Surgical Corp. provides opportunities to further advance the growth of robotic arm assisted surgery in orthopaedics.
2014
Kevin Lobo becomes Chairman of the Board and our fourth Chairman.
Closed five acquisitions:
• Pivot Medical, Inc
• Patient Safety Technologies, Inc.
• CoAlign Innovations, Inc.
• Berchtold Holding AG
• Small Bone Innovations, Inc.
2016
Our sales exceed US$10 billion for the first time, and we complete eight acquisitions, including two in our Medical division:
• Sage Products, LLC,
• Physio-Control International, Inc.
2017
We launch Mako Total Knee, which combines our Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology with the Triathlon Total Knee System.
2017
Fortune and Great Place to Work named us one of the World’s Best Workplaces for the first time.
2017
The acquisition of NOVADAQ expands our expertise in fluorescence imaging technology.
2018
Two new members join our Board of Directors, making it one of the most diverse among Fortune 500 companies.
2018
Timothy Scannell is appointed President and Chief Operating Officer.
2018
We acquire K2M Group Holdings, which reinforces our spine offering in the complex and minimally invasive segments.
2019
Celebrating 40 years as a publicly-traded company, our leadership rings the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) closing bell.
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