Symetrics receives 2010 PM100 Editor's Choice Award

Symetrics receives 2010 PM100 Editor's Choice Award

Symetrics Industries, LLC is pleased to announce it has received the prestigious Progressive Manufacturing  Editors’ Choice Award at the annual conference of the Manufacturing Leadership Summit held by Managing Automation in Palm Beach FL on May 3-5.  Companies of all sizes, with revenues under $10 million, all the way up to multi-billion dollar companies such as IBM, GM, Siemens, Dow, Cisco, and Siemens, from across the nation and beyond, submit projects that have demonstrated their success in the realm of progressive manufacturing.  One hundred submissions are selected by the judges to receive a PM-100 award.  Symetrics Industries has now won a PM-100 award in two different years (2009 and 2010), and was thereby also inducted into the PM-100 Hall of Fame.  

Of the PM-100 winners, two Manufacturers of the Year are named, one for large companies and one for small to medium companies, and two Editors’ Choice awards are given.  Symetrics was selected for the Editors’ Choice Award, which is given to a company whose project was seen by the Managing Automation editorial staff as being exceptional in its design, execution, and results.  This year’s project was named “A Truly Paperless Production Floor,” and it centered around finding ways to make digital representations of paperwork available to operators, rather than depending on hard copies.  Symetrics purchased Epicor Software Corporation’s (NASDAQ: EPIC) next-generation Epicor 9 enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and is currently using Epicor 9.04.  “Epicor allowed us to all use the same version of reality,” says Peter Volkert, Director of Operations at Symetrics.  “By putting everyone on the same page, it gave us a starting point for eliminating errors and increasing consistency.  It gave us something we could build on.” 

Symetrics turned its attention to how it communicated with the operators.  “Everything was on paper,” said Paul Markland, Director of Manufacturing.  “We provided the operator with a paper copy of the drawing, a paper copy of the detailed work instructions, paper copies of all the procedures, and a paper copy of the traveler.  We found it very difficult to ensure that all these pieces of paper were always correct.”  In an electronics manufacturing environment for Aerospace and Defense, Symetrics deals with huge Bills Of Materials and complex work instructions.  “We saw every piece of paper as a potential for error,” said Volkert.  “If the operator was using the wrong revision or an incomplete document or an improperly marked up copy, defects were likely to occur.”  Volkert and Markland decided to purchase 70 thin client terminals, install one at each operator’s station, and made it possible for the operators to access all these documents digitally from InnoCielo’s TeamWork PDM system.  Symetrics’ Information Systems department developed a SharePoint-based intranet and added that to the terminals, so operators had a way of receiving company information and updates.

During the period from October 2005 to October 2009, there was a 77% increase in revenue, a 160% increase in items produced, no increase in the number of manufacturing operators, and a 25% decrease in Configuration Management staff.  Defect rates dropped typically 70%, and in some cases, more than 90% to levels near zero.  Functional Test results and customer satisfaction improved. On Time Delivery improved 83% and now stands consistently at 100%.  Even assigning this project only 25% credit for these improvements, the payback was realized in just 43 days.  Volkert added “This entire project is just a slice out of the continuum of improvement at Symetrics.  Our dedication to improvement has no start or end.  One project morphs and merges into another project.  There is no standing still.”

About Symetrics Industries, LLC
Symetrics Industries, an AS9100 and ISO9001-2000 registered small business, specializes in electronics design, manufacture and test for Department of Defense, U.S. State Department, and major prime contractors. Symetrics continually expands its engineering capabilities by addressing customers’ needs in design and integration of products into specific airborne/ground platforms. Symetrics has three main business sectors:  electronic warfare, digital communications, and electronic manufacturing services.  Symetrics’ sister company, PhotoTelesis, specializes in imagery solutions and solid-state digital-video-recorders.  Products: AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser system; AN/ALM-295 countermeasures dispenser tester; improved data modems  (IDM-302/IDM-304/IDM-501/Mini-IDM/U-ROC); PRISM (photo reconnaissance intelligence strike module); AN/USQ-131B memory loader-verifier system, digital-video recorders, lightweight video-reconnaissance system. For more information, visit www.symetrics.com .

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Symetrics Industries, LLC receives 2010 DRS Contract Award

Symetrics Industries, LLC receives 2010 DRS Contract Award

Symetrics Industries - As the New Year brings about awards that impact corporate bottom lines, so Symetrics is pleased to announce another contract with DRS Technologies that does just that. The latest news: Symetrics’ EMS Division has negotiated another add-on contract for 6 million dollars to kick off 2010. The contract covers IBAS circuit card assemblies Symetrics supplies for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and will additionally generate smaller orders for spare part sets throughout the year.

The recent award sustains a working relationship that is most advantageous for all involved dating back more than a decade. With such a dynamic relationship established, Symetrics hopes to continue to serve DRS’ needs for years to come. Symetrics’ slogan ‘Small Business Agility, Big Business Ability’ is truly exemplified in this ongoing relationship that couples a history of unparalleled service with a future of untapped potential.

Symetrics Industries, an AS9100 and ISO9001-2000 registered small business, specializes in electronics design, manufacture and test for the Department of Defense, U.S. State Department, and major prime contractors. Symetrics continually expands its engineering capabilities by addressing customers’ needs in design and integration of products into specific airborne/ground platforms. Symetrics has three main business sectors: electronic warfare, digital communications, and electronic manufacturing services. Symetrics’ sister company, PhotoTelesis, specializes in imagery solutions and solid-state digital-video-recorders. Products: AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser system; AN/ALM-295 countermeasures dispenser tester; improved data modems (IDM-302/IDM-304/IDM-501/Mini-IDM/U-ROC); PRISM (photo reconnaissance intelligence strike module); AN/USQ-131B memory loader-verifier system, digital-video recorders, lightweight video-reconnaissance system. For more information, visit www.symetrics.com, or send e-mail to info@symetrics.com.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Mitch Garner receives ZONTA M.A.T.E.S Award

Mitch Garner receives ZONTA M.A.T.E.S Award

Mitch Garner, President and CEO of Symetrics Industries was recognized with a M.A.T.E.S. (Men Acting Toward Equality of the Sexes) Award from the Zonta club of Melbourne. Representing the local Zonta club at the presentation were Doris Larson, Judy Walden-Bell and Sandy Michelson.  Mr. Garner was selected for providing a foundation of support and encouragement along with the resources necessary for women employees of Symetrics to do and be their very best every day. In addition, he participates in and supports community programs that annually recognize the accomplishments of women such as the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida (formerly, Melbourne/Palm Bay Area Chamber of Commerce) Women of Excellence and the March of Dimes Women of Achievement awards.  He was nominated by two of Symetrics’ outstanding women leaders, Judy Moran, Business Manager and Executive Assistant and Courtney Culver, Manager of Contracts and Compliance.

Mitch’s leadership style provides positive reinforcement of the ZONTA philosophy. In managing Symetrics, he looks at ways for placing the right person in a job regardless of gender; as a result, several women hold key managerial positions within the company.  Mitch values the ideas, opinions and suggestions of all persons at Symetrics with his open door policy. He further empowers women to represent our company with participation in many organizations, community and charitable events, as well as marketing our products through tradeshows and face to face meetings with customers. 

The Zonta Club of Melbourne was chartered in 1983. The club serves the community through scholarships and service projects that serve Brevard County women; Human Trafficking Awareness, Joshua’s Closet/Job Link (provides clothes and shoes to Job Link graduates) and the Sue M. Pridmore Center for Homeless Women and Children to name a few. To learn more about our local Zonta club and their activities, visit www.zontaspacecoast.org.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

U.S. Army Selects Symetrics to Design and Build Next Generation Airborne Data Modem

U.S. Army Selects Symetrics to Design and Build Next Generation Airborne Data Modem

Symetrics Industries announced today an award from the U.S. Army Aviation Missile Command (AMCOM) to design the next generation of the Improved Data Modems (IDM-304B) for installation on multiple Army aircraft.  The contract also allows the Army to order 1,500 of these new modems over the next six to seven years.  The total estimated value of the contract is expected to exceed $50M.

Symetrics President and CEO, Mitch Garner stated,“This contract award is significant for so many reasons.  First, it demonstrates the Army’s confidence in our ability to execute a long-term, high volume production effort.  Secondly, it shows that the Army believes in Symetrics’ ability to manage a major engineering effort of hardware, software, and systems engineering.  Finally, a contract of this size, complexity and purpose is a major victory for Symetrics as it is in line with one of our core business areas and provides a springboard for new growth and opportunity”.

The 304B program will require the addition of staff Garner said, which would be mainly engineering and program support.  In addition, the company will likely have to create additional workspace, and is considering an expansion of its NASA Boulevard campus.  Garner elaborated, “We believe that this program will transform our company, both from a tangible sense with the addition of more people and space, but also in an intangible manner in the way we are viewed as a small business who can provide excellence in both engineering and production of military airborne hardware”.

At the same time, Symetrics announced a follow-on order from the same agency for an additional 186 of the IDM-304 version to be installed on four Army aircraft; the Kiowa, Apache, Chinook and Blackhawk.  This order is to ensure that deliveries continue uninterrupted to those platforms while Symetrics performs on the new redesign effort.  That contract add-on was worth over $6M, and increases the total amount of IDM-304s Symetrics will deliver to the Army at over 700 units.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Symetrics to Provide Improved Data Modems for U.S. Air Force A-10 Aircraft

Symetrics to Provide Improved Data Modems for U.S. Air Force A-10 Aircraft

Symetrics Industries, LLC announced today a follow-on order from Lockheed Martin in Owego, NY, for additional Improved Data Modems (IDM) for Precision Engagement modification of the A-10 aircraft. Lockheed Martin is currently taking deliveries of the “mini-IDM” from Symetrics, and this new order, worth approximately $1 million, will complete the planned retrofit for the entire fleet of nearly 360 aircraft.

Rick Snyder, Senior VP, Advanced Programs, is very pleased that the mini-IDM will be on board the A-10 fleet. He said, “We are adding new technology like Variable Message Format Close Air Support (CAS) messages to a legacy platform, giving it a new, lethal capability. With this addition the A-10 will be able to receive portable graymap quality coordinates from a forward air controller and execute air strikes.” Installation of the mini-IDM into aircraft will be handled by Lockheed Martin.

The CAS mission is one of the most complex ones the Air Force undertakes. Targets are often mobile and time sensitive, and therefore present a limited window of opportunity. The mini-IDM greatly reduces the time from target identification to attack by using high speed digital messaging instead of voice communications. In one recent demonstration, a CAS mission was accomplished in 25 seconds with mini-IDM versus five minutes by voice. Cutting down “kill chain” ensures timely support of troops on the ground.

Snyder stated that the contract calls for deliveries to begin later in the year, and would continue into 2010. He believed that it would not require creation of any new jobs, and said, “This is really the production phase of the program, and will not require any increased engineering effort.”

Symetrics mini-IDM is a two-channel, small form factor avionics box that transmits data or imagery over the voice radios resident in the host aircraft. The mini-IDM is part of Symetrics’ “Family of IDM Products” that represent over 13 different form factors and installation on over 10 different U.S. military airborne platforms. Symetrics’ digital data links have enabled over 3,000 military aircraft to employ the ability to send digital data over the air.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Symetrics Industries Awarded $3.5 M Order for AN/ALE -47 Countermeasures Dispenser System

Symetrics Industries Awarded $3.5 M Order for AN/ALE -47 Countermeasures Dispenser System

Symetrics Industries, LLC today announced it has received a $3.5M order for the AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS) from the U.S. Air Force.  This marks the twentieth delivery order placed against a five-year contract Symetrics won in November of 2006.  In the twenty-eight  months  since then, over 9,200 assemblies have been delivered on, or ahead of the contract schedule, with a total value of nearly $28M.

Ann Gill, Director of EW Programs, points to an excellent eight year relationship with the USAF.  She states, “at the Program Review held in February, the Warner Robins team told us they consider the Symetrics name to be synonymous with quality and outstanding on-time delivery. This order reinforces the confidence the government has in our ability to consistently exceed expectations by providing excellent service, in addition to delivering the highest quality product on-time and often early.” 

The AN/ALE-47 CMDS is an Electronic Warfare self-protection suite that provides combat aircrews with enhanced survivability against surface-to-air and air-to-air missile threats in all environments, by dispensing chaff or flares. It can be integrated on virtually any aircraft type. The system has been dubbed the “Guardian Angel” by those in the military that use it.

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 since 2001.  Symetrics also manufactures support equipment for the system, including the AN/ALM-295 Countermeasures Dispenser Test Set, and the AN/USQ-131B Memory Loader Verifier Set (MLVS), utilized for loading mission data software.

Symetrics Industries, LLC is an AS9100 and ISO-9001-2000 registered company and 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 E-mail: symetrics@symetrics.com Telephone: 321/254-1500.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Symetrics Industries, LLC awarded follow-on contract with U.S. Navy

Symetrics Industries, LLC awarded follow-on contract with U.S. Navy

Symetrics Industries, LLC announced today that it has received a follow-on contract award from the U.S. Navy for Technique Control Modulator (TCM) chassis assemblies. The TCM is a 7-slot VME-3U chassis with power and signal conditioning that allows various configurations of commercial and custom VME-3U circuit cards to be installed. The TCM is then able to perform multiple RF Electronic Warfare simulations. The contract was issued by the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division in China Lake, California, and has a 5-year period of performance. Symetrics previously won a similar 5-year contract in 2002 for the production of these same assemblies.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability

Progressive Manufacturing Awards

Progressive Manufacturing Awards

I am very excited to announce that Symetrics Industries has made Managing Automation Media’s prestigious 2009 PM100 list. We are one of only 100 companies in the US and abroad that were recognized and honored to receive this prestigious award confirming our successful business practices by an independent party. The global Progressive Manufacturing Awards Program, now in its fifth year, recognizes best-in-class manufacturers, and this year’s list includes companies such as Alcoa, Bell Helicopter, Caterpillar, Dow Chemical, General Mills, Ingersoll Rand, Mercury Marine, Motorola, Pfizer, Pratt & Whitney, Royal Dutch Shell, Tennant, Toshiba, and of course Symetrics. Receiving this award recognizes our commitment to innovation and the use of advanced technology, and has provided validation that we are on the right track with our mission and business strategies.

Symetrics won based on its continuous improvement efforts to upgrade and automate its manufacturing processes, and its adoption of systems such as Epicor and our Product Data Management (PDM) system, leading to tremendous productivity and quality gains. Each of the 100 winners is also competing for a “High Achiever” award in a particular sub-category, and those will be announced June 11, 2009.

Symetrics: Small Business Agility...Big Business Ability