Macy Industries (www.macyind.com), located in Hooksett, New Hampshire, has been growing since 1975. Founded by Nick's father, Marcel Mercier, Macy has since the beginning sought to bring together a team of experienced engineers and highly talented metal fabricators to provide all of their New England customers with a wide range of metal solutions. From industrial fabrications such as platforms and dust collectors, to more architectural items such as copper countertops and custom artwork, Macy has become known as a one-top-shop for any metal need.

Like all successful companies, Macy Industries had to evolve significantly over time. Seven years ago, for example, Macy embarked on an exciting journey into the world of advanced composites and additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing). At the time, the engineering team at Macy was approached by the United States Special Forces to develop a highly specialized new product. The “LAL-18 Project” as it was called began in 2010, in response to a USSOCOM requirement for a long-reach, lightweight, compact, transportable ladder for use in “extreme environmental and strategic conditions”. After extensive R&D, field, and lab testing, the final product was approved and has been fielded to USSOCOM units since early 2016. Macy’s solution was a retractable carbon fiber ladder that extends to 18 feet but weighs only 18 pounds, with its ultimate load capacity at over 1000 pounds! Now an established advanced composites manufacturer, Macy has recently created a high-tech spin off called Pilot Innovations (www.pilotinnovations.com). Pilot’s passion is solutions, or as Nick would say, “Unique solutions for unique clients.” He goes on to explain, “We solve problems for our customers with a combination of innovative design, rapid prototyping and quick-turn production. We’re agile, practical, and solutions oriented."

I worked within the R&D Group on the development of synthetic materials equipment.