A New Challenging Venture

About three years ago, an intensive review of market opportunities for MGA was undertaken. Generally, we concluded that, although the company was performing well, not enough attention was being given to longer term developments that could affect our future.


The company is dependent upon the automobile industry, and the domestic production of vehicles continues a trend of expanding in the southern part of the country. A decision was made to establish an operation in a region that could better serve this part of the industry. Two years ago, the MGA South Carolina laboratory was established. Incidentally, this date coincided with the beginning of the recession where annual automobile sales decreased by about 40 percent. In spite of this development, we proceeded with the plan and today the South Carolina laboratory is growing and gaining more customers in the region.


At the same time, we worked to extend our technical services beyond the automotive sector. Customers have been added in industries related to battery manufacturers, aerospace, military equipment suppliers, as well as related governmental agencies. The development of the Virginia laboratory grew out of the need to provide services to this expanding customer base. It is expected that much of the laboratory will be fully operational by the end of the year.


At MGA, this undertaking requires the support and involvement of many parts of the organization. Our Wisconsin operation has taken the lead role in the planning and development of the laboratory. Major support comes from the New York Fabrication Center which is responsible for most of the equipment development. Other parts of the company will be involved in the checkout and training of personnel to operate the equipment.


The major equipment items are two accelerator impact simulation sleds. Although the horizontal crash simulation sleds have been used for over 40 years, the Virginia sled will have a unique capability as both horizontal and vertical impact sleds will be available. The latter sled should be helpful to better understand the nature of injuries that would result when military vehicles encounter roadway explosives.


A ballistics laboratory is being developed to evaluate both soft and hard armor resistance to projectiles. This facility is somewhat similar to the one which was recently commissioned at our New York operations. Other capabilities will include various impact dynamics equipment including a pyroshock capability.


We understand that developing this laboratory is a challenge. However, the most gratifying aspect to date has been the responses of all parts of the company as they participate in this new venture. And we are all looking forward to new challenges beyond the Virginia laboratory as other locations are being explored.