From humble beginnings in a former WW II helicopter factory to a multi-state, multi-site strategic compliance organization, Retlif Testing Laboratories has tenaciously defied all the odds. The internationally recognized organization with the clever field-recognized moniker (“Filter” spelled backwards) has grown steadily year-by-year since it was formed amid the bleak economic environment of 1978 as an EMC/EMI laboratory to service Long Island aviation and defense companies.
Growth & Reengineering
As avionics and aerospace waxed, Retlif steadily increased its testing and engineering capabilities, investing in advanced equipment and constructing its Ronkonkoma New York headquarters. A second laboratory was opened in New Hampshire, and Retlif added expertise as more talented technicians and engineers came into the Retlif fold.
Then the aerospace and aviation industry did one of its unpredictable loop de loops and downsized, essentially hightailing it from its Long Island birthplace. Undaunted, Retlif reengineered itself. Through a strategic initiative, the company expanded by key geographies and added additional EMC/EMI and Environmental Simulation (ESS) capabilities. The expansion policy continues, as Retlif now boasts laboratories in Pennsylvania and North Carolina as well as a regulatory office in Washington D.C.
Industry By Industry
In addition to EMC/EMI and ESS/Environmental, Retlif provides Engineering Services and Compliance Program Management. The company aggressively expanded across a wide swath of industries and applications. Retlif’s presence is felt nationally and internationally in rail, maritime, military, homeland security, automotive, and medical, not to mention consumer products of all descriptions. And Retlif’s diverse capabilities keeps widening with testing of body armor, ballast water, and a new foray into composite testing.
Thinking Beyond The Test
The company’s expansion is fueled by its philosophy, which hasn’t changed dramatically but has evolved since the foggy days of 1978. Recognition of the tangible value of product approvals and new marketplaces distinguishes Retlif from its competition. Retlif President Walter Poggi pointed out “we’re focused on solutions, specifically appreciation of a client’s strategic goals. We don’t confine our thought processes to merely executing test parameters.”
For example, in rail testing, Retlif’s philosophy involves “thinking beyond the test” for track circuits, signaling, on-board electronics or even full locomotives. Rail and transit systems are continually subjected to unpredictable environmental and EMC situations without margin for error. Retlif testing, in-lab or on the premises, ensures that transit and rail products can stand up to real world rigors.
Making A Splash With Ballast Testing
Retlif’s ballast water testing capabilities bespeak its maritime expertise. Retlif is recognized by the US Coast Guard as an approved laboratory to evaluate and test technologies to treat ballast water onboard ships against non-native aquatic species in American coastal waters, lakes and rivers. Retlif tests electrical and electronic components, including each alarm, control and monitoring device of the Ballast Water Testing Requirements.
Cruise ships, tankers and cargo carriers use huge amounts of ballast water for safe, efficient operation. “Ships take on ballast in one region and discharge in another,” New Hampshire Branch Manager Scott Wentworh observed. “If improperly monitored, ballast water can transport non-native species into American waters. The ecological and economic affects could be disastrous, not to mention the public health risks.”
Leader Of The Pack:
The Retlif organization and its founders have racked up an impressive array of triumphs and awards for excellent reasons: Their good citizenship isn’t something they merely talk about; they keep it in perpetual motion.
Active in ACIL, LIFT, IEEE, and NACLA, and a strong supporter of the Morrelly Center for Homeland Security, Retlif executives are involved with the intricacies of multiple industries.
Surprisingly, the strategic compliance organization has even pioneered legislation. Retlif was the first US lab to petition the National Institute of Standards and Technology (N.I.S.T.) to develop a laboratory accreditation program in the area of Electromagnetic Compatibility.
And recently, the company was recognized by the Defense Security Service (DSS) with the prestigious Cogswell Award for ‘Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement’. “Retlif is one of only 40 facilities from over 13,000 defense contractors to receive the honor,” Corporate Lab Manager Rich Reitz noted.
To Infinity & Beyond!
Where will Retlif go next? It was founded in ‘turbulent days’ by Walter and Marilyn Poggi, has triumphed over adversity, pioneered Federal testing legislation and been a guiding light for independent testing labs. Buzz Lightyear might say “to infinity & beyond”, but Retlif’s leadership, buoyed by executives Bill Hayes, Rich Reitz, Scott Poggi and Scott Wentworth, is highly focused.
“We want to be the best in every service we provide, in every market we serve. So our growth projection is controlled and not willy nilly,” General Manager Scott Poggi observed. “Given the proliferation of electronic devices, there’s no end to the areas we’ll be active with in the future.”
“Our client commitment has only deepened over time,” Executive Vice President Bill Hayes said. “Long ago we realized that the future of testing depended on meticulously accurate assessment and efficiently managed services tailored to each customer’s specific needs. That’s where we wanted to be, that’s where we are now, and that’s the plan for tomorrow.”
Even without a crystal ball, the future appears clear: Retlif’s continuing dedication beyond the test distinguishes the Retlif brand and opens the door for future expansion.