2020 has been quite the year. This year, we found new ways to connect with and support our clients. Although interaction was vastly different compared to previous years of operation, the team at Microwave Techniques met this year’s challenges head-on. We applaud our employees, clients and business partners for their patience, understanding and perseverance during this abnormal year.
As an essential business, we’ve maintained our operational capabilities in the face of global pandemic so that we could continue to support our partners in the medical, food, communications and government sectors.
Earlier in 2020, we merged two powerhouse companies in the passive RF device manufacturing space (Mega and Ferrite) to create Microwave Techniques! The collaboration between the two companies has allowed us to better serve our customers with a wider variety of products, resources and ongoing support.
To close out the year, the team at Microwave Techniques wishes to showcase our year, month-by-month. We welcome you to an inside look at Microwave Techniques in 2020.
JANUARY
To begin the year, Ferrite Microwave Technologies visited Atlanta, GA to attend the International Production & Processing Expo. Unknowingly, IPPE 2020 would be the only in-person trade show attended by the Microwave Techniques group in 2020. The team looks forward to finding new ways to connect with industry leaders in 2021!
The International Production & Food Processing Expo (IPPE) brings together members of the protein production and processing industry. Ferrite Microwave Technologies contributed as an exhibitor, showcasing their industrial food processing equipment. FMT industrial microwave systems are known worldwide for their ability to retain higher protein yields, with less mess and more suitable energy efficiency.
FEBRUARY
Beginning in February, the Mega and Ferrite teams started to collaborate in preparation for the closing of the merger. Between our operations, sales and engineering groups – we found a well-balanced synergy with two compatible product lines. The teams at Mega and Ferrite decided to embark on an undefined journey together, with challenges ahead: the year of 2020 and beyond.
Gorham, Maine, USA Facility Nashua, New Hampshire, USA Facility
MARCH
IT’S OFFICIAL – Ferrite Microwave Technologies and Mega Industries announce finalization and closing of the merger. As a combined entity, Microwave Techniques LLC is reinstituted and the integration of the two companies begins. Resultant of the merger is the launch of the Microwave Techniques website.
Coinciding with the merger, Mega announces a buyout of minority shareholder, RYMSA RF, S.L.U. The two (Mega and RYMSA) sign a five-year noncompete agreement.
APRIL
As the initial phase of merger activity was underway, the Microwave Techniques teams recognized some components from an article published by European XFEL. The article, “European XFEL Reaches World Record Photon Energy Levels” published on April 8, 2020. It highlights the X-Ray lasers step towards experiments at very high photon energies. We congratulate our partners at European XFEL for reaching this milestone!
In the photo above, Mega waveguides are visible in the lower right corner. This was a proud moment for us!
MAY
In May, we began an integration of our ERP system between the Nashua, NH and Gorham, ME facilities. This process allows Microwave Techniques members to perform and coordinate various operational procedures across the two facilities on one platform.
In addition, The American Machinist trade magazine featured Mega Industries for their commitment to investment in machining capabilities and superior tooling. Specifically, the article spotlights one of the newest additions to the shop floor, the KVR-4020A vertical machining center.
JUNE
To kick off June, Microwave Techniques was featured in yet another media publication. The article, published by MaineBiz, highlights the synergy between Mega and Ferrite. As a case study, Microwave Techniques demonstrates the resilient alliance between Maine and New Hampshire’s state economies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The article, “Interstate commerce: Maine’s business ties with New Hampshire are growing in surprising directions” published on June 1, 2020. With complementary product portfolios, more and more begin to see the union of Microwave Techniques.
JULY
In July, we celebrated the warm summer months in New England with a company barbeque. This year, our company barbeque looked a bit different with social distancing in place. Nonetheless, it was a nice afternoon for members of the team to spend time together and enjoy food, laughter, and celebrate our achievements as a group.
We also welcomed new personnel to the Microwave Techniques team in July. The additions to the team included customer support specialists, sales associates, RF engineers and production personnel. Through an increased workforce, the Microwave Techniques team increases production capacity, offers a wider base of microwave devices, supporting customers further, and acting as a strong and committed RF and microwave resource for all.
AUGUST
In August, our engineering teams collaborated further to systematize all outline drawings, renderings, and engineering software related to the Mega and Ferrite product lines. Given the breadth and complexity of both product lines, this was no easy task. The coordination, implementation, and execution of the plan by our senior engineering and operations teams displayed the seamless integration of the Mega and Ferrite product lines.
SEPTEMBER
In September, Microwave Techniques became a joint corporate member of the International Microwave Power Institute (IMPI). In years past, both Mega and Ferrite attended IMPI events in-person. This year, IMPI 2020 was held virtually.
Our continued membership with IMPI helps the us team contribute to, and learn more from RF and microwave industry leaders in the areas of research, development, engineering and more. We look forward to connecting with our colleagues for the IMPI 55 symposium in June 2021!
OCTOBER
In October, our partners at the Department of Energy, Office of Science visited our Gorham facility to learn more about our expanded capabilities through the merger.
Although client visits were few and far between this year, the Microwave Techniques team remains hopeful for more opportunities to connect with our partners in the year ahead.
NOVEMBER
In the beginning days of November, Microwave Techniques underwent our AS9100 / ISO 9001 surveillance audit. We are proud to announce that we passed the audit with flying colors!
The Quality Management System in place at Microwave Techniques enables us to better serve our customers in the aerospace, military radar, defense, and scientific markets, where quality and precision are critical. Our certification and commitment to recurring audits demonstrates our continued dedication to high quality standards throughout the life cycle of our products.
DECEMBER
To close out the year, the Industrial Microwave Systems division launched a new website! The new website offers market and application-specific information, as well as updated resources for the equipment, parts, support and maintenance services we offer to the industrial microwave sector.
2021: The Road Ahead for Microwave Techniques
As we set our sights on 2021 and beyond, the team at Microwave Techniques first wishes to extend gratitude to all our employees, clients, vendors, and business partners for their patience, understanding and perseverance throughout the entirety of 2020.
Collectively, we made tremendous strides for the future and we are confident that that 2021 will be an even better year. The road ahead looks to be filled with more exciting news and growth opportunities for Microwave Techniques and our partners. Stay tuned – the best is yet to come!
How was your 2020? How can we help?
Let us know how you’re doing – drop us a line!
