February 2010

New in our machine shop:

We now have 5 machinists working full time, 3 of which have over 15 years each of experience in the machining industry.

A Haas VF-6 vertical machining center, fresh from the factory, is our newest acquisition. Previous capability was a 40" x 20" x 25" work envelope, 3 axis controlled. The new machine is 68" x 32" x 30" with a 4th axis (8" rotary table including collet or chuck fixturing and pneumatic tailstock). It also has 30 horsepower, with a high torque gearbox and thru-spindle coolant for increased speed and quality in production work.

Also new is the Faro Platinum Arm, a "portable CMM" inspection tool. It features 6 axis articulation, thermal compensation, and direct CAD inspection from a solid model, with accuracy better than .001" over its 4' range.

We are using MasterCam X4 for all our programming needs. This is the latest version of a CAD/CAM program which has been one of the industry leaders since the 1980's.

October 2009

MSI has successfully completed the triennial ISO 9000 quality system recertification audit. MSI was found in full compliance with the new ISO 9000:2008 standard and will be recertified through December 2012. MSI was initially certified in 1997.

March 2009

MSI completes development and field installation of DMAP. This innovative solution automates the monitoring of remote machine data, transmitting key parameters via cell modem and presenting processed data in a web-based application. This application has been incorporated in all FASTek automatic steel recycling systems and its inherent flexibility promises to be applicable to other remote monitoring applications.

July 2008

MSI brings FASTek production in house. MSI expanded manufacturing operations into 8000 square feet of previously occupied space in the facility in order to bring complete fabrication and assembly operations for the FASTek machines in house. This move will allow MSI to support additional fabrication capacity and will also streamline the production process.

June 2008

 MSI received its fifth consecutive New Mexico Technology Flying Forty Award.  The Flying Forty Awards annually recognize the forty fastest growing technology companies headquartered in New Mexico .

June 2008

MSI successfully develops whole air sampling system. MSI developed a fully functional prototype whole air sampling system, which was subsequently successfully fielded for a six-month demonstration period. With the delivery of this system, MSI has added whole air sampling capability to its suite of collection platforms.

July 2007
MSI installs first automatic PLC-based control system in FASTek steel recycling system. The successful installation marks the latest achievement in process automation design by MSI's Engineering group, and promises to further enhance the revolutionary capability of the FASTek system.

June 2007

 MSI received its fourth consecutive New Mexico Technology Flying Forty Award.  The Flying Forty Awards annually recognize the forty fastest growing technology companies headquartered in New Mexico .

March 2007

MSI successfully flight tests particulate collection pod. Capitalizing on the success of tests on manned aircraft, MSI successfully tested its automated particulate collection system on the Mobius UAV at the Yuma Proving Ground. This test was part of a larger initiative to demonstrate the ability to control independent payloads using secure remote data links. The particulate collection pod was developed in conjunction with Sandia National Laboratories.

January 2007

MSI adds COSMOSFloWorks to analysis capabilities. MSI added COSMOSFloWorks, a powerful fluid modeling software package, to its suite of analysis capabilities. This addition of computational fluid dynamics analysis software allows MSI to model the behavior of complex systems prior to any hardware being developed, leading to reduced development costs for our customers.

Jan 2007

MSI announces the formation of Vibrant Corporation.  Vibrant was formed for the sole purpose of commercializing Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) for the Aerospace and Power Generation industries. PCRT is a revolutionary non-destructing testing technology that actually determines if a component is structurally sound and fit for service. In 2003 MSI began working with PCRT to tailor the technology for the needs of the aerospace and power generation industries. In 2005 MSI licensed the technology for the fields of use, and formed the Vibrant division within MSI to pursue the new markets.  Vibrant Corporation is now a distinct entity under separate management.

December 2006

Tammy Wenderlich was recently named Director of Programs for MSI. In her new role, Tammy will be responsible for Business Development and Program Management activities at MSI.  Tammy was previously head of Engineering and Manufacturing for Canberra Albuquerque.

June 2006

On June22, 2006, MSI received its third consecutive New Mexico Technology Flying Forty Award.  The Flying Forty Awards annually recognize the forty fastest growing technology companies headquartered in New Mexico.

March 2006

From the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce website: The Maxie Anderson Small Businessperson of the Year was awarded to Lem Hunter of MSI.  Mr. Hunter was recognized for exhibiting the leadership traits of the late Maxie Anderson.  He was chosen based on four areas: business success, business reputation, community involvement, and leadership, humanity and humor.  His company is one of the fastest growing technology companies in the state and was named a strategic supplier to Sandia National Laboratories, one of only nine firms selected in the country.  Mr. Hunter is a pilot and active member of the Angel Flight organization.  As a volunteer, he gives of his time and his airplane to transport low-income patients around the Southwest for time-sensitive surgeries and medical treatments they could not otherwise afford.

Novemeber 2005

On November 11, 2005, MSI was awarded a Contract Purchase Agreement by Sandia National Laboratories.  As a Sandia Strategic Supplier, this contract vehicle greatly streamlines the procurement process with one of our key customers.

June 2005

MSI was mentioned in the following LA Times article featuring one of its key customers - Advanced Steel Recovery:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-shipping23jun23,1,6186903.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

June 2005

On June23, 2005, MSI received its second consecutive New Mexico Technology Flying Forty Award.  The Flying Forty Awards annually recognize the forty fastest growing technology companies headquartered in New Mexico.

March 2005

From the Albuquerque Journal Business Outlook Section, Monday March 14, 2005:

This Tech Shop Specializes in Variety

By Andrew Webb
Of the Journal

TECH BYTES: When it comes to perks like salaries and benefits, Lem Hunter admits his tiny engineering and fabrication company stands no chance against big employers like Sandia National Labs.  But if you're an engineer looking for variety, he has it in spades.  "We get people coming in here specifically for this," says Hunter, president of Mechtronic Solutions Inc., which recently changed its name and moved to newer, larger offices at 3801 Academy Parkway North NE.   Take, for example, this sampling of current projects:

• A $450,000 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contract to design and build a device for the military that wrings potable water out of air.
  
• A contract to develop materials and manufacturing processes for OmniLight Inc.,which makes devices that use LED light to improve circulation and speed healing.
  
• A project for Polar HealthFirst, which has offices in New York and New Mexico, to make scales for a school fitness evaluation initiative.
  
• A contract to design a large-scale device for loading bulk commodities into shipping containers for overseas shipping.
     

Hunter admits it gets dizzying at times. "One of the lessons we've learned is to make sure, before we take a job, that we have the people to do it," he says.  Founded 11 years ago as Mechanical Solutions Inc., the company changed its name last year to Mechtronic Solutions to reflect its purchase of Quatro Systems, a bankrupt electronics manufacturer.   The acquisition of those assets gave the company the capability to design and fabricate not only engineered components but electrical parts, Hunter says.
Since then, it has developed the capability to design and build other components, allowing it to completely design and then manufacture products on a small scale.  Today, it manufactures everything from short runs of circuit boards for companies such as Albuquerque water purifier developer Miox to air-quality sampling equipment used on military aircraft.   Hunter says the company— which formerly specialized in pure research and development— saw a niche.  "So many people get burned taking products offshore for manufacturing— especially low-volume or unproven technologies," he said. "We saw a market opportunity there.  "Our focus now is to get people from idea to the marketplace."  Mechtronic Solutions employs 25. It had revenues of $2.3 million in 2004, up from $1.25 million in 2003.

January 2005

MSI has been named a Strategic Supplier to Sandia National Laboratories.  One of only nine companies to be selected, MSI is proud to be recognized as "a trusted supplier with whom Sandia has established a very close potentially long-term working relationship that requires a high degree of trust, communication and collaboration."

Some of the traits of Strategic Suppliers:

• Provide value-added services
• Support Sandia mission-critical project/programs
• Shared values: integrity, excellence, service, teamwork
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement

October 2004

MSI has been awarded a Professional Engineering Service contract through the GSA.  This contracting vehicle will allow MSI's Government sector clients easier access to MSI's talented engineering resources.

October 2004

MSI announces the successful completion of ISO 9001-2000 registration of its Engineering Design and Manufacturing Divisions with Underwriters Laboratories.

September 2004

MSI announces relocation to larger facility:  MSI has moved from its former location at 8300 Corona Loop to a newly rennovated space at 3801 Academy Parkway North in Albuquerque.  The 20,000 square foot facility will serve as MSI's world headquarters, housing both engineering services and manufacturing activities.  The expansion of both office and manufacturing space will enable MSI to better serve its customers and will allow for future growth.

August 2004

Bob Anderson was recently named Director of Engineering for MSI. Bob graduated from Stanford University with a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to joining MSI, Bob worked as an engineering supervisor at Ford Motor Company.

June 2004

On June23, 2004, MSI received The New Mexico Technology Flying Forty Award.  The Flying Forty Awards annually recognize the forty fastest growing technology companies headquartered in New Mexico.  The following link is from The Technology Ventures Corporation and tells the full story:

http://www.techventures.org/NewMenuTechVentures/TVCNM/flying40_results2004.htm

November 2003

MSI announces as of November 14, 2003 the successful completion of ISO 9001-2000 registration of its Electronics Manufacturing Division with Underwriters Laboratories.