Our Legacy
Second Century of Innovation
From locally-owned pharmacy to global industry leader.
1914
Second Century of Innovation
In 1914, George Fillauer, Sr. opened Red Cross Pharmacy. Later, alongside his sons and German ‘orthomeister’ Lawrence Porten, he expanded the business, now Red Star Pharmacy, to provide orthotic and prosthetic devices.
Today, Fillauer is a global leader in orthotic and prosthetic innovation, seeking to empower clinicians and patients to live functionally.
Lawrence Porten and Carlton Fillauer fit a pediatric patient at the Red Star Pharmacy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1914 — 1930s
Where it Began
George Fillauer Sr., a German immigrant, opens the Red Cross Pharmacy in Chattanooga TN.
Red Cross Pharmacy, now Red Star Pharmacy, expands its services and hires German “orthomeister” Lawrence Porten to provide orthotic and prosthetic devices for veterans returning from World War I. George’s sons, George Jr. and Carlton, join the company. George Jr. becomes a pharmacist and Carlton an orthotist-prosthetist.
George Fillauer Sr. (right) stands with Lawrence Porten and son Carlton (second from left) in front of the Red Star Pharmacy.
1940s — 1960s
First Class of Practitioners
Carlton Fillauer becomes the first staff prosthetist named to the National Research Committee on Prosthetic Devices; Carlton is also among the first class of practitioners to be certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) and was a charter member of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).
In 1955, George Sr. retires and George Jr. is named president of Fillauer. Carlton remains active in the prosthetic community, serving as president of ABC from 1957 to 1958 and president of AOPA from 1962 to 1963.
Carlton Fillauer began his first apprenticeship under his father in 1935. Later in 1949, he became one of the industry's first certified professionals as a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist.
1970-2000
Seasons of Growth
Fillauer merges with pharmaceutical and surgical company Durr Drug in 1972, resulting in sales growth in surgical and orthopedic supplies.
Cardinal Health acquires Durr-Fillauer in 1993. With a group of investors, Karl Fillauer purchases the orthotic and prosthetic divisions to form Fillauer, Inc.
Fillauer enters a season of steady expansion. Acquiring Hosmer in 1996, and Motion Control in 1997, Fillauer incorporates a strong upper-extremity product line, both body powered and myoelectric. Fillauer acquires the Center for Orthotic Design in 1999 and develops a new version of the reciprocating gait.
2000s
Continued Expansion
Fillauer continues expansion, acquiring Swedish-based Centri AB in 2002 known today as Fillauer Europe. The acquisition allows Fillauer to add gloves, liners and protective leg coverings to their offerings alongside additional orthotic and prosthetic components.
In 2005, Fillauer LLC adds the Trautman™ equipment line to its product offerings. Shortly after, Fillauer begins its first joint venture by creating Emotis, now Fillauer Composites, LLC, which uses advanced composite materials to produce prosthetic feet.
Most recently, Fillauer purchased OTS Corp. (Fillauer North Carolina) in 2009, a high-end provider of orthotic componentry, including the StepLock knee joint, and PDG Ovens® for O&P fabrication.
2017 — Today
Who We Are Today
Today, Fillauer is proud to be a global leader in orthotic and prosthetic innovation that empowers clinicians and patients to achieve their best functional outcomes.
Led by the fourth generation, Fillauer remains a family-run business. Michael Fillauer, CPO/L serves as CEO of Fillauer Companies, Inc., while David Fillauer serves on the board.
WORK WITH US
Join the Fillauer Team
Interested in becoming a part of our team? View our current career opportunities or give us a call today!
