MicroAire Story

1977

The Drill, Oscillating and Reciprocating Saws

A team of engineers working in San Fernando, California, developed a set of three powered surgical instruments—a drill, an oscillating saw and a reciprocating saw for orthopaedic surgeons to operate on bones and joints.

The instruments were made with miniature vane motors, and powered by compressed air found in most hospital operating rooms. They quickly won praise from surgeons who valued the precise control, unobstructed vision, high degree of torque and smooth running without vibration.

1978

Wire-Driver and Bone Chisel

Two more instruments were introduced. A wire-driver, used to secure bone sections with stainless steel wire, and a bone chisel. Once again the community of orthopaedic surgeons embraced the new tools and the reliability of the company behind these innovations.

1979

Named MicroAire

The company became a member of the Marmon Group and was named MicroAire Surgical Instruments.

1981

First Line of Pre-Sterilized Burs, Blades and Drills

MicroAire introduced the industry’s first line of presterilized, packaged, disposable burs, blades and drills for its instruments.

1990

The company continued to produce new and innovative products, and saw its sales expand into the global marketplace.

1995

Relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia

From this new location, MicroAire launched a new line of small-power orthopedic surgical instruments powered by a separate microprocessor console controlling the rpm, torque limits, hand piece recognition and irrigation system.

1998

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Device

Acquired a ground-breaking, minimally invasive instrument for endoscopic treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

2002

Colson Associates

MicroAire became part of a family of medical companies under Colson Associates, Inc.

First NiMH Battery

Introduced the industry’s first Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery-operated instruments. They are the longest lasting, most powerful and best-warranted battery on the market.

2010

Endotine®

Acquired Endotine®, which is used in a variety of facial procedures, including brow lifts, midface lifts, face lifts and neck lifts.

2019

Marmon Holdings, Inc. – Berkshire Hathaway Acquires Colson Medical Companies

Colson Associates was founded by the late Robert Pritzker, a long-time Chicago business and civic leader. Mr. Pritzker co-founded Marmon in 1953 and served as CEO until 2002. Upon concluding his five-decade Marmon career, he formed Colson Associates, at which time he acquired the Colson Medical Companies and other businesses from Marmon. In November, 2019 the Colson Medical Companies returned home to Marmon.

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