Sterling Industries CEO David Van Slingerland joined Medtech leaders from The Mullings Group and Pristine Surgical at LSI USA ’25 to discuss how medical device companies can reduce risk and speed up commercialization by partnering with contract manufacturers in the early stages.

The workshop, “Scaling Smart — Leveraging Manufacturers Early to De-Risk Investment and Commercialization,” covered practical considerations for companies evaluating CDMOs, including the importance of aligned interests, the value of vertical integration capabilities, and how early manufacturing involvement can make companies more attractive to strategic buyers.

Van Slingerland and Bryan Lord from Pristine Surgical walked through real examples from their work together, from initial evaluation through production. They discussed how CDMOs assess potential partners and what founders should know before choosing a manufacturing partner

Watch the full panel discussion below.