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Warsaw-based Biomet Inc. co-founder Dane Miller is being remembered as a pioneer in the orthopedics industry and an innovator who will leave a lasting legacy in the state. He passed away Tuesday at the age of 69. Current Biomet President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Binder says it is “impossible to describe adequately” Miller's impact on the company, industry and community. He helped start the company in the late-1970s. Biomet grew from $17,000 in sales during its first year into a global business with more than $2 billion in sales.

Upon his retirement, Miller shared his experiences in a book called “The Maverick CEO: Dane Miller and the Story of Biomet.”

Source: Inside INdiana Business

February 10, 2015

A Statement on Behalf of Biomet Inc. From Current President and CEO Jeff Binder

WARSAW, Ind. – The Biomet family is profoundly saddened by the passing of Dane A. Miller, Ph.D.

Dane was one of Biomet's four founders and was our CEO from 1977 to 2006. It is impossible in one short statement to give justice to his impact on our company, on our industry, and on the communities where we operate – especially Warsaw and Winona Lake, Indiana. It is also impossible to describe adequately Dane's impact on the lives of our Team Members and on the members of the orthopaedic community with whom he worked and developed friendships over many years.

Dane Miller was a true pioneer both in regard to the development of new technologies and in the management and development of Biomet's unique work environment and culture. Under his leadership Biomet grew from a company with $17,000 in revenues in 1978, our first fiscal year of operation, to one with greater than $2 billion in sales in 2006.

On the technology front, Dane used his biomedical engineering background to drive advancements in biomaterials and implant design that helped patients around the world.

On the cultural front, Dane thought of himself as an “environmental engineer,” and he fostered an ownership culture where team members were empowered to make decisions, take reasonable risks and actively respond to the needs of our customers and their patients. Dane was one of industry's first leaders to use the phrase “team member” to describe his company's employees. He once told me that the best description of Biomet's culture was that of a “can-do family.”

Dane's influence will continue to be felt by our communities, our industry, and the people whose lives he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dane's family, and with those who loved him.

Source: Biomet Inc.

February 10, 2015

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Governor Pence today issued the below statement upon learning of the passing of Biomet Co-Founder Dane Miller.

“Today Indiana lost a giant in the passing of Dane Miller. Dane Miller, Co-Founder of Biomet in Warsaw, was one of our state's most successful entrepreneurs, a pioneer in the orthopedic industry, and he will be deeply missed.

“Dane Miller was also a modest man who loved his family and never lost the common touch. Karen and I send our deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Mary Louise, his family, friends and all who admired this remarkable Hoosier.”

Source: The Office of Governor Mike Pence

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