Allen Park Software Company Opens Branch In UP
HOUGHTON -- The MTEC SmartZone's Fortune 500 Formula, a company attraction program, has grown to include vehicle data acquisition and analysis software company Controltec LLC.
The MTEC SmartZone officially welcomed the Allen Park-based company with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new satellite office in the Lakeshore Center in Houghton, on Thursday Oct. 4.
"MTEC SmartZone provides us with a great space and access to top talent at Michigan Technological University," said Controltec co-founder, vice president and Michigan Tech alumnus Bill Leisenring. "This in turn complements our ability to grow and continue to exceed our customers' expectations."
Controltec is among other larger companies like Ford Motor Co., GE Aviation and Dematic, who opened offices in MTEC SmartZone and are using Michigan Tech students for project work. MTEC SmartZone's Fortune 500 Formula has proven to be successful for these companies, who realize cost-saving growth and high-quality projects produced by insourcing.
Overseen by office coordinator Ryan Leisenring, Controltecs satellite location employs four Michigan Tech students who work on software development for the transportation industry.
"These students were interns this past summer at our office headquarters in Allen Park, Michigan," said Controltec human resources director Julie Glissman. "They did such a great job that we offered them part-time employment while they are going to school. It works out in our favor – and theirs, because they're making money and acquiring useful experience."
Added MTEC SmartZone CEO Marilyn Clark: "Students gain experience and Controltec receives routine engineering being done more cost-effectively. The community wins with the addition of four more jobs in our market."
Bill Leisenring credited Michigan Tech for providing him with a solid educational foundation.
"MTEC SmartZone serves as a platform for us to give back to the school by providing modern, real-world experience for current faculty and students," Leisenring said.
Co-founded by Bill Leisenring and company president Dave Ploucha in 2009, Controltec currently has 37 employees. The company is backed by more than 250 combined years of powertrain and vehicle systems engineering experience and more than 50 million miles of vehicle testing.
More about Controltec at www.control-tec.com.
To learn more about the Fortune 500 Formula, call MTEC SmartZone at (906) 487-7000.
The mission of MTEC SmartZone is to provide technology-based facilities, resources and programs to high-growth entrepreneurs and companies that increase employment, income, wealth and recognition in the U.P. communities it serves.
