When Paul Kelly was named President and CEO of Research Electro Optics three years ago, he not only brought with him more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, but also a mission to take REO to the next level of performance and to an age of faster growth. It is not unusual for a company that has been around for more than 40 years to hit a plateau, and as Kelly says, “a company that is flat is a company that is falling behind.”

Established in 1952, Elward Systems specializes in engineering and fabricating lightweight exterior cladding panels that are appealing for both performance as well as aesthetics for a wide variety of structures across the western United States. Their unique architectural influence can be observed on such buildings as the Colorado State University Research Innovation Center in Fort Collins and the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

Specializing in metal manufacturing for the medical device and aerospace industries, Qualtek has a solid reputation for innovative problem solving and highly customizable solutions designed to meet a wide variety of unique client needs.

After several years of steady growth, Intrex recently found themselves at a crossroads and realized that they needed to expand their operations in order to meet rising demand. The 73,000 square foot facility they eventually selected effectively tripled their space. Although the new building was only 10 miles east of their previous location, Intrex knew that it would be a massive undertaking to migrate all of their equipment, supplies, staffing, and materials.

Janska was founded in 2002 when owner Jan Erickson decided to pursue her dream of making fashionable, durable, and easy-to-wear fleece clothing. Based in Colorado Springs, Janska started out small and has grown rapidly in size, output and recognition. In addition to being featured on such programs as the “Today Show” and “Good Morning America,” Jan also regularly receives accolades from her peers and her community.

Barber-Nichols Inc. (BNI) specializes in the design and manufacture of turbomachinery for aerospace, cryogenic, defense, energy, and a variety of commercial applications. Products include specialty compressors, fans, pumps, turbines, generators, motors, controllers, and more. In addition to specialty hardware, BNI also provides engineering consulting, contract manufacturing, and since 1966 BNI has been combining innovation with technical expertise to develop products for a growing array of diverse industries. Barber-Nichols is a 100% employee owned company located in Arvada, Colorado and in 2013 BNI received the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation’s Pioneer Award. This award is given to a company that is a pioneer in its industry, demonstrates significant and sustained growth, and invests in its people and community.

Faustson Tool is a high precision machine shop and worldwide leader in 5 Axis Manufacturing Technology that specializes in providing innovative solutions to a wide array of manufacturing trials throughout the aerospace, defense, medical, semi-conductor, energy, and aeronautic industries. Started approximately 30 years ago in an 80 square foot facility with two employees, Faustson has steadily grown into a nationally recognized Woman-owned small business housed in a 16,000 square foot facility with upwards of 20 employees. The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation recently honored Faustson with a Business Recognition Award in 2012 for the company’s growth in primary employment and capital investment.

TruStile is a high-end door manufacturing company that was founded in 1995 on the principle that infinite customization options combined with high quality manufacturing and a fast turnaround would lead to profitability, job satisfaction and a loyal, repeat customer base servicing proud home and business owners. Nearly twenty years later, it is safe to say that their assumptions were correct. TruStile’s “No limits!” approach to door design, where the customer is only limited by his or her own imagination, has allowed it to become the preeminent producer of custom doors in the region, if not in the nation.

Liberty Home Products has been producing high quality home accessories for the Denver area since 1979. As a locally owned and operated company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Liberty has an outstanding reputation for providing Colorado homeowners with “security, beauty and safety for family, friends and pets”. Some of the many products they offer include steel security storm doors, steel safety railings, and custom iron gates as well as retractable awnings and solar shades.

Research Electro-Optics (REO) is a manufacturer of advanced optics for the defense, aerospace, semiconductor, medical and industrial markets. REO recently celebrated their 40th anniversary, employs approximately 230 people and operates out of Boulder, CO.