WARRENDALE — MEDRAD reported revenues grew to more than $600 million in 2008, but while the company is growing, it is taking a realistic approach to the future.

John Friel, MEDRAD's president and chief executive officer, said Thursday the company, which makes diagnostic imaging and therapeutic medical devices, saw a revenue increase in 2008 over the previous year.

In April 2008, Friel said, MEDRAD bought Possis Medical bringing together MEDRAD's cardiovascular product line with Possis' vascular treatments.

Also, MEDRAD's Warrendale headquarters and Victory Road Business Park buildings both received LEED certification in 2008. The Warrendale office houses about 115 employees, while the Clinton Township building has about 290 employees.

Luanne Radermacher, MEDRAD's spokeswoman, said while the future of the company is bright, company leadership is working to reduce effects of the global economic downturn, while keeping an eye on health care policy developments in Washington, D.C.

"When the economy slows down, there will be less customers at hospitals," she said.

"As people losing their jobs are also losing the health insurance, so diagnostic tests and treatments go down," Radermacher said, adding hospitals also reduce the amount of money spent on capital equipment, which is what MEDRAD makes.

Combating these economic trends, she said, MEDRAD has an indefinite hiring freeze in effect, has delayed merit benefits for employees, cut travel costs and employee incentives.

On the other side of the coin, Radermacher said, the company is "keeping a diligent watch on federal changes being discussed in health care."

"The future is really bright, but we are taking a look at expenses, and our mantra around here is, 'Deliver the same level or better of customer service at a lower cost,'" she said.