Solidica Honored as One of 'Michigan 50 Companies to Watch'

Company shines due to rapid, ongoing growth and broad market impact

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 12 -- Solidica, Inc. has been recognized as one of the "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch," an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation. The company will be honored at an awards ceremony during the third annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, April 12 in East Lansing, MI.

"Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is a unique awards program designed to shine the spotlight on second-stage companies," says Mark Lange, executive director of the Edward Lowe Foundation, a not-for-profit operating foundation based in Michigan. The foundation's mission is to "champion the entrepreneurial spirit" by encouraging entrepreneurial cultures in communities throughout the country and helping second-stage companies learn from each other.

"When it comes to a robust economy, second-stage entrepreneurs play a critical role because they generate new jobs and sustainable growth," Lange says. "And yet, they're not often recognized or appreciated for the impact they have on the economy or the community."

"It is as much of a privilege as it is an honor to receive the Award," says Ken Johnson, President of Solidica. "We have enjoyed significant growth largely due to the combination of our fast-growing roster of blue-chip customers, human resources and market-driven products, to name a few. We expect such rapid growth to continue, and we greatly appreciate the [Foundation's] recognition of our efforts and contributions to Michigan's economy." Johnson added that "to be headquartered in Michigan affords us with a host of benefits -- such as a favorable State-fostered entrepreneurial climate, highly qualified employee base, and venture capital -- all of which have been instrumental in Solidica's growth up to this point."

Companies nominated for the "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch" Award must be second-stage companies, defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. In addition, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.

Winners were selected by the Michigan Certified Development Corporation, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, the Small Business Association of Michigan, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the U.S. Small Business Administration-Michigan and the Edward Lowe Foundation. Judges evaluated the nominees' demonstrated intent and capacity to grow based on one or more of the following:

  -- Employee or sales growth.
  -- Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership.
  -- Sustainable competitive advantage.
  -- Other notable factors that showcase the company's success.

Information about the current and upcoming Michigan 50 Companies to Watch program can be found at http://michigan.companiestowatch.org/

About Solidica

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, Solidica is a rapidly growing technology company that provides smart wireless sensor networks, solid-state fabrication solutions and advanced materials to a wide array of markets. The company leverages its expanding internal research and product development resources to provide customers with innovative solutions in industries such as military, aerospace, automotive, medical, consumer goods, manufacturing, and rapid prototyping/tooling. For more information, please visit www.solidica.com, or contact Jeff Jorge at (734) 222-4680 x116.