A Michigan company that specializes in high-tech corporate and home
security expects to double its local 20-person staff over the next five
years, and Western Michigan University's Business Technology and
Research Park is where it plans to grow.
Engineered Protection Systems Inc. — known as EPS Security — has moved
into a nearly 4,200-square-foot space in the BTR Park's Initech
Building, 4787 Campus Drive.
EPS Security, a family-owned business based in Grand Rapids, has six
offices across Michigan. It's Kalamazoo office, formerly on Westnedge
Avenue, was established 10 years ago.
"Our new office at Western Michigan University's research park will
better suit our needs and growth in the next decade and beyond," says
Kevin Carlson, president of EPS.
The office is involved in design and research, and serves as a beta
test site for equipment suppliers. It also provides sales, installation
and service to local clients.
"Cellular and Internet technology is opening up incredible areas of
growth in this field," says David Hood, EPS director of sales and
marketing.
As use of land line phones drops and cell phone use grows,
opportunities for security applications are rapidly expanding, Hood
says.
"Small cameras installed in a business, for instance, can now be accessed from anywhere in the world," he adds.
Hood and Jeffrey Bos, EPS's Kalamazoo branch manager, have met with
WMU's engineering dean Anthony Vizzini to discuss internship
opportunities for students, future hiring needs and the possibility of
extended research and testing partnerships with the college.
EPS provides burglary, fire, access control, video surveillance and
other monitoring and security services for its customers. Among the
company's major Southwest Michigan clients are Meijer Stores and
Kalamazoo Public Schools.
Founded in 1955, the company today ranks among the top 30 security
providers in the United States. It serves more than 16,000 commercial
and residential clients in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin
and Kentucky.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: David Hood, EPS Security
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