The annual Inc. 500 issue is, as usual, full of stats and trivia about private and entrepreneurial companies.
But especially striking to see so many companies that have found niches doing business around the world.
Examples:
Mission Essential Personnel No. 52
This company’s linguists were hired by the Defense Department to negotiate the release of the captain of the Maersk Alabama, the container ship seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia in April. The ship and the captain were ultimately rescued by the U.S. Navy.
Remote Medical International No. 147
This company offers medical support to people in far-off locations and dangerous situations. Last year, an RMI employee led a team of climbers scaling Antarctica’s tallest peak to field-test some equipment.
Milestone Metals No. 193
Milestone Metals buys scrap metal such as steel and brass, and sells it to foundries and smelters in China. A recent batch of copper was turned into an underwater communications cable.
GATR Technologies No. 259
This company’s portable satellite communication system weighs 70 pounds and can be checked on a commercial flight. Customers have used the device in Iraq, Afghanistan, and far-flung Lesotho.
Zebra Imaging No. 348
Oil companies use Zebra’s holographic technology in the North Sea to map the area below the sea floor. Engineers can use the topographical renderings to determine a suitable spot for drilling.
RigNet No. 452
RigNet outfits offshore oil rigs with telecommunications systems. A recent project involved linking a rig off the coast of Nigeria to a hub onshore, which then routed calls through Bedford, England.
AdaQuest No. 486
AdaQuest, which helps software companies translate applications into more than 60 languages, maintains a satellite office in Rio de Janeiro, where co-founder Hiram Machado grew up. Having staff there also helps the West Coast business serve its East Coast clients.
Comments