Symetrics Industries Celebrates

Symetrics Industries Celebrates

Employees of Symetrics Industries celebrated a record-breaking year during a March 21 open house and luncheon at the Melbourne defense contractor's headquarters. Dozens of community leaders and elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Dave Weldon, joined Symetrics president/CEO Mitch Garner and the company's 140 employees to celebrate 2007 revenues that exceeded $43 million. Garner also announced that employee Mary Stone was the recipient of the company's very first "Spirit of Symetrics" Award for professional excellence and outstanding attitude. Before guests enjoyed a catered barbeque luncheon, Garner announced the company had just secured a new contract work more than $1 million, then gave his employees the rest of the day off.

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Symetrics Hosts Chamber Breakfast Honoring Congressman Dave Weldon

Symetrics Hosts Chamber Breakfast Honoring Congressman Dave Weldon

In the morning, the seven-term U.S. representative was feted by four Brevard chambers of commerce groups. From there, he was a guest at Symetrics Industries LLC, a Melbourne-based defense contractor that was celebrating a record year in sales with an open house and employee luncheon.

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Florida Today: Revenue up 36 percent for Melbourne's Symetrics

Florida Today: Revenue up 36 percent for Melbourne's Symetrics

Melbourne-based defense contractor Symetrics Industries LLC reported Wednesday that 2007 revenues topped $43 million, a company record, and a 36 percent increase over 2006.

The company also secured orders worth more than $55 million, another record for the 46-year-old company.

Symetrics employs about 140 people. It is considering increasing its work force by at least 10 people in the months ahead to help boost production.

Symetrics, a private company, develops countermeasure systems that recognize incoming rocket threats, like shoulder-fired Stinger missiles, and then directs them safely away. Another product is "improved data modems" or IDMs, small devices that wirelessly transmit digital data over traditional UHF and VHF radios.

While revenues shot up last year, Symetrics also received a 2007 Best Business Award from the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Symetrics Industries Receives Chamber of Commerce 2007 Best Business

Symetrics Industries Receives Chamber of Commerce 2007 Best Business

Symetrics Industries, LLC announced today that it recently received the 2007 Best Business Award from the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. To qualify for the award, local for-profit businesses must have been in business in the area for a minimum of two years, and must be an active member in good standing of the Melbourne-Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Symetrics was nominated by a fellow Chamber member organization, and was judged on various criteria, including: company benefits, personnel practices, customer service, innovations developed and instituted, company growth, and civic/charitable and chamber involvement.

The award was presented by Chamber President and CEO Shannon Meyer at the Chamber’s annual Gala. Ms. Meyer stated, “The Gala is extremely important for not only the Chamber as a fundraiser, but also as the opportunity for the business community to recognize strong business leaders. The winners of the Best Business Awards represent companies that have excelled in their field and contributed to the overall good of the community.” Symetrics has been an active participant in numerous Chamber events throughout the year, has made significant contributions to local charities, and has sponsored fund raising events and educational foundations.

“This is a valuable and exciting award for our company,” said Mitch Garner, President and CEO at Symetrics. “To be recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as a Best Business is quite gratifying, as it is a testimonial to our commitment to both our employees and the community. We have instituted a number of innovative programs to retain our highly valued employees, and this award shows that our efforts have been successful.” Among other benefits, Symetrics has a fully matched 401K, a tuition reimbursement program, career enhancing seminars, and a family-like atmosphere.

Symetrics, an AS9100 and ISO-9001-2000 registered company, has been designing, manufacturing, testing and delivering high reliability electronic assemblies and sophisticated EW and Communication systems of the highest quality to the DoD for over 45 years. They are the US Government’s prime supplier of the AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser System, and a full family of Improved Data Modems, including the IDM-304.

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Homegrown Leadership

Homegrown Leadership

Although his father was born and reared in Tennessee and sports a slight Texas twang from his years in the Lone Star State working for various companies, Mitch Garner was born at Homes Region Medical Center and raised here on the Space Coast. A graduate of Palm Bay High, Mitch went on to graduate from the University of Central Florida, where he studied chemistry before returning home to the family business.

To call Symetrics a Garner family business is not exactly correct, however. Although founded by others, the company has been under the watchful eye of one Garner or another for the better part of the past 30 years. The real "family" part of the business comes in to play because of how the father-son duo treats their team.

"It was easier when I was here because the staff was smaller but I am really impressed, and even jealous, with how Mitch has handled the growth. He has really grown the company," Says Dudley.

Now with 140 employees at the Melbourne corporate headquarters near the airport, which they have occupied since 1996, Symetrics has maintained the feeling of family and teamwork. "I make a point to know everyone's names, and use them or even their nicknames," laughs Mitch. "We have seen such tremendous growth because everyone here gives it 110% every single day."

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U.S. Army buys modems from Symetrics Industries

U.S. Army buys modems from Symetrics Industries

Symetrics Industries LLC of Melbourne recently announced an award from the U.S. Army for about 300 Improved Data Modems (IDM) for installation on Army aircraft.

The contract value will be between $7 and $8 million, once final negotiations are completed. The IDM-304 is the Army version of the Improved Data Modems that Symetrics has been delivering to the U.S. Air Force for more than 14 years.

"We are absolutely thrilled with this order because it demonstrates the Army's confidence in our ability to execute a long-term, high-volume production effor," said Mitch Garner, Symetrics president and CEO. "The IDM-304 is the cornerstone of the Army's airborne element of the Tactical Internet, and Symetrics is proud to be able to provide this critical equipment."

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Symetrics gets $7M contract with Army

Symetrics gets $7M contract with Army

Melbourne-based Symetrics Industries LLC announced Monday that it has been awarded a Army contract for about 300 Improved Data Modems for installation on Army aircraft.

The contract value will be between $7 million and $8 million, once final negotiations are completed.

"It is a huge move for the company," said Randy Koller, business development manager at Symetrics, which has been trying to land the Army work for more than five years.

A voice data modem takes voice or images from the ground and transmits the data to the aircraft in real time, Koller said.

That, Koller said, improves accuracy for the aircraft's maneuvering and decreases the risk for friendly-fire injuries.

The IDM-304 modems will be installed primarily on Army helicopters.

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U.S. Army buys IDM-304 from Symetrics

U.S. Army buys IDM-304 from Symetrics

Symetrics Industries, LLC announced today an award from the US Army for approximately 300 Improved Data Modems (IDM) for installation on Army aircraft. The contract value will be between $7 and $8 million, once final negotiations are completed. The IDM-304 is the Army version of the Improved Data Modems that Symetrics has been delivering to the US Air Force for over 14 years.

Symetrics President and CEO, Mitch Garner stated, “We are absolutely thrilled with this order because it demonstrates the Army’s confidence in our ability to execute a long-term, high volume production effort. The IDM-304 is the cornerstone of the Army’s airborne element of the Tactical Internet, and Symetrics is proud to be able to provide this critical equipment.”

Symetrics has been manufacturing several versions of the IDM for over a dozen years, including a few of their own design. They started with the IDM-302 in 1993, and to this day still manufacture and provide depot repairs for that unit. The IDM-501, a Symetrics-developed product, is a flight proven design that is smaller and lighter than the IDM-302 and IDM-304, but provides virtually the same functionality. Additionally, Symetrics developed a Mini-IDM, the smallest yet in the family, which is ideally suited as a Weapons Data Link.

Symetrics believes this innovative spirit, coupled with a time-tested record of delivering quality products was the reason the Army decided to award the IDM-304 contract to them. “It’s definitely an honor to be selected as the manufacturer of the largest member of the family of IDMs by the US Army”, said Garner. “We look forward to supplying our troops with the most advanced technology available.”

Rick Snyder, Senior Vice President for Engineering and Technology is eager to add the IDM-304 to the Symetrics family of IDM products. He said, “The exciting thing about this award is that the IDM-304 completes our complement of offerings of Improved Data Modems to the DoD, and ensures Army aviation gets the reliability and robustness of this rugged six channel tactical modem.” The IDM-304 is capable of sending data over both analog and digital radios, and allows an operator to utilize data transmission and voice transmit/receive capability simultaneously.

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Lawmakers' Plane Evades Ground Fire

Lawmakers' Plane Evades Ground Fire

A military cargo plane carrying three senators and a House member was forced to take evasive maneuvers and dispatch flares to avoid ground fire after taking off from Baghdad on Thursday night.

The lawmakers said their plane, a C-130, was under fire from three rocket-propelled grenades during the course of several minutes as they left for Aman, Jordan.

"It was a scary moment," said Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Orlando., who said he had just taken off his body armor when he saw a bright flash outside the window. "Our pilots were terrific. . . . They banked in one direction and then banked the other direction, and they set off the flares."

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Symetrics Industries, LLC Awarded IDM Contract From AgustaWestland

Symetrics Industries, LLC Awarded IDM Contract From AgustaWestland

Symetrics Industries, LLC announced today that it was awarded an estimated $2M contract from Finmeccanica subsidiary AgustaWestland, for 70 Improved Data Modem (IDM) systems. Symetrics’ IDM-501s will be installed on British Army and Royal Navy helicopters, as part of the Future Lynx program awarded to AgustaWestland in June 2006. The first Future Lynx is programmed to make its maiden flight in 2009, with initial deliveries in 2011. Symetrics anticipates actively supporting this program over the next 30 years.

Symetrics’ latest award to manufacture IDM-501s for the Future Lynx program solidifies the company’s well-established reputation of providing its data modem technology throughout the world. Since its development by Symetrics several years ago, the IDM-501 has been proliferated to several global customers, including Korea, Turkey, Australia, and the UK.

“This is a very exciting award for our company,” stated Mitch Garner, President and CEO at Symetrics. “The United Kingdom has been one of our best IDM customers, starting with their decision to outfit their Apaches with IDM in 1997.” Improved Data Modems are used primarily by military pilots to improve digital information sharing (e.g. targets, weapons status, fuel status, etc.) between and among aircraft and ground stations to enhance the situational awareness and safety of pilots in successfully executing their missions. “We are proud to be able to provide a more efficient, cost effective solution to our U.S. Forces and their Allies, than was previously available with older generation IDMs,” continued Garner.

Since 1993, Symetrics has served as the premier supplier of the IDMs to the U.S. and international militaries. Symetrics’ IDMs currently provide digital communications on over 3,200 fixed and rotary wing operational aircraft in at least 11 countries. In addition to the IDM-501, Symetrics is also providing IDMs in a variety of other form factors. These range from single card form factors, including VME and PC/104, to PCMCIA form factors. The product line also includes imagery capability via the Photo Reconnaissance Intelligence Strike Module (PRISM). The PRISM feature provides the capability for imagery capture, compression and transmission/reception.

Rick Snyder, Senior VP, Engineering and Technology, put it this way, “We have made a point to listen to our customer’s requirements, and have consistently designed, improved, and introduced new members to the family of IDM products to meet their changing needs.” Symetrics’ IDMs have also flown on the U.K. Tornado as part of the Tornado Integrated Targeting System program and are slated to fly on the U.K. Harrier as part of the Harrier Integrated Targeting System. Symetrics’ IDM equipment was also used to demonstrate interoperability between a UK Tornado and a US Navy F-18. Ironically, this has been the only cross platform interoperability test of any air platforms using MIL-STD-188-220/VMF, even among U.S. platforms. Interoperability is critical, as the marketplace constantly changes as new technologies are developed. Snyder was adamant to point out that this is the key to success in the IDM business, stating “we strive to stay ahead of the field in IDM technology, and have proven interoperability with a number of airborne platforms using AFAPD protocol, MIL-STD-188-220/VMF, or both.”

Symetrics Industries, LLC, an AS9100 and ISO-9001-2000 registered company, has been designing, manufacturing, testing and delivering low cost electronic assemblies and sophisticated EW and Communication systems of the highest quality for DoD for over 45 years. Web: www.symetrics.com email: symetrics@symetrics.com; Telephone: 321-254-1500

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Symetrics in High Demand: Sales Hit $32 Million Last Year

Symetrics in High Demand: Sales Hit $32 Million Last Year

Symetrics Industries of Melbourne is finding a growing market for its missle-deflecting flares and other defense electronics products.

It didn't always used to be that way.

Symetrics is seeing growing demand for its AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System that detects missiles and leads them away from aircraft.

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Symetrics Awarded Additional Delivery Orders on $67m Contract for AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System

Symetrics Awarded Additional Delivery Orders on $67m Contract for AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System

Symetrics Industries, LLC announced today that it was awarded three additional delivery orders totaling $2.6M on its full rate production contract of the AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS) for the U.S. Department of Defense. The contracting agency for the program is Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WR-ALC) at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. These latest delivery orders, placed on the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded in Nov. 2006 for $67M, is on the heels of a $6.6M delivery order placed a few months ago. This marks an unprecedented achievement in the history of the USG's ALE-47 contract with a supplier, as the government is now close to an approximated $10M in awards during the first 6 months of the multi-year contract. In addition, the USG opted to exercise contract line items in both the first and second Option periods of the contract, increasing the potential total award by almost $40M.

Mitch Garner, President and CEO, was elated but not surprised at the award. As he stated, "We have been told numerous times by our government customer that we are a highly responsive and dedicated supplier, who continually delivers early with an outstanding quality product. This award merely fortifies those acclamations, by putting actions behind the words. We will continue to be the best supplier that WR-ALC has ever seen, as we endeavor to uphold the reputation that won us this contract in the first place." Symetrics backs up those words by continually pushing the program team to give their utmost. "Last week alone we produced over 100 ALE-47 components, and if needed, our output could have been higher. Our goal is to not just to deliver on time, but early," continued Garner. "We know that our troops rely on this combat-proven system, and we are going to do our part to ensure we deliver the product that keeps them out of harm's way and returning home safely."

The AN/ALE-47 CMDS is an Electronic Warfare self-protection system that provides combat aircrews with enhanced survivability against surface-to-air and air-to-air missile threats in all environments. It can easily be integrated with numerous EW systems, including Missile Warning Systems (MWS), onboard RF Jamming systems, and Radar Warning Receivers (RWR). Symetrics has delivered thousands of components to the Department of Defense, the US State Department, and numerous domestic and international commercial customers as the U.S. Government's prime supplier of the system for the last 6 years.

Symetrics Industries, LLC, an AS9100 and ISO-9001-2000 registered company, has been designing, manufacturing, testing and delivering low cost electronic assemblies and sophisticated EW and Communication systems of the highest quality to the DoD for over 45 years. Web: www.symetrics.com email: symetrics@symetrics.com; Telephone: 321-254-1500

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SAE AS9100 Certification

SAE AS9100 Certification

Symetrics Industries, LLC announced today that it was recently awarded SAE AS9100 certification by the International Aerospace Quality Group. AS9100 certification is a global aerospace standard that defines the quality system requirements for suppliers to the aerospace industry. It is published by the Society of Automotive Engineers, and is based on the ISO 9001:2000 quality management standard. In addition to the ISO requirements, it provides 80 additional stringent requirements, and 18 amplifications specific to aerospace business operations. It also standardizes quality management system requirements and delivers quality assurance in design, development, production, installation and servicing. Symetrics’ successful certification to this strict international standard is an assurance to their customers that they provide products and services of the highest quality.

AS9100 certification is a reflection of Symetrics’ commitment to continuous improvement efforts made by its employees to provide products of outstanding quality that help ensure their customer’s success. “We are very pleased to have met the myriad of requirements defined in AS9100,” stated Steve Dretzka, Director of Quality at Symetrics. The number of additions to ISO 9001 incorporated into AS9100 may appear significant and daunting to some companies. However, as Dretzka explained, “A typical DoD contractor like Symetrics has already addressed many of the key concepts of AS9100 in their existing quality systems. These concepts are not new to us, but are merely tried and tested methodologies already in practice here.” Consequently, Symetrics existing ISO 9001 quality management system did not require significant modification as the company prepared for their audit.

Meeting AS9100 has become an important milestone for suppliers of aerospace systems and components. Increasingly, major aerospace contractors are requiring AS9100 compliance. As a supplier to Boeing, for example, Symetrics must meet requirements for the Boeing Quality Management System, which includes AS9100 certification.

“This accomplishment helps us better serve our customers and leading partner companies”, stated Mitch Garner, Symetrics’ President and CEO. “Meeting AS9100 also ensures our customers of the company's commitment to quality, and will foster their trust and confidence in our abilities,” continued Garner.

About Symetrics

For over 45 years, Symetrics has provided the highest quality electronic manufacturing services and solutions to their DoD and International customers. They are the U.S. Government’s prime supplier of the combat-proven AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System, and manufacture several versions of Improved Data Modems (IDM) --- digital communications solutions for both air and ground systems.

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