WHILE MOST OF US ARE SATISFIED, even proud, when we program our coffee maker to have the brew ready when we wake up, there are people, right here in Marquette, doing things a little more complex.
Remember when K.I. Sawyer AFB closed back in 1995? The community spoke up with ideas for what could replace the military and continue to provide jobs and paychecks. A predominant theme was… light industrial. Businesses that made things, without making a mess.
Industry Pioneer
As it turns out, we already had something like that, it just wasn’t at Sawyer. Now known as Exalta, it was originally called Pioneer Surgical Technology. Founded in 1992 by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Songer, the primary function at Pioneer Surgical was the design and manufacturing of spinal, orthopedic, trauma, and cardiothoracic implants and instruments.
According to HR Manager Amber Horn and VP of Engineering Jason Sandstrom, Songer combined his experience as a surgeon with his mechanical engineering degree from Michigan Tech to bring a unique perspective to Pioneer. “He was genuinely committed to finding better ways to perform surgery, continually seeking innovations that could improve outcomes, enhance efficiency, and make procedures safer and more effective.”
Though Dr. Songer’s company is credited with more than 100 patents on medical devices, his Songer Spinal Cable System was the initial focus of Pioneer Surgical, which led to the many surgical tools that would follow.
As the company has gone through multiple name changes, from Pioneer to RTI to Resolve to the current Exalta, the work has changed as well. According to Horn and Sandstrom, “The Marquette site has evolved significantly over the years and now operates at a level that is aligned with industry leaders in design, development, and manufacturing capabilities. We have continued to invest in advanced technologies, including robotics and automation, to enhance efficiency, precision, and scalability.”
Exalta is also actively engaged in supporting the community. “All employees receive Volunteer Time Off (VTO) each year, which they use to support a variety of local nonprofit organizations.” With more than 250 local employees, that can amount to a lot of volunteerism.
As it turns out, Songer’s firm has done more than simply establish a global footprint. It has also served as the inspiration for other new area medical device companies.
They are Able
One prominent high tech Marquette based company is Able Medical Devices, now located at their new location on M-553 near the Division Street intersection.
Like other such firms, Able is equipped to offer a variety of design and development services of the kind of stuff that ends up in people’s bodies. Currently however, they’re citing the success of their Valkyrie and Valkyrie Rib Thoracic Fixation Systems.
I’m sure you’re already familiar with thoracic fixation systems, so I won’t waste words on that. The more salient point is the fact that Songer’s foray into the industry and Marquette’s entrepreneurial spirit have combined to foster an atmosphere conducive to high tech operations with well-paying jobs, like those found at Able.
Jamie Close, Able’s Director of Sales and one of more than 70 employees says, “The medical field in general typically pays higher than the national average when compared to other industries. Obviously, many different roles exist within the company and pay depends on many different factors.”
Of course, the medical field is one that requires constant attention to what’s next. In order for Able to continue market relevance, the development of products like the Valkyrie systems is critical. “The Valkyrie system is an evolution based on over 20 years of sternal plating experience. It’s the third sternal plating system developed by many of the individuals who are now employees at Able.”
An added bonus Able brings to the table is local ownership. “The cool thing about Able is that the ownership group is not a global corporation, a private equity firm from who knows where, nor is it controlled by venture capitalists,” Close says. “It is wholly owned by JM Longyear, which has of course been a staple of this community for more than a century.”
Get to Know Mount
And then there’s Mount Mfg., another local entry into the medical devices industry. Mount Mfg. was founded in Colorado in 2015 by U.P. native Eric Lintula. The company relocated to Marquette in 2020.
Mount Mfg. recently acquired a new facility where the former Best Buy store was located. According to Chief Operating Officer Jesse Nye, “This new facility is about 3X the square footage of our last facility on Brookton Rd and has provided us the ability for the company to double in size this year.”
Though also offering the design and development of a variety of medical devices, Mount’s primary focus is on implant and instrument manufacturing, specifically their line of orthopedic screws.
While their facilities have grown in size, so has their business model. “Our long term plans are to continue scaling aggressively to continue to meet current and future customer needs in the orthopedic space,” Nye says, “while continuing to provide a high level of quality and customer service.”
Among the challenges facing high tech industries is the availability of experienced and committed employees. Among others, that’s one reason why Mount, seen above, chose to locate here. “The Marquette area is full of all the right ingredients,” Nye says. “Northern Michigan University is a great partner and offers the certificate, associate, and four-year degree programs that we need to thrive. The UP is known for its resiliency, and the people here have a high degree of conscientiousness who love to problem solve and overcome challenges.”
Attention to Details
I know next to nothing about the knowledge and skillset required to manufacture the aftermarket products that extend our lives, in health and happiness. I do, however, know a little about cleanliness, and whoever’s swinging the mop at these facilities is doing one heckuva job. That kind of commitment to sanitation instills confidence in the product and the people.
So, while our mining and timber industries continue to do the heavy lifting, the high tech sector is quietly establishing an identity of its own. You want clean industry, with stable, good paying jobs? Here ya go.
One More Thing
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I reported the Upfront building was about to be purchased by a group of locals? It was this close to being a done deal. Remember that? Well, you can forget it. The deal fell through. Just like a number of other times we thought we’d see action again at Upfront. Shame on me for thinking our national nightmare was finally over.
Here’s my promise to you. I will never again tell you the Upfront building has been sold until I’m sitting at that beautiful bar enjoying an adult beverage. And if that ever happens, please feel free to join me. You can buy.