Date: Apr 29, 2002 Author: Christopher Keough Source: Los Angeles Business Journal (
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Tanner Research Inc. will open a $2 million MEMS Prototyping, Research and Development Facility in its native Pasadena, a venture the company expects will generate revenues of up to $6 million a year.
The 1,000-square-foot facility at 2645 Nina St. opens officially on May 3 and will take the company, founded in 1988 by CalTech scientist John Tanner, in a new direction. The space and tools inside allow for the making of micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) -- computer chips with movable parts. To date Tanner has produced software, circuits and chips to help others create MEMS and performed research on the subject.
Amish Desai, MEMS product development manager, said Tanner scientists would design and produce MEMS for use by the U.S. miiitary and commercial customers. Tanner will focus on low temperature materials and polymers that are cheaper and easier to work with than the standard high-temperature silicone nitrate and glass typically used in MEMS development.
