2nd
Quarter Saginaw County Business Attractions
October 1, 2008
In the 2nd quarter of 2008, Saginaw Future
Inc. (SFI) assisted six companies that invested more than $48 million
creating 169 jobs. Five companies won 62 government contracts valued at
nearly $13.4 million.
Expansions
CIGNYS -
Bridgeport Facility is adding new equipment that will help the company
become more competitive. The Bridgeport Charter Township Board of Trustees
recently approved an investment incentive on the purchase of $484,000 worth
of new equipment. CIGNYS - Bridgeport Facility is located at 5763 Dixie,
which is the former Shear Tool Inc. The company manufactures a variety of
products. Saginaw Products, Shear Tool, Shields Manufacturing and Saginaw
Caster and Wheel operate under the CIGNYS name.
Dow Corning Corp.
recently demonstrated its commitment to drive solar power innovations. The
company opened a Solar Solutions Application Center in Freeland, Michigan,
to collaborate with customers to develop, evaluate and pilot materials
solutions used to manufacture solar panels. The 27,000 sq. ft.,
state-of-the-art facility represents an investment of more than $3 million
and includes a laboratory, pilot equipment and testing facilities. A team of
engineers and scientists will staff the facility, which is designed to be
expanded as needed to meet the needs of the growing solar and photovoltaic
industry.
Saginaw
Machine Systems (SMS) recently held an open house to launch its NEW
VISION products to the marketplace. SMS, a long-time supplier to the
automotive sector, has begun marketing its products to more of a diverse and
worldwide market. Established in 1983, SMS supplies automated manufacturing
machines and systems. The company also custom builds and mills tools, along
with rebuilds and retooling of numerous types of equipment. Until recently
SMS products were primarily sold in the Midwest, now the company is seeking
to enter expanding markets in India, Russia and Brazil.
The Sedona Building is the new name for the former Davenport
Building in Downtown Saginaw. A retired real estate agent from Albuquerque,
New Mexico, Dennis A. Merrill, purchased the structure at 310 S. Washington
Ave. and has already inserted new landscaping and has fixed the air
conditioning. Built in 1957 and with 16,000 square feet of available space,
Merrill plans to add new furniture, carpeting, a mini-workout room, wireless
internet, upgrade the HVAC, windows, carpet/flooring and fixtures throughout
the building. SFI assisted Merrill and the City of Saginaw with the
transfer of an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act certificate to the new
owner.
Attractions
ITC
Transmission is developing a $25 million project to increase
the reliability of the area's electrical service. The company received site
plan approval for a new transmission station and electrical lines in
Richland Township. Saginaw Future worked with the community and ITC on
zoning issues related to the project that will serve development at Hemlock
Semiconductor Corporation, a Dow Corning joint venture in nearby Thomas
Township. Saginaw Future, Dow Corning, Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce
and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation provided information and
testimony supporting the project at a recent public hearing. An ITC
representative stated that the company would like to start construction by
the end of the year on the 14.7 acre enclosed project.
Orchid Unique Orthopedic Solutions is a single-source 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 Orthopedic
Solutions has 632 employees statewide, including 320 in Bridgeport.
