Tipping Point Solutions Inc., a Sault Tribe business member and defense industry high-tech company, is expanding operations in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

“Tipping Point Solutions’ decision to establish a production facility in Sault Saint Marie was based on our strong belief that sourcing and developing talent in Northern Michigan will provide quality career opportunities for residents in the area while also supporting the company’s anticipated growth in the coming years,” said Tipping Point Solutions President and CEO Rick Schmidt. “Based on our experience operating in areas of the country such as Colorado, Virginia and Arizona, we believe our presence in Northern Michigan has the ability create measurable professional and economic impact on the local workforce and the surrounding community. We are greatly appreciative to the Sault Tribe and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their ongoing support and interest in our success in the Sault.”

The Michigan Strategic Fund today awarded the company a $75,000 Michigan Micro Business Development Program performance-based grant in support of the project. The city of Sault Ste. Marie is a Michigan Main Street Community and is engaged with the MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians has offered talent recruitment assistance to the company to help find candidates for the newly created positions.

Headquartered in Denver, the company is a Native American Disadvantaged 8(a) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business firm focused on delivering instructional design, film/media production and technology development solutions. The company has recently been awarded two large-scale military contracts and needs to hire additional employees. Tipping Point plans to expand its operations in downtown Sault Ste. Marie and will lease additional space, invest in new equipment and make improvements to the facility.

According to state officials, the project is expected to generate a private investment of $157,500 and create nine new, high- paying tech jobs. The company plans to provide intensive training and skills development to the new employees and anticipates providing mentorship and training to other organizations in the area.

“Tipping Point Solutions’ expansion in Sault Ste. Marie will help catalyze long-term job growth for area residents and demonstrate the company’s strong commitment to the community,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Jeff Mason today during a visit to the company’s Sault Ste. Marie location. “We’re pleased to work with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Economic Development Corporation and our local partners to bring these excellent, high-paying jobs to the area, and look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow in Michigan.”