For over three decades, Krell Technologies has been at the forefront of the photonics industry, consistently delivering innovative solutions that set us apart from the competition. As a New Jersey-based company, our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has made us a recognized leader in photonic component polishing and inspection systems. Here’s how we’ve established ourselves as a top contender for the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year award. 

Innovation in Photonic Technology 

Since our inception, Krell Technologies has been dedicated to advancing the field of photonics. In 1993, we introduced the industry’s first field polisher, a groundbreaking development that supported the installation of new fiber optic cables in communication networks. This early innovation marked the beginning of our journey as a leader in the photonics industry, and we’ve continued to build on this legacy ever since. 

Our unique “workcell” approach to photonic component processing is what truly sets us apart. Unlike traditional systems that separate polishing and inspection tasks, Krell’s integrated solutions allow for immediate in-situ testing of processed components. This approach not only streamlines production but also reduces handling, minimizes potential damage, and establishes a built-in quality assurance gate within the machine. The result? Increased throughput and high yield, making our NOVA™ product line the most flexible and configurable system in the industry, suitable for everything from R&D to high-volume production. 

Commitment to Excellence in Manufacturing 

Krell Technologies has always prioritized excellence in manufacturing, ensuring that every piece of equipment we produce meets the highest standards of quality and performance. All of our products are designed, assembled, marketed, and supported internally at our Neptune City facility, allowing us to maintain tight control over every aspect of the production process. 

Our growth as a company has paralleled the expansion of the fiber optic industry. Starting with a focus on the telecom and datacom markets, we’ve successfully expanded our customer base to include sectors like medical, sensing, aerospace, and quantum computing. This diversification has been a key driver of our sustained growth and success, as we’ve adapted to meet the evolving needs of these industries. 

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement 

At Krell Technologies, we understand that staying at the cutting edge of the photonics industry requires a commitment to continuous improvement. For the first 21 years, we operated out of a rental office in Morganville, NJ. However, as product demand and our employee base grew, we needed more space to support our expanding operations. Nine years ago, we purchased our current building in Neptune City, which has allowed us to formalize our production environment, expand our inventory space, and create dedicated laboratories for new product development and customer training. 

Our commitment to operational excellence is further demonstrated by our strategic use of New Jersey state grants, which have enabled us to increase our facility’s floor space by 50%, purchase a new laser engraving system, and expand our international market exposure. These continuous improvements ensure that Krell remains a leader in the photonics industry, delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations. 

A Management Philosophy Rooted in Collaboration 

Krell Technologies’ management philosophy is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction. We hold regular engineering design and manufacturing meetings to ensure that our products are delivered on time and meet all technical requirements. Our customer application reviews guarantee that all specialized needs and requirements are addressed in the final product design. 

We also develop product roadmaps for future innovations, consulting with valued customers to gather input on new features and functions for the next generation of Krell equipment. This collaborative approach ensures that our products not only meet current market demands but also anticipate future industry needs. 

Investing in Our Workforce 

At Krell Technologies, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to their growth and development, offering a range of opportunities for ongoing training and professional development. We’ve taken advantage of local New Jersey universities, employing engineering students as paid interns and retaining them as full-time employees. Our employees also participate in bonus plans based on company revenue goals, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation within the team. 

We encourage cross-training across all aspects of business operations, from engineering design to parts assembly, product documentation to customer fulfillment. This approach ensures that our employees are well-rounded and capable of contributing to multiple areas of the business. We also promote collaborative input for product improvement and marketing strategies, valuing the insights and ideas of our entire team. 

Building a Strong Supply Chain 

A robust supply chain is critical to the success of any manufacturing operation, and Krell Technologies is no exception. The acquisition of our Neptune City facility allowed us to designate dedicated floor space for inventory management, enabling us to organize and monitor our inventory more efficiently. We’ve implemented control gates for quality checks on both incoming and outgoing products and supplies, ensuring that every component meets our stringent quality standards. 

We’ve also nurtured a network of vendors that deliver superior parts and supplies while providing technical support and guidance in identifying the highest-performing components at competitive prices. These vendors have been invaluable partners in the conceptualization and realization of the Krell product line, allowing us to deliver products that are synonymous with quality and reliability. 

Conclusion 

Krell Technologies is proud to be a leader in the photonics industry, consistently delivering innovative solutions that set us apart from the competition. Our commitment to excellence in manufacturing, operational efficiency, employee development, and supply chain management has positioned us as a top contender for the Manufacturer of the Year award. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality photonic component polishing and inspection systems, ensuring their success in an ever-evolving industry.