Medical device maker coming to Tecumseh

Ohio firm does micro machining

An Ohio-based company that manufactures micro medical devices and implants is planning to open a new plant on Blackacre Drive in Tecumseh.

Norman Noble Inc., which is based in Highland Heights, Ohio, is seeking environmental approvals before it can make a formal announcement of its plans to open Windsor Micro Medical Devices.

Tecumseh mayor Gary McNamara said he was unable to divulge any details of the new business but said he’s very pleased that Noble has chosen the Windsor-Essex region for its expansion.

“It’s non- automotive and what I call ‘ new economy’ money, so that’s extremely encouraging,” said McNamara. “It once again shows the adaptability of our region, its solid workforce and the fact it’s a good place to do business.”

McNamara said that, despite the economic circumstances which created the situation, the availability of industrial properties in the region is helping attract new investment.

Ron Gaudet, CEO of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corp., said “our organization and the company are working towards making an announcement once all the permit applications and regulations have been approved.”

At the recent WEEDC annual general meeting, Gaudet said he anticipated five or six companies would be making announcements regarding new businesses in the region, involving as many as 100 jobs initially and 250 within 18 months.

Norman Noble was established in 1946 and has almost 300 employees.

Its website says it specializes in micro-machining of exotic materials to very complex geometries and dimensional tolerances.

The company is “commonly referred to as the most technologically advanced contract manufacturer in the medtech industry,” the website says.

The company’s environmental compliance approval application was filed June 29, and all interested parties are required to submit comments or questions by Aug. 13. to the Ontario Ministry of Environment.