PORTAGE, MI — Stryker Instruments division is undergoing an organizational restructuring that will mean a loss of jobs for an undisclosed number of people at the medical technologies company.
“After a thoughtful evaluation, we have determined that organizational changes are needed to help drive efficiencies across our business, including limited reductions in our workforce,” the company stated in a press release issued in response to inquiries Wednesday. 
It went on to say, “These changes will allow us to invest in important areas to build new capabilities that will help us keep growing in Kalamazoo and continue meeting the needs of our customers.”
Stryker Instruments designs, manufactures and markets specialty surgical equipment, operating room products, orthopedic saws, drills and accessories. It also make advanced systems for such things as pain management and waste management.
“The Kalamazoo community has played an important role in our company’s history,” the company stated. “Our founder started the business here and today we have multiple manufacturing and corporate offices in the area. We are committed to strengthening that relationship through our upcoming expansion in Portage.”
Portage Mayor Peter Strazdas said he has not been told how many people will be affected by the restructuring and he hopes the company is working to find them other opportunities. But he said he understands that large corporations have ups and downs and hopes internal changes will help make Stryker a stronger company in the long run.