Company History

Epic Manufacturing was founded in 1959 by partners Frank Elliot, James E. Petersen, and Al Cooper. Epic began producing its first major medical device in 1967, invented and designed by James Petersen and Dr. Earl Padgett.

In 1986, Petersen had then President James R. Lucas sell Epic Manufacturing to OptiCopy, who later sold to PolyChrome. In 1991, James Petersen purchased back the manufacturing rights to his medical products and re-incorporated the business as Dadson Corporation.

In 2006, Petersen asked James R. Lucas to come back as President and CEO, and the medical business was split out into a seperate division, Epic Medical Concepts & Innovations.
Our Founder

James Petersen founded EPIC Manufacturing in 1959 after serving in the Navy during WWII and then working for Bendix Corporation. Petersen was the first person to graduate from Bendix Corporation's apprenticeship program in 1956.

In his role as an inventor and engineer, James held a pioneering role in the development of plastics technology and developed numerous medical devices which he patented, many of which are still in production today. EPIC was also one of the first companies to offer teflon coatings on its products.

Petersen's inventions have saved countless lives during the past 40 years. Epic Medical Concepts & Innovations is named to honor the history and heritage of EPIC Manufacturing and Jim Petersen.
Our President & CEO

James R. Lucas began his career in management working for such companies as Black & Veatch Consulting Engineers, Hallmark Cards, VF Corporation.

Jim received his education at the University of Missouri (Columbia and Rolla), including a B.S. and Ph.D. (h.c.) in Engineering Management from UMR. He is a member of the American Society of Engineering Management, American Society of Training & Development, a senior member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and a Registered Professional Engineer in Missouri and Kansas. He was the first graduate of UMR’s Engineering Management Program to receive a Professional Engineering license in both Missouri and Kansas. While in Rolla, he served as a member of the Student Union Board and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. From 2005-2007, Jim served as president of the Academy of Engineering Management.