Every new business has a ribbon cutting–oversized scissors, a big red bow, smile for the cameras.
But at , they wanted the Friday grand opening of their Detroit location to cause a spark. Literally.
The facility, located in Allen Park, cut a custom metal "ribbon" with a gear made out of titanium using a Lincoln Electric handheld Tomahawk Plasma cutter.
It was a demonstration of just one of the more than $1 million in tools available at TechShop. There, more than 600 artists, entrepreneurs, tinkerers and hobbyists join thousands of other TechShop members at five locations nationwide to create everything from instruments to new technology to jewelry.
"Detroit was No. 39 on our list, but we figured out a way to make it No. 5," said founder Jim Newton at the grand opening, referrencing the incfluence Ford Global Technologies CEO Bill Coughlin had on bringing TechShop to metro Detroit. "This is like having a kid–having a TechShop."
Public officials present for the opening applauded the business for adding to the Dearborn area's innovative spirit.
"We are going to out-compete the world," said Dearborn Congressman John Dingell.
On April 26, the business further cemeted its reputation by winning the 's Innovative Business Award, announced at their Business Recognition Awards Ceremony & Expo.
TechShop will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6. It is located at 800 Republic Drive in Allen Park. For more information, visit www.techshop.ws.
