
Lighteum Medical develops and manufactures miniature components for minimally invasive medical devices used in high-growth clinical specialties. [Image courtesy of Lighteum Medical]
“Our rebrand to Lighteum Medical marks an exciting new chapter, combining the strengths of two innovative entities to deliver unparalleled value to our customers,” Lighteum Medical CEO Don Freeman said in a statement shared with Medical Design & Outsourcing ahead of the announcement. “By merging MDC’s precision durability with Lighteum’s innovative speed, we are forging a powerhouse dedicated to setting new standards in complex medical manufacturing. The name Lighteum Medical embodies our continued evolution as a high-growth, innovation-driven partner for the world’s leading medtech companies.”
Lighteum Medical develops and manufactures miniature components for minimally invasive medical devices used in high-growth clinical specialties.
The company focuses on complex and high-precision components made from platinum group metals (PGM) and nitinol, a uniquely useful medtech alloy that is enabling innovative implants for the heart, brain and vasculature, as well as therapeutic catheters for renal denervation to treat hypertension, pulsed-field ablation for atrial fibrillation, and next-generation stroke devices.
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In July 2024, Montagu Private Equity paid Johnson Matthey $700 million to buy MDC, which then bought nitinol-based medical component manufacturer Lighteum in November 2024. (Montagu also owns the medtech CDMO that recently rebranded as Exalta.)
San Diego-based Lighteum Medical has micromachining operations at its California headquarters, and operates its Rapid Development Center in Oceanside, California, its Nitinol Center of Excellence in Mexicali, Mexico, and and Asia-Pacific platinum operations in Australia.
The company’s portfolio includes PGM alloys, custom-engineered PGM components, nitinol sheets and tubes, and high-complexity nitinol components processed with femtosecond laser cutting, shape-setting, electropolishing and other advanced manufacturing processes.
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“The unified brand, Lighteum Medical, reflects the seamless integration of MDC’s proven expertise in high-volume manufacturing of precious metal micromachined components and nitinol tubes and sheet with Lighteum LLC’s focus on rapid development and delivery of nitinol-based complex components,” the company said in a preview of today’s announcement. “Known for their radiopacity, electrical conductivity, and superelastic properties, these unique metals enable transformative applications in minimally invasive medical devices for electrophysiology, vascular intervention, and neurovascular therapies. The new identity underscores a commitment to rapid customer response, cutting-edge technology, and technical prowess in fabricating highly complex medical components.”
Bookmark Medical Design & Outsourcing’s nitinol resources page for more supply chain updates.



