OptiPro’s reach felt in several industries

It is a long-held belief that bad things happen in threes.

Mike Bechtold will tell you otherwise.

Bechtold, OptiPro Systems president, has made the most of his experience with CNC machines by establishing three distinct business segments: Optical grinding, polishing and measuring machines, distributing CNC machine tools and MasterCam CAD/CAM software.

Bechtold started the business in 1982 with his brother, Bob, under the name CNC Systems. Through metalworking technology, combined with knowledge of key players at Eastman Kodak Co. and the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association, Bechtold and his team developed the world’s first affordable computer-controlled optical grinding machine.

“Our goal is to sell products to primes, such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and the small- to medium-sized private sector businesses,” Bechtold said.

OptiPro’s reach can be felt in several industries, from the military – their machines are producing lenses for night vision, advanced missile systems and drones — aerospace, cinematography, medical, and space exploration.

“We’re at the leading edge of technology,” Bechtold said.

Growth has been quick. In four years, OptiPro’s staff increased from 34 to 68. As the company expanded, so did the need for space. The original 12,500-square-foot building is now 30,000 square feet.

“We’re lean, but we have an amazing staff,” Bechtold said. “We work really well as a team.”

Bechtold credits his strong workforce to the area’s big four educators: Monroe Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester, and Finger Lakes Community College. OptiPro’s grinding and polishing machines, are now at MCC and UR.

“They are a great source of creative young talent,” he said. “We also fund research work with these schools. We’re very committed to education.”

Over the last 10 years, the company has garnered signification recognition, earning small business innovative research awards for its work with NASA. It has also been recognized for successful commercialization of the technologies it has developed.

Optimax, which employs more than 200 people and has become the country’s largest optics manufacturer, has been a customer of OptiPro for more than 20 years.

“It’s an understatement to say they build the best computer-controlled optics machinery in the United States,” said Optimax CEO Rick Plympton.

There will always be new challenges and new opportunities for growth, Bechtold said, as long as the company remains focused on providing top-notch service and support.

“It’s not a question of how big we want to get,” said Bechtold. “It’s way more important to build a good company.”

Russo is a freelance writer covering the Rochester area.

Mike Bechtold’s Five Must Do’s

1. Take care of your customers and your employees.

2. Never compromise customer service and support.

3. Be open to getting outside help from experts and consultants.

4. Create a knowledge-sharing team whose attitude and mantra is, “We won’t be denied.”

5. Ask your customers what customers they need and expect.