William Dinauer founded LasX Industries, Inc. in 1998 to develop and deliver high-performance laser materials processing equipment and services to target manufacturing industries such as packaging, electronics, and medical. As CEO of LasX, Mr. Dinauer supports company leadership, advances business opportunities and strategic alliances, and coordinates LasX’s intellectual property. In 2012 Mr. Dinauer formed a new operating division called MicroMed Solutions to pursue contract manufacturing of point-of-care tests. Mr. Dinauer also supports leadership in related companies such as FlexPak Services. Mr. Dinauer has a Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and a BS in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He currently holds 3 issued patents and related foreign patents.
Give MicroMed Solutions’ elevator pitch.
Point-of-care diagnostics include cancer, disease, complete blood count, and other tests requiring timely response to the patient’s condition. MicroMed Solutions specializes in the design, development, and high-volume manufacture of microfluidic biochips used in point-of-care diagnostic solutions. MicroMed Solutions has over 15 years of experience working with diagnostic companies who need a contract manufacturing partner to produce their biochips. We apply our patented laminated microfluidic design and manufacturing methods to meet our customer’s diagnostic test requirements. The biochip is manufactured by our automated production workcells under ISO 13485 quality management system.
What is one thing the Medical Alley community might be unaware of about MicroMed Solutions that you think would be good to know?
MicroMed Solutions has unique skills and tools to rapidly develop microfluidic biochips and manufacture at scale within 2 years of starting a point-of-care diagnostic program.
How have the last few years changed MicroMed Solutions for the long term?
MicroMed Solutions is balancing partnership opportunities between start-up diagnostic companies developing amazing new point-of-care tests and established companies looking for immediate highly automated manufacturing of low-cost biochips.
What are the big milestones to come in the next few years for MicroMed Solutions?
MicroMed Solutions has reached the tipping point where many of our partner diagnostic companies are now moving towards high-volume manufacturing. This will require MicroMed Solutions to have a larger facility by the end of 2023 to operate multiple production workcells. In parallel, we are increasing our efforts to add strategic and financial partnerships with great people and companies to grow our business faster.
What does leadership look like to you?
Key leadership behaviors include the ability to inspire, listen, and empower your employees; holding each other accountable to results that can be best achieved by working closely together. Leadership is guiding your team to achieve near-term business goals while remaining true to the company’s mission and values.
What is the best advice you have received in your career? What is the worst?
The best advice I’ve received is to first assume positive intent with all who work with you and be generous in your time and kindness.
What have been the most rewarding moments in your career?
Rewarding moments for me are always connected to seeing my teams achieve a result that meets or exceeds our customer’s expectations. In the last 5 years, the MicroMed Solutions team has started numerous long-term relationships with new diagnostic companies committing their manufacturing business plan to MicroMed Solutions. We respond to this commitment with passion to exceed their expectations.
What is one personal goal for the upcoming year?
Balance is key. I’d like to continue to balance my personal life with work life by becoming a better servant leader for the organization and relying on my leadership teams to execute our business plans.
How do you relax / decompress?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, yoga and other silent sports, doing projects around the house, and traveling with my wife and family.
What do you enjoy most about the Medical Alley community?
Medical Alley provides a platform to connect to other members and exchange ideas on how to build and operate our businesses within Minnesota. It’s exciting to be part of a community committed to transforming healthcare.
