History

More than four million German veterans came home wounded from World War I, many missing limbs. Otto Bock, a young German prosthetist, realized that he and other German clinicians wouldn’t be able to keep up with demand—and maintain quality—making individually crafted prostheses.

Otto Bock came up with the idea of standardizing components for prostheses and orthoses and in doing so redefined the orthopedics industry. In 1919, he started a company built on this pioneering principle with the goal of “mass production combined with the highest quality.”

Today, Otto Bock Company Group, headquartered in Duderstadt, Germany, serves more than 140 countries and employs more than 3,800 people. With 36 branches, we are the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of orthotic and prosthetic components. In addition, we make and distribute rehab products and services.

 

Here’s a short list of our milestones:

1919	Otto Bock Launches revolutionary concept of serial production of O&P components.
1930s	Aluminum is tested and used for lighter weight prosthetic components.
1950s	Revolutionary plastic materials for components are introduced, many still in use today.
1958	First overseas branch of Otto Bock HealthCare is formed in Minneapolis, MN.
1960s	MyoBock prosthetic arm system developed.
1962	First U.S. central fabrication operation is started in Minneapolis.
1969	Pioneering endoskeletal lower extremity prosthetic components are introduced, setting the industry standard worldwide.
1975	Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) devices proven to aid in post trauma, post surgical healing process.
1978	Otto Bock Orthopedic Industry of Canada, Ltd. first opened its' doors in March of 1978
1979	The innovative Greifer, a myoelectric terminal device joins the Upper Extremity system, offering power and control with greater durability.
1980	Otto Bock Canada acquired Engineered Therapeutic Systems and assumed production of their line of foam plastic articles designed for wheelchair use.
1981	Ground breaking for new Otto Bock facility in Winnipeg was held in September 1981. Otto Bock Canada moved into the new facilities by the next summer and began producing articles for the North American market.
1988	Otto Bock Canada Winnipeg doubles original plant capacity from 35,000 square feet to 70,000 square feet.
1991	The reunification of Germany has a profound effect on North American operations. The re-acquisition of the original factory in Königsee plays a role in focusing the company’s efforts on consolidation and reorganization.
1993	In August 1993 a new branch office for sales, distribution and technical assistance was opened Oakville, Ontario—a suburb of Toronto.
1994	Manufacturing functions in Winnipeg were transferred back to Königsee, Germany.
1995	Zero Gravity Medical is acquired with seating and positioning manufacturing in Salt Lake City.
1999	C-Leg® Microprocessor-Controlled knee is launched, revolutionizing lower limb prostheses for transfemoral amputees.
2001	Springlite is acquired, adding R&D and foot manufacturing in Salt Lake City.
2002	Ohio and Florida central fabrication facilities expand the fabrication network and add depth to orthotic fabrication services.
2003	TEC® Interface and the Harmony® System is acquired, growing R&D and manufacturing.
2005	OrthoRehab and its nationwide network of patient care solutions is purchased, broadening hospital and homecare service for patients, payors and providers.
2005	VASI is acquired, enhancing R&D capabilities and expanding Otto Bock's already broad range of prosthetic and orthotic solutions for children.
2006	The Sensor Walk becomes the first microprocessor controlled, stance control orthosis, helping users achieve a more secure, natural walking pattern.
2006	The Dynamic Arm myoelectric Elbow is introduced. It can lift over 12 lbs. and swings naturally during walking.
2007	SuperFour Outdoor Vehicle opens up a whole new perspective for the most demanding conditions.
2007	The world’s first neurally-controlled (thought controlled) prosthesis, developed by Otto Bock HealthCare, is introduced in Vienna.
2008	Otto Bock HealthCare celebrates its North American anniversaries: 30 years in Canada! 50 years in the US!