Blackburn’s makes play for complex rehab market in Philly

TARENTUM, Pa. – Blackburn’s has acquired Abet Medical, an Abington, Pa.-based complex rehab technology (CRT) company, in a move that significantly expands its coverage area in the Philadelphia “Tri-State” area.

Blackburn’s, which is based in Tarentum, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh, can now serve the entire state, as well as parts of Delaware and New Jersey.

“We’re really excited to enter into one of the largest U.S. markets via acquisition,” said Jeff Rukas, president of Blackburn’s. “We’re a family-owned business; they’re a family-owned business. We thought it was the right type of partnership to enter to maintain quality of service.”

Blackburn’s, which relies on CRT for about 40% of its business, will welcome Abet Medical’s 12 employees, including two assistive technology professionals (ATPs). The company now has a total of 13 ATPs.

The Philadelphia market is highly competitive, with two national providers operating in the region. Despite that, Abet Medical has remained successful by leveraging strong relationships with manufacturers that support its mission and offer favorable pricing, as well as referral sources that value its service.

“We compete every day,” said Vince Naples, who founded Abet Medical in 1989. “I was here a long time before the nationals and I hope, with Blackburn’s help, to be here a long time after.”

Naples said he has been approached by other potential buyers in the past but chose Blackburn’s because of its shared focus on service and patient care.

“They’re a dynamite company and I just think a family-type of business is where this industry started and where it needs to stay,” he said. “It’s all about taking care of people.”

That service mentality includes comprehensive but efficient setups and repairs, along with outside-of-the box thinking, Naples said.

“You hear about people waiting six to eight weeks, and I don’t think I could survive without a car for that long and I have the use of my own two feet,” he said. “I believe in getting the proper documentation and going out and seeing customers as fast as you can. And we’ll do whatever it takes – we’ll cut a wheelchair in half if we have to. That’s our claim to fame.”

With a shared mentality and added resources, Blackburn’s expects to further strengthen Abet Medical’s service capabilities, Rukas and Naples said.

“It’s another layer of support that we feel will make it even one step better,” Rukas said.