Engineers are known for turning ideas into reality, but South Williamsport-based company ProMech takes things a step further by offering everything from design to fabrication to installation.
"We're capable of taking something from a conceptual design," Brad Martin, company owner, said. "We'll take that and apply actual parts and pieces to it."
ProMech, short for Process Mechanical Design and Services, offers solutions to a wide variety of mechanical problems. Because of the broad scope of work ProMech covers, Martin has taken to referring to the company's area of expertise as "gap engineering." Most firms and companies pick one area of service and focus on that, but companies who need a specialized service can count on ProMech to get the job done.
Martin said the difference between a typical engineering firm and ProMech is similar to the comparison between a general practitioner and a doctor who specializes in a specific area. While "gap engineering" isn't a high-demand area, Martin said, "When it's needed, it's typically needed right away."
Martin, a 1978 South Williamsport Area High School graduate, has a degree in industrial engineering and has gained over 30 years of experience in mechanical engineering. Before founding ProMech, Martin worked as an engineer and also gained experience in fabricating, installation and management. He started ProMech seven years ago.
"I've always wanted to have my own company," he said.
ProMech can work on a project from start to finish or just fill in as needed - some companies use their staff to build and install new systems, while others need help with managing this aspect of the project. Martin said ProMech can take care of management and allow companies to bypass the subcontracting process.
"We are a network of companies. I deal primarily with owners ... and I can get things done relatively quickly," he said.
Martin's relationship with a variety of companies allows ProMech to work in a plethora of fields, from pharmaceuticals to food processing to material handling and more.
A current project requires Martin to design an automated system to create a safer process for work that a company previously had performed by hand.
"I've been contracted to come up with a visionary design," he said.
Once the visionary design is complete, Martin will move to conceptual design and apply numbers and cement prices. Then he will contract workers to build the system.
Martin envisions a future with the gas industry for ProMech and hopes to create Marcellus Shale piping.
"I think we'll fit that (industry)," he said.
Martin hopes ProMech will continue to thrive with its focus on "gap engineering" and creative solutions.
"We fill a void," he said.
