Juzo has achieved a number of milestones since its inception in 1912. From a re-start as a small manufacturer’s shop in the back of a house in Aichach, Germany (after losing what we had built in East Germany), to our recognition today as an international leader in medical compression therapy garments, we are proud of our history and our accomplishments. This year marks the 40-year anniversary of Juzo expanding operations and manufacturing into the U.S.
At the heart of Juzo USA is Annerose Zorn, CEO and president. Annerose’s great grandfather Julius Zorn started the company. Like the generations preceding her, she followed in his footsteps protecting the philosophy and integrity of the family’s business. Annerose immigrated to the U.S. in 1980 with her two kids to start JUZO USA, a sister company of Juzo Germany. Since then, Annerose has led the company’s U.S. headquarters in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, which houses a full manufacturing facility to produce products for the North American market.
Under Annerose’s leadership, Juzo USA has continued the family tradition. Her daughter, Petra, is Juzo’s vice-president and her son, Walter, serves as vice-president of operations. They all take this business personally. Juzo’s employees are more like extended family to the company – many have tenure of more than 20 years. The driving force behind the success of Juzo USA, is a shared spirit and vision, along with an uncompromising approach to making quality products that help people.
“Our guiding philosophy at Juzo is that medical garments should not inhibit a person’s lifestyle. We all share a passion of making products of the highest quality and therapeutic effectiveness to help improve people’s lives,” says Annerose. “Our products offer patients freedom in motion, and in turn, the freedom to maintain their active lifestyle.”
A true patient advocate, we focus our efforts at Juzo on improving the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses and keeping them moving toward a better life through the aid of our compression garments. Thousands of people have benefitted from this approach.
“My father had severe scoliosis of the spine and fully understood how depending on a daily living aid and the lack of mobility could hinder quality of life. We’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible products available. Ultimately, we’re in the business of helping to revitalize and restore people’s lives,” Annerose says.
Thomas Walsh, professional ski racer and ambassador for the U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing National Team, acknowledges that he would not be as successful in his sport or maintaining his active lifestyle without adequate lymphedema treatment and compression garments.
“The products and supplies that Juzo creates, as I know firsthand, can improve the quality of life for any and all people dealing with lymphedema or lymphedema-like conditions…people who want to live their lives to the fullest. I am energized by having the ability to show others that lymphedema does not need to stop them from accomplishing and doing all that they desire,” Thomas said.
Juzo’s efforts to support those impacted by lymphedema, lipedema, venous disease and other circulatory conditions extends beyond its products. We look to individuals making a difference in this community and help expand their impact – individuals like Veronica Seneriz, founder of Lymphie Strong, who started the #MOVETHATLYMPH Challenge Series three years ago and has grown her online support community from less than 500 to more than 2,000.
“I am humbled beyond words to have been given such amazing opportunities by my Juzo family. When you surround yourself with positive, like-minded people on the same mission towards making a positive impact, everything changes,” Veronica said. “When I started the challenge Series, Juzo stepped forward and said, ‘We believe in your vision.’ Thank you Juzo for sharing the vision early on and its continued support.”
Patients, therapists, physicians and Juzo retailers have come to trust Juzo as the leader in compression therapy to promote vascular and lymphatics health. In fact, the Lymphedema Education & Research Network (LE&RN) recently honored Annerose with the 2020 LE&RN Impact Award in recognition of all Juzo does to support, educate and empower the lymphedema community.
Juzo’s history is marked by pride, technological advancements and an unwavering commitment to quality in all we do. In 2020, we continue to celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to what the future holds for our company, our products and those who benefit from wearing them. This business is personal for us all.