Michigan Economic Initiative Targets Medtech Manufacturers
Saginaw Future Inc., a Michigan-based economic development agency, has launched a medical devices and technology initiative designed to attract, retain, and assist medical device, diagnostic, and life sciences firms in the central region of the state. To date, the agency has raised nearly $700,000 for the initiative and is applying for a $2 million grant from a state fund designed to promote job growth and new investment in the state.
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| Sevrain: Guiding Michigan’s medtech future. |
Christophe Sevrain, former head of Delphi Medical Systems Corp. (Troy, MI), has been contracted to lead the new initiative. “Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, instrumentation, diagnostics, and biotech research are growing faster in Michigan than in any other state,” he says. “The Saginaw Valley’s role will help keep that momentum going.”
Last fall, Saginaw Future received $100,000 in grants to develop strategy recommendations for regional development and job growth in the medical device and diagnostics industry. The funding was provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., Saginaw Community Foundation, and Saginaw County Revolving Loan Fund. Working with a medical device and technology committee, which included representatives from regional medical device companies, Saginaw Future formulated a strategy for developing start-up and corporate spinout medtech companies, as well as supporting existing companies transitioning to medical manufacturing. The initiative will target the regional area of Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties.
According to Sevrain, Michigan’s historically strong presence in the automotive industry has built the infrastructure necessary to support medical device companies. “The Saginaw region understands advanced manufacturing and has a highly skilled workforce in place, which are key advantages to transitioning into medical manufacturing.”
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| Crary: Sparking change in mid-Michigan. |
JoAnn Crary, president of Saginaw Future, says Sevrain’s involvement in the initiative represents a significant opportunity for the mid-Michigan region. “Sevrain is an agent of change with extensive experience in start-up companies, which is what we will be creating with the initiative.”
Sevrain, now owner of consulting firm CJPS Enterprises, was previously managing director of Delphi, where he oversaw the company’s growth from nine to 400 employees in 18 months. Prior to that, he was vice president for global technology in the intravenous systems and medical products division of Baxter International Inc. (Deerfield, IL). He has been involved in a number of medtech start-ups and holds several medical technology patents.
Going forward, the initiative’s team of medical device industry consultants will work with the economic development staffs of Saginaw Future, Midland Tomorrow, and Bay Future to develop competencies in areas including marketing and business development, medical device product and technology development, manufacturing processes, regulatory compliance, cost analysis, and intellectual property management. Staff members will make corporate visits, attend workshops, and participate in medical device trade shows.
The regional economic development organizations will develop a targeted marketing campaign aimed at developing relationships with buyout firms active in the medical field. The initiative will also partner with Saginaw Valley State University to develop expertise and competencies in entrepreneurship and medical device–specific skills among faculty, staff, and curriculum.
© 2006 Canon Communications LLC
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