Saginaw Medical Technology Case Studies
Amigo Mobility Expands on Dixie Highway
Amigo Mobility International, Inc. based in Bridgeport Charter Township, recently added 20,000 sq. ft. and new equipment. Amigo invested more than $750,000 and created six new jobs as a direct result of the expansion. Saginaw Future assisted the company and the community with an investment incentive. In addition, SF linked the company to the services and programs available through Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!
The "friendly wheelchair" was invented by Allan Thieme in 1968. The Amigo helped to initiate the entire "three-wheeled power operated vehicle" industry. Today, Amigo is the largest manufacturer of motorized shopping carts and leads the industry in quality motorized equipment for disabled and elderly consumers. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Amigo also designs, manufactures and utilizes components to work with companies creating custom mobility solutions. The company assists with modular components, power assist units and devices using Amigo control/drive systems. www.myamigo.com
Pipeline Benefits Dow Corning HealthCare Industries Materials Site
Dow Corning Corporation invested $1.16 million in its Health Industries Materials Site (HIMS) in Thomas Township. The project includes construction of a nitrogen pipeline between Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation and HIMS, eliminating the need for tanker deliveries. The company made modifications to its cooling tower pumps and installing a larger air compressor. HIMS is also upgrading its injection molding equipment to meet changing customer requirements, retaining two jobs at the facility.
This is third recent investment at HIMS totaling nearly $11 million. SF was able to help the company and community with an tax abatement policy. HIMS, established in 1964, is the only Dow Corning site dedicated to supplying products to the health care industry. HIMS’ products are used by customers around the world to manufacture a wide variety of health care products, including pharmaceutical tubing, pacemaker leads and more. www.dowcorning.com/content/about/aboutcomm/hemlock_healthcare.asp?e=Meet+Our+Communities
Orchid Unique Advanced Machining Chooses Saginaw
Orchid Unique Advanced Machining is a singlesource manufacturer of surgical cutting accessories, instruments and implants. The company recently invested $3.5 million to consolidate operations and expand its facility in Bridgeport Charter Township. The investment doubles the size of the Bridgeport location creating 60 jobs.
Orchid Unique has 632 employees statewide, including 320 in Bridgeport. Based on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) recommendation, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a state tax credit valued at $763,000 over seven years to win the project over competing sites in Tennessee and California. Bridgeport Charter Township also passed a 12-year investment incentive worth $183,258 to support the project.
Saginaw Future assisted the company and the community through the MEGA application and incentive packaging process. Orchid Unique has over 25 years of superior craftsmanship in machining surgical cutting accessories, instruments and implants. Its vertical integration enables parts to be manufactured, laser marked, cleaned and passivated, packaged, and sterilized with just one stop. www.orchid-orthopedics.com/unique/
Hi-Tech Optical Awarded Contract
Hi-Tech Optical Co., Inc. is a Saginaw Charter Township-based company that manufacturers prescription eye glasses, safety prescription and non-prescription eye wear. Hi-Tech Optical recently received a contract from a large manufacturer to supply all its U.S. plants with prescription safety eyeglasses. The new contract led to the purchase of additional machinery, a nearly $200,000 investment, and the hiring of five workers. Saginaw Future assisted the company and the community with a potential investment incentive.
In 1940, Columbus based White Haines Optical Co. opened an office in Saginaw, MI, and moved to the Christy Way location in 1971. In early 1987, a group of local investors teamed up to purchase the Saginaw office from White-Haines, and in doing so, formed Hi-Tech Optical Co., Inc.
www.hi-techoptical.com
Filtrona Porous Materials Invest $1 Million Plus
Filtrona Porous Materials, a biotech manufacturer located in Swan Creek, invested $1.035 million dollars in new manufacturing space and additional equipment to assist in the expansion of its medical supply division. The expansion resulted in the addition of eight new employees. Saginaw Future assisted Filtrona with state and local investment incentives and job training assistance.
Filtrona produces medical foams that are specifically developed for the medical industry. MediSponge® is an ultra-clean absorbent foam that is ideal for highly exudating wounds, while MicrobisanTM uses controlled release silver-ion technology that provides both antibacterial and antifungal protection. Following QSR Standards production, Filtrona foams are known for being cleanly and are used in international markets from agricultural to military applications.
www.filtronaporoustechnologies.com