Inasmuch as 2008 was a high growth year for Bethlehem-based startup EcoTech Marine, 2009 looks to be more of the same.
The company, which uses a patented magnet-based technology to power its unique, through-the-glass circulation pumps for saltwater aquariums, is planning to use its technology know-how to expand beyond the aquarium market in 2009, according to company cofounder and Director of Finance Patrick Clasen.
In late January, EcoTech will introduce a new product for the spa industry, Clasen said, and in May it will roll out a new aquarium product–both of which will utilize EcoTech’s magnetic pump technology.
As part of this expansion, the company plans to hire an additional employee this month, bringing the total number of new hires in 2008 to seven, and the total number of employees to 11–more than doubling the size of the company in one year.
EcoTech’s employee growth partially mirrors its revenue growth. According to Clasen, the company saw its revenue triple from 2007 to 2008. “We’re looking forward to another year of high growth due to the new product introductions,” he says.
In effort to support its planned growth, Clasen says the company will also be applying for a $200,000 grant from the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center in 2009.
Source: EcoTech Marine, Patrick Clasen
Writer: John Davidson
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