With great support from our customers, employees, and partners, Porticos continues to grow. Here are some new things you might see around our office.
New Capabilities and Equipment
Every year, Porticos adds to our infrastructure to support upcoming projects. In the last few months we have deployed:
- Google Cloud “Virtual Machine” to speed up simulations. This virtual computer boasts up to 96 CPUs running in parallel, which dramatically accelerates Computational Fluid Dynamics and Structural FEA simulations.
- Three-axis CNC machining center. Fabrication of Proof-Of-Concept prototypes no longer relies on manual machining or outsourcing. We can now go from CAD to physical part in the same day.
- Laser Cutter. This machine has been used every single week since we installed it in January. It can cut shapes from most non-metal materials up to ¼” thick. We’ve used it to make custom rubber seals, structural mounting plates, and alignment jigs.
- 3D Printer. We’ve added even more 3D printing capability with a benchtop unit that can print up to 5 materials in a single model.
New Knowledge – No Rest for the Learned
We’re proud of our extremely well-credentialed staff. Of course, every employee has an engineering degree, but some have gone further:
- 6 have Master of Science degrees
- 2 hold a Professional Engineer license
- 8 have advanced CAD credentials (e.g., Certified Solidworks Professional)
- Several have additional degrees including Mathematics, Physics, Material Science, Environmental Engineering, and Economics.
- Plus a host of technical certificates like Six Sigma, Systems Engineering, Refrigeration, etc.
On top of all that learning, our top three inventors are named on 30, 27, and 24 issued patents. Porticos employees now boast 115 issued patents, with more slated to issue later this year. We are going to need a bigger wall…
Growing is a Pain!
Almost 12 years ago, Porticos purchased 7500 square feet at the Copeland Oaks office park. It’s been our home and Global HQ ever since. Back then it was more space than we needed. We leased one third to another firm, and installed a pool table to take up floor space (and lunch breaks.)
Then we expanded. We had to turn the “spare” bay into a workshop.
Then we grew again, banishing the pool table in order to add more offices.
Now the office and the workshop are both at capacity, and we are looking forward to continued growth. What does the future hold? A second site? A mezzanine? A new pool table? Stay tuned…
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” -Benjamin Franklin
