I want to take a moment to personally thank you for choosing Extec as we cross a significant milestone: 50 years serving our valued customers.

In 1973, my father, J. Ronald Rinaldi, opened what was then Excel Metallurgical in Springfield, Mass. Within a decade, operations had expanded and the company moved to Enfield, Conn., and rebranded as Excel Technologies, Inc. It quickly grew to become an industry-leading distributor of optical equipment and solutions—something we’re proud to have carried on now for 50 years.

Extec was originally conceived as a division of Excel Technologies. Within a year, Extec had a thousand-item catalog of supplies for sample preparation. Not long after, Extec launched its own line of equipment and became the company you know today.

I've been involved with the business my whole life. After graduating from business school in 2002, I joined the company full time. As I’ve come to lead our family business into the future, I couldn't be prouder of the legacy that's brought us here (including our recent recognition as a Woman-Owned Business).

I’d like to share a quick story with you about our “Coffee Mug Customers.” There's a coffee mug on my desk that features our original logo. Maybe eight years ago, a gentleman walked in the door with this same mug in hand. He asked for my father and said, “I've been drinking out of this mug for the last 40 years, and I'm retiring now. I'm here to thank you and give it back. I’m not going to be needing it each morning anymore." Run-ins with our original “Coffee Mug Customers” happen more than you might realize. I love it every time.

Today, we continue to serve "Coffee Mug Customers" and new customers alike. Our sample preparation equipment and supplies are used in large and small companies in aerospace, automotive, defense, and more.

We have a saying around here: "We're here for you today, we're here for you tomorrow.” We're grateful for the trust you place in us to provide the products and services you rely on. Our success and longevity would not be possible without your support.

Thank you for everything. Here's looking to the next 50 years!


Andrea S. Rinaldi, CEO
Extec Corp.