Mid-Atlantic Technology , Research & Innovation Center
BY JEAN HARDIMAN . The Mid-Atlantic Technology , Research & Innovation Center , known as MATRIC , has built a reputation on its unique export : innovation .
Based at the former research headquarters of Union Carbide in South Charleston , the 501 ( c )( 3 ) nonprofit corporation was established in 2003 to save quality jobs in West Virginia after Union Carbide was purchased by Dow Chemical Company , which moved much of the existing research and technology work to other locations . Since then , MATRIC has put skilled researchers to work helping organizations across the globe solve an array of scientific and technological challenges .
“ We have had the opportunity to safely work on multiple continents , solving problems from Paden City , WV , to Mumbai , India ,” says President and CEO Steve Hedrick . “ These solutions may come in the form of new technology , new processes or through working with us to maximize the potential of our unique infrastructure .”
MATRIC focuses on the areas of chemical , energy and environmental technologies , as well as technical engineering and advanced software technologies . Its employees ’ expertise , combined with MATRIC ’ s laboratory and pilot plant facilities and flexible intellectual property models , creates value for clients with minimized risk . Ninety percent of MATRIC ’ s product goes out of state , with clients coming from five continents .
This innovation exporter has 100 employees from around the world , some of whom have been with the organization from the beginning while others have been recruited to West Virginia . Thirty-three of MATRIC ’ s employees are Ph . D . -level researchers in organic and inorganic chemistry and chemical engineering . Additional staff include chemical engineers , computer scientists and other experts who work at either the South Charleston headquarters or MATRIC ’ s Morgantown location .
As a nonprofit , nearly all of MATRIC ’ s revenue is delivered to the local economy through rent , utilities , replacement parts , employee salaries and benefits and other avenues .
“ Our company is on the rise ,” says Hedrick . “ Our 10-year vision is highly evolved from the prevention of a loss of immense talent in the Chemical Valley .”
Schonstedt Instrument Company
BY KATLIN SWISHER . Schonstedt Instrument Company is the world ’ s leading manufacturer of magnetic locators and the developer of a product line of pipe and cable locators . Founded in 1953 by Erick Schonstedt , the company was initially a subcontractor to the aerospace industry , providing high-grade magnetometers for aerospace and laboratory applications , including the Hubble Space Telescope . Schonstedt began making magnetic locators for land surveyors in the 1970s , and its distinctive yellow stick soon became the global standard for survey monument location .
Today , Schonstedt locators are mainly used for industrial , utility , commercial and government applications . Schonstedt ’ s most popular products include the GA-52Cx , the industry leader among surveyors , and Maggie , its newest magnetic locator . Maggie was engineered to achieve the accuracy of the GA-52Cx while simultaneously offering the single-handed operation of the GA-92XT model . Schonstedt has also expanded its product line to include pipe and cable locators for the utility industry .
Headquartered in Kearneysville , WV , Schonstedt ships to more than 60 countries . All aspects of the business are operated out of the headquarters , including manufacturing , customer service , shipping and repairs .
“ We chose to do business in West Virginia because it was cost efficient , a good manufacturing location and had a workforce that could handle high-tech products ,” says Wendy Hart , director of marketing and business development . “ West Virginia also has an environment of state support . Funding through the West Virginia Development Office has been an incredible resource for us to tap into , and it has helped us with exporting into new markets .”
In addition to making a niche product , Schonstedt has found a way to help make the world a better place . In 2007 , the company launched the Schonstedt Humanitarian Demining Initiative .
Since the program ’ s inception , Schonstedt has deployed more than 500 locators to 26 war-torn countries for clearance of landmines , cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance .
These units come at no cost , other than shipping , to the clearance teams on the ground . Schonstedt partners with the United Nations Mine Action Service , the U . S . Department of State and the Red Cross to review incoming requests . The program is sustained through donations from individuals , organizations and religious affiliations .
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