Micron Research Named 'Manufacturer Of The Year'

Micron Research Inc. of Emporium has been named 2006 Manufacturer of the Year by a regional economic development organization.

The award was announced during the 40th annual meeting of Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission.

The company has been expanding its market by developing trade with Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong, China and Germany.

The number of employees has grown from six in 2001 to 16. Sales have increased from $550,000 in 2002 to $2.2 million in 2005.

Micron Research produces high-quality grain graphite blocks for the electrical discharge machining industry. Applications include tool and die, tool and mold, plastic injection molds and rubber molds, as well as forging and aerospace applications.

Micron is also active in research and development of other graphite applications.

The company has prospered as a result of sophisticated engineering and marketing operations. Innovations in grain size and material structure have made Micron's synthetic graphite product a marketplace winner.

Grain size -- a measure of the distance between the graphite particles -- has been reduced through a combination of super fine particles and advanced process technology. The product is less porous and more durable.

A new "slow bake" production process has also resulted in a more wear-resistant and finer-surfaced product.

Micron Research has worked with Northcentral for programs such as job training, export assistance, procurement assistance and tax breaks provided under the Keystone Opportunity Zone program.