MC3 turns key manufacturing certification into jobs

A new certification looks like it will become a key driver for growth for MC3. The Ann Arbor-based company received the ISO Certification for Medical Device Assembly earlier this month. That certification has opened up a large door for growth for the firm, which has hired four new people to support the expected increase in business. "We were not able to make devices that are eligible for human use," says Scott Merz, president of MC3. "Previously we were limited to manufacturing prototypes for pre-clinical testing. It's a big step and opens up a lot of doors for us." MC3, short for Michigan Critical Care Consultants, got its start in 1991 as a University of Michigan spin-out developing blood pump technology. It still does its own technology development but the bulk of the business focuses on helping other bio-tech start-ups grow into second-stage firms. The new manufacturing certification is expected to help facilitate more business because those sorts of clients can now depend on MC3 to provide more comprehensive services. It also opens the door to larger firms that wants to take advantage of MC3's new certification and its other services, such as expanded laboratory testing of devices. "We are getting interest from major companies to develop processes to test the compatibility of their devices to meet the more stringent FDA requirements," Merz says. MC3 currently employs a staff of 18 employees and two interns. It has hired five people over the last year. Source: Scott Merz, president of MC3 Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.