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Earlier this year, Global Technology Ventures Inc. celebrated 20 years since the founding of the company in 2003. Partners Steve Willis and John Schmidt hosted a party of employees and guests to recognize this milestone.
During the event, President Steve Willis recounted the company’s history and accomplishments. Mr. Willis recalled that after working more than 10 years in the prototyping industry for both large and small companies, he had an idea for a better way to provide prototype parts to his customers. The cornerstone of this concept was to use engineering expertise and industry experience to give customers unique service by not only making accurate parts from customer data, but also by guiding them in making smart decisions about the best materials, techniques, and other considerations necessary to ensure that the prototype design would translate into a production-worthy concept. This integrator of technologies role is one that he felt was missing from the prototype “service bureaus” who would provide rapid prototype parts to engineers and designers from the automotive and other manufacturing sectors at the time.
To accomplish this plan, over time, GTV incrementally grew and developed its high quality internal and external teams to make CNC, SLA, SLS, and other rapid prototype parts. By honing its skills and listening carefully to its customers needs, GTV developed a reputation for service and high level customer support, while meeting the appearance, quality, and timing required on challenging projects. Early on GTV developed a reputation for very high quality show car lenses which proved to be an early differentiator for the company in the marketplace. Later GTV grew in its reputation for being able to include electronics and controls into its projects.
Mr. Willis also recounted how GTV then expanded overseas by opening subsidiary and affiliate operations offering additional capabilities, particularly in manufacturing, molding, tooling, and metal parts. These operations allowed direct oversight of work by company representatives who understand the quality and appearance needs for each project. This approach allows GTV to provide a variety of services ranging from production automotive parts to injection molds of complex components, with the assurance that the work is done right and that quoted timing is met because we have “boots on the ground” managing each project.
In his remarks, Senior Vice President John Schmidt noted that Globaltech Ventures would not have succeeded this long without the quality of employees and supporters that he has been honored to work with.
Over the past 20 years, GTV has expanded into four major areas of expertise. It all started with GTV Prototype, where prototype parts are made using the full range of rapid prototype technologies, from 3D printing to CNC machining and all of the finishing, painting, decorating, assembly, and electronics integration required to make functional, high quality prototype models. GTV Innovations is the research and design arm, where Globaltech Ventures works with designers and entrepreneurs to bring new concepts to reality. GTV Tooling makes both prototype and production injection molds and other tools for either US or overseas molding of plastic and metal parts. Finally, GTV Products provides production parts as well as low volume assembly support under its ISO certified Quality Systems to supplement customer’s start-up and manufacturing needs.
Global Technology Ventures looks forward to the next 20 years serving customers throughout the automotive and manufacturing industries and beyond!
