Symetrics gets $3.5M order

Symetrics gets $3.5M order

The 160 employees of Symetrics Industries in Melbourne will be kept working for at least 18 months by a $3.5 million aircraft defense order placed this week by the U.S. Air Force, the company said.

"We may have a need for maybe one or two other positions," Symetrics President and CEO Mitch Garner said. "All of this work will be done in Melbourne."

When a missile is launched against an aircraft, the company's AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System receives information from sensors on the aircraft and releases chaff or a flare to deter a missile. The defense system is on everything from the speedy F-16 to the lumber C-130. It's been called the "Guardian Angel" by those in the military who use it.

"It's one of the most widely used countermeasures in the world," Garner said.

This marks the 20th delivery order placed against a five-year contract Symetrics won in November 2006.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Symetrics makes list of 50 Most Influential Businesses in Brevard County

Symetrics makes list of 50 Most Influential Businesses in Brevard County

Why it made the list: A locally-owned business for more than four decades, Symetrics continues to grow with products like line replaceable units; a chaff and flare dispenser system for protection against hostile missile threats, along with the flight line tester for dispensers; the MD-1295A improved data modem for digital communication onboard military aircraft; the PRISM Improved Data Modem, which adds an imagery transmission system to the aircraft; the AN/ USQ-131 Memory Loader Verifier Set for transfer and verification of electronic warfare software; circuit card assemblies for the prime contractor for Bradley Fighting Vehicle optics and the systems for Apache helicopters; and Arrow missile systems.

The company, which stresses "caring leadership, incentive-based improvement programs, (and) quality workmanship;' had a 99.4 percent on-time delivery rate last year. It also is community-oriented, having supported the Eau Gallie Rotary Club with its 2008 Space Coast Lightfest; and contributed to the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, Junior Achievement, the March for Babies and Covenant Christian School. The company also participated in career shadowing event at Melbourne High School.

In recent months, Symetrics was named "Manufacturer of the Year" by the Manufacturers' Association of Florida.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Does your Staff Keep You Up at Night?

Does your Staff Keep You Up at Night?

"Up,” as in wide awake? Or do they allow you to sleep soundly? If your answer is the former, then my advice to you would be to surround yourself with a staff you can rely upon. I believe one of the best things I have done in my eight year tenure leading Symetrics is to build a cohesive management staff that is reliable and dependable. The wrong people can really sidetrack one's thinking and energies on a day-to-day basis. Conversely, the right people can make your job so much easier.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability