Merrill Technologies to pay $5 million, settle federal allegations

Merrill Technologies Group Inc. has agreed to pay $5 million to resolve allegations that one of its subsidiaries, Merrill Tool and Machine Inc., violated the federal False Claims Act by falsely overstating the cost or pricing data included in a subcontract for work under a contract with the U.S. Army.

The Saginaw-based company also operates Merrill Fabricators, Merrill Engineering & Integration, and Merrill Aviation and Defense. Merrill Technologies has local plants in Alma, Merrill and two in Saginaw.

The Alma facility is located on Republic Avenue and occupies about 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space in a portion of the former Oxford Automotive factory.

According to statistics from Greater Gratiot Development Inc. the plant, which offers welding, metal fabrication and precision machining services, is the fifth largest private sector employer in Gratiot County with 160 workers.