Tenacore derives its name from the way tenaciousness is at the core of its operation. Both an OEM of compatible SP02 products, compatible fetal transducers and a repair shop for Philips, HP, Datascope, Marquette modules, O2 blenders, wall suction regulators and rigid endoscopes, Tenacore's business model truly reflects tenacity.

"Manufacturing and repairing are flip sides of a coin," explains President Peter Bonin III. "When hospitals purchase capital equipment like vital signs monitors consisting of multiple parts, chances are that one of the accessories linking the patient to the monitor will break, and a new part will need to be created." Currently, 60 percent of Tenacore's business is repairing; 40 percent is manufacturing. The company has invested heavily in their manufacturing adding automated CNC machines and injection molding machines to two of their Class 7 clean rooms; Bonin expects those percentages to reverse in the next few years. New products in the works include a wall suction regulator and 02 Blender, which is currently awaiting 510(k) clearance from the FDA.

Founded in 2000 by Brand Caso and Bonin, Tenacore has grown to 56 employees and moved to a larger facility in Santa Ana, California. Bonin attributes Tenacore's success to its manufacturing and repairing being done in-house, which allows for quality/cost control and expedites new products and parts to the market.

As for industry trends, Bonin notes that the current technology is here to stay and there is a need to support existing monitoring systems. New technology is becoming more sophisticated demanding qualified engineers. In addition, the hospitals and purchasing groups are demanding quality making it increasing difficult for start-up businesses.

More Voices