Monroe News building to become state-of-the-art dental facility

A family-owned business purchasing the longtime home of The Monroe News is expected to generate a total capital investment of $1.44 million and create up to 100 jobs in the life sciences and medical device industry.

360 Digilab, LLC, which specializes in using the latest technology to deliver state-of-the-art fitting dental restorations, is currently in the process of purchasing the building located at 20 W. 1st St., in downtown Monroe. Established in 2018, the company works with intraoral scanners to manufacture crowns, bridges, implants, bite splints and surgical guides. Today, 360 Digilab employs 40 Michigan residents, 22 of which are full time.

The Monroe News will continue to operate out of the second floor of the historic location when 360 Digilab moves in. When renovated, the facility will be a full-service dental lab with the capacity to support other dental labs. The company plans to create a hands-on training program involving lab work, the creation of prosthetic dental and orthodontic restorations, and providing industry certification.

“360 Digilab is utilizing cutting edge technology to disrupt the centuries old Dental Industry. On behalf of the BDC, we are thrilled that 360 has decided to make significant investment and grow their workforce in the City of Monroe,” Monroe County Business Alliance Director of Economic Development, Matt Vanisacker, said in a press release.“We want to sincerely thank the city for their work throughout the years to create a welcoming environment for business growth and success. The company’s expansion will serve as a catalyst for the downtown area; sparking additional business investment in Monroe County, Michigan’s Cornerstone.”

360 Digilab's investment in Monroe was one of three business expansion projects lauded by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week. All three projects are receiving support through the Michigan Strategic Fund, with 360 Digilab receiving a $600,000 Jobs Ready Michigan grant to go towards the purchase of their new building.

"These business expansions will create 473 good-paying jobs and bring over $26 million of investment to Grand Blanc, Ypsilanti and Monroe to help us keep growing our economy," Whitmer said. "By working together across the aisle, we have brought home record investments creating thousands of jobs in every region of our state. And we are building on our momentum, with over 135,000 jobs added to our economy year over year, low unemployment, and strong growth, especially in manufacturing. Together, we will continue our collaboration (in) economic development, support our strong manufacturing workforce and innovative businesses, and get things done on the fundamental issues so they can grow and thrive."

“The decisions by these three companies to expand in Michigan highlight the strength of our advanced manufacturing ecosystem, while further demonstrating our commitment to providing long-term economic growth for all Michiganders,” added Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “These projects are wins for the entire state. We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of our efforts.  These projects reflect our commitment to working with our partners to ensure that Michigan becomes an even better place for each of our 10 million-plus friends and neighbors to live, work, visit, play, and create futures. Work remains ahead, yet we are grateful for the vote of confidence continue to show in Team Michigan.”

State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Onsted, issued a statement last week applauding the MSF for approving the grant that helped keep 360 Digilab in Monroe.

“I applaud 360 Digilab for their commitment to our community and their decision to expand their operations here in Michigan,” Zorn said. “This is exciting news for the people of Monroe and our entire state. This project will create good jobs for local workers, boost the local economy, and help provide life-changing dental products for Michigan families.”

360 Digilab co-owner, Phil Marianacci, said that his company is "proud to grow our business in the Monroe community."

"We 100 percent choose Monroe because of the people who live here," Marianacci said. "Matt Vanisacker and Tim Lake from the (Monroe County Business Alliance) have been instrumental in supporting us through the various stages of our business, and we could not have done it without them. We believe in keeping jobs in the U.S., and the people of Monroe are excited to learn the trades that we teach and how they lead to meaningful careers.

"Monroe is the right home for 360 Digilab, and we look forward to the good things we can bring to this wonderful community."

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: 360 Digilab moves into Monroe News building; News office stays on site