SERAPID is discovering more and more ways to use its principal product, a rigid chain linear actuator used to light and transfer big, heavy objects. It's happy coincidence that is allowing the Sterling Heights-based company to grow.
SERAPID's telescoping mast units utilize its Rigid Chain lift column, which is powered electro-mechanically. That allows it to avoid issues involved with hydraulics and pneumatics, and allowing for the smooth extension and retraction of the masts even in case of high side forces (wind) or in case of ice build up on the mast surfaces. The masts can also be used in a temporary installation, and can be positioned fairly quickly.
"The rigid chain actuator has applications in heavy industry, tool and die manufacturing as well as the nuclear and medical fields," says Carol Herriges, marketing manager for
SERAPID. "We're finding a lot of different ways to use this."
Those uses include everything from helping tool & die shops move heavy equipment to theater companies moving set pieces to aerospace companies moving heavy products. That diversity of uses is allowing SERAPID to grow, hiring three people in the last three months to its staff of 20 employees and one independent contractor. Most of those new jobs are in the executive or engineering ranks.
"We expect to continue our current growth, our largest need at present is for talented engineering and manufacturing professionals," Herriges says.
Source: Carol Herriges, marketing manager for SERAPID
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
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