Power Technology Inc.

Power Technology Inc. has grown from a literal kitchen-table operation in 1969 to a free-standing 25,000-SF facility. The company grew from humble beginnings making laser components to producing laser modules that sometimes are components as well. Its products have blasted into space on shuttle missions and submerged beneath the waves with deep-sea explorers.

Annual revenue has topped $7 million, with domestic business accounting for about 75 percent of sales. Instead of high-volume, low-margin products, the firm traditionally has focused on items with bigger profit margins and more stable markets. The Power Technology line ranges from a $50 laser built to operate from a household electrical outlet to a $15,000 custom-made laser.

Early work with the U.S. Naval Research labs led to other government contracts and military assignments. In the biomedical field, its products aid surgery procedures, DNA analysis and cancer detection. Commercial uses of Power Technology laser-related products include inspecting semi-conductors and scanning bar codes. “We ramped up because laser technology is more and more popular, with no end in sight,” said William Burgess, vice president of operations. T

he company’s day-to-day leadership has shifted from founder Thomas Burgess to his twin sons, Walter and William. All but a handful of Power Technology’s 65 employees work out of the Alexander facility. In addition to improved inventory management and quality control, the company’s integrated production allows it to pull off quick turnaround times. The firm’s flexibility and custom capabilities help it land and retain clients.

“We solve their problem, and they’re locked in with us,” Walter Burgess said of customer development.