Growth in a highly specialized field like electronics testing doesn’t happen by accident. For Rogers Labs, it has been a deliberate process of innovation, investment, and smart decision-making. As the only lab of its kind in the Kansas City area, their ability to adapt and improve has solidified their position as a critical resource for local and global businesses.
At MDL Technology, we’ve witnessed Rogers Labs’ growth firsthand, supporting them with IT solutions that have enabled them to focus on their expanding operations. Their journey is a testament to how investing in the right resources—both technological and physical—can drive success.
From the Outdoors to Cutting-Edge Facilities
When Rogers Labs acquired their lab, one of their first major moves was upgrading their testing environment. The original setup for measuring sensitive signals was located outdoors, which presented several challenges.
“Outdoors, even in the outskirts of Kansas City, there’s interference—FM signals, planes flying overhead, or even a neighbor’s Wi-Fi repeater. Moving indoors was critical,” explained Patrick Powell, co-owner of Rogers Labs.
Building a State-of-the-Art Test Chamber
To address these issues, Rogers Labs invested in a 3M Semi-Anechoic Chamber, a highly specialized testing environment that provides:
- 24/7 Accessibility: Testing is no longer dependent on weather conditions or time of day.
- Reduced Noise Interference: The controlled indoor environment eliminates external disruptions, allowing for more accurate results.
“It’s a significant structure—20 by 30 feet and 25 feet tall. The process of getting it built, calibrated, and government-approved took months,” Patrick added.
By moving their operations indoors and upgrading their equipment, Rogers Labs increased productivity, reduced downtime, and expanded their capacity to serve more clients.
Expanding the Customer Base
The new test chamber wasn’t just about improving accuracy—it was about positioning Rogers Labs for growth. The ability to run tests around the clock meant they could take on more clients without compromising quality.
“With the extra time and capacity, we’ve been able to hire additional test engineers and grow our customer base,” Patrick noted.
This shift has allowed Rogers Labs to better serve existing clients while attracting new ones, particularly those requiring specialized, high-volume testing.
How MDL Technology Has Supported Rogers Labs’ Growth
As Rogers Labs scaled their operations, they needed robust IT infrastructure to match their physical and operational growth. That’s where MDL Technology came in.
Keeping Data Secure and Accessible
Managing sensitive test data for regulatory agencies like the FCC and Industry Canada is a cornerstone of Rogers Labs’ work. MDL has provided solutions to:
- Securely Store Decades of Data: Ensuring compliance with long-term record-keeping requirements.
- Streamline Daily Operations: Enabling engineers to quickly access the information they need without delays.
“We rely on MDL to take us in the right direction with data management. They’ve helped us stay safe and efficient,” Patrick shared.
Minimizing Downtime
The transition from an outdoor lab to an indoor facility was a complex process that took months. During this period, MDL ensured Rogers Labs’ IT systems continued to operate smoothly, minimizing disruptions to client projects.
Challenges Along the Way
Growth isn’t without its hurdles. From acquiring the new chamber to navigating government approval, every step required careful planning and execution.
“It took two months to build the chamber, another month to integrate it, and several months to get the government to approve it. In the meantime, we had to rely on the outdoor lab to keep things moving,” Patrick explained.
This ability to adapt and persevere has been key to Rogers Labs’ success. With the support of MDL Technology, they’ve been able to overcome these challenges without sacrificing quality or timelines.
What Businesses Can Learn from Rogers Labs
Rogers Labs’ growth story highlights the importance of investing in the right tools and partnerships. By upgrading their facilities and leaning on trusted partners like MDL Technology, they’ve been able to expand their services and improve client outcomes.
Why MDL Matters
For businesses like Rogers Labs, reliable IT support is critical to scaling operations. MDL has played a vital role in ensuring their data, systems, and processes are secure and efficient, allowing them to focus on their core expertise.
Looking Ahead
As Rogers Labs continues to grow, their commitment to innovation and quality remains at the heart of their business. Whether it’s investing in state-of-the-art facilities or partnering with trusted providers like MDL Technology, their focus is always on serving clients better.
If your business is ready to grow and needs IT solutions tailored to your specific needs, contact MDL Technology. Let’s work together to build systems that support your success.
