A medical equipment manufacturer is expanding its footprint in the U.P., a $13 million investment expected to create 40 jobs.
Able Medical Devices, which manufactures precision machined medical implants and instrumentation, is building a 30,000-square-foot facility in Marquette, relocating from its current operations at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force base in Gwinn in Marquette County.
“Able Medical Devices has deep roots in the Marquette area, and we’re excited to further our investment here,” says Martin Deloria, vice president of operations at Able. “This new facility will not only allow us to increase production capacity and capabilities, but also provide more opportunities for job seekers in the community and those looking to relocate. It’s a testament to our commitment to Marquette, our team, customers, and the future of medical device manufacturing in the Upper Peninsula.”
The company received a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The grant is available to eligible businesses that create qualified new jobs and/or make qualified new investment in Michigan.
“Michigan continues to make its mark in the medical devices industry … and we applaud Able Medical Devices for their commitment to the Marquette area,” says Matt McCauley, senior vice president of regional development for MEDC. “Working with our local partners and businesses across the state helps continue our efforts to focus on people, places, and projects to ensure economic prosperity for all.”
What’s happening: Able Medical Devices broke ground recently on a 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Marquette.
Cross General Contracting in Munising has been selected as the general contractor for the development. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2025. The Marquette facility has the potential to expand up to 100,000 square feet as the company grows.
The expansion is expected to create 40 jobs in the region with an average wage of more than $36 per hour, plus benefits, a wage that is 75 percent higher than the regional median hourly wage of $20.88. Able Medical Devices began operations in 2018 as a contract manufacturer of medical device implants and instruments. The company’s current manufacturing operations at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force base in Gwinn has reached capacity. As a result, the company broke ground on a new facility in Marquette.
The new facility will offer Able employees closer access to their homes and families, fostering a strong connection to the local community. The location is bike-friendly, encouraging employees to commute by bicycle and enjoy outdoor activities during their breaks
"The company had many opportunities to invest in other locations across the United States,” says Steve Hicks, CEO of Longyear, Able's parent company. “Instead, we chose to invest in Marquette, recognizing the area's talent, the importance of providing well-paying jobs, and contributing to the region's economy.”
The back story: Able Medical Devices has experienced rapid growth since 2018, and as of July 2024 employed 70 full-time workers. Able partners with companies seeking outsourced services from design and development to comprehensive finished goods manufacturing. The company's expertise includes working with surgeons and original equipment manufacturers in spine, trauma and cardiothoracic markets.
What’s next: Martin Deloria, vice president and managing director of Able Medical Devices, says the company is actively hiring a few positions related to its growth.
“The anticipated 40 jobs that we will add post expansion will come over the next few years as we continue to expand our business,” he says. “Those will be jobs across numerous competencies but most heavily focused on manufacturing positions — in particular CNC machinists.”
Other types of roles, he says, will be secondary operations such as assembly, welding, etching, cleaning and support functions such as sales, customer service, engineering, and quality.
What others are saying: “This investment is a prime example of the exciting growth and sophistication of advanced manufacturing across the Upper Peninsula,” says Marty Fittante, CEO, InvestUP, the lead regional economic organization for the U.P., with a mission to drive prosperity across the peninsula.
"This expansion not only reinforces the reality that the region is well equipped to serve as a prime location for advanced manufacturing with a strong workforce, a vibrant local economy and a supportive environment, but it also aligns perfectly with our vision for a prosperous and dynamic community," he adds. "We are excited about the additional employment opportunities and the positive impact that Able’s new facility will have on Marquette and the U.P., and thank Governor Whitmer, MEDC CEO Quentin Messer and his team for helping make this investment a reality.”
Rosemary Parker has worked as a writer and editor for more than 40 years. She is a regular contributor to Rural Innovation Exchange, UPword, and other Issue Media Group publications.