CADEKA expands its operations to China

CADEKA Microcircuits executives knew that their small Northern Colorado technology company had to sell products globally to succeed.

That’s why the Loveland company recently expanded into China, opening a new sales office in Wuxi, a city near Shanghai.

Formed in 2003, the Loveland semiconductor manufacturer is selling amplifiers for use in security camera systems required by law in apartment buildings. The company’s technology transfers video signal from security cameras to places where they are monitored.

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“The size of that market is just exploding,” CADEKA CEO Gary Ross said. “That activity is also taking place in other places within China. So it’s a big market for us.”

The technology is valuable because it can be installed in security video camera systems using existing wiring in a building. That means building owners can avoid the cost of rewiring their buildings.

CADEKA also uses its technology to improve video signals by reducing unnecessary noise and sharpening pictures.

In addition to security cameras, the company plans to introduce its technology into other video signals worldwide. Its work includes everything from improving quality of video door phones as they increase in popularity to ATM video cameras, Ross said.

Besides video signals, CADEKA designs semiconductor chips for medical devices such as glucose monitors as well as portable ultrasounds that could be used to diagnose injuries at Little League or soccer games in the future.

“Wherever that data needs to be transmitted, then received and transmitted elsewhere, that’s what CADEKA does,” Ross said.

The privately held company employs 35 and expects to double its revenue this year. It claims it doubled revenue last year and in 2010, though company representatives declined to provide specific figures.

In any case, the company maintains sales and distribution channels in 87 countries, so there’s clearly a market for its products.

The Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp. has helped CADEKA gain enterprise zone tax credits and provided other support to fuel its growth.

“It is great to see a local company offering such needed products globally,” said Walt Elish, the nonprofit’s president and CEO. “Their expansion into additional products and markets will not only continue to pay off for them but also Larimer County.”

Betsey Hale, the city of Loveland’s economic development director, said the company’s growth is important to the city.

“High-tech businesses such as CADEKA with global sales are a foundation and key to Loveland’s economic vitality and job growth,” she said.

308 Systems aids National Guard communication

The National Guard is using Fort Collins-based 308 Systems technology in its training exercises.

In a recent training exercise in the remote backwoods of Fort Stewart, Ga., service members used the technology to communicate amid explosions and building fires, according to 308 Systems.

The company’s TAC-PAK mobile command system created a wireless data network that enabled guardsmen to coordinate essential tasks using smart phones. “This enabled the recon unit to share information, request support and coordinate with the arriving forces,” according to 308 Systems. “The units participating were preparing for real-world deployment, and mistakes are not an option.”

The company has provided communications solutions for commercial, government and military customers for 14 years. Devices made by the company such as the TAC-PAK are useful for teams in rugged environments where they cannot use larger equipment, according to 308 Systems.

Sen. Udall seeks solution for cell phone theft

U.S. Sen. Mark Udall wants the Federal Communications Commission to work with cell phone service providers to stop reactivating stolen cell phones. Udall hopes the commission can collaborate with companies to bring an end to their practice of reactivating phones that have been reported stolen, according to the Colorado senator’s office. That would thwart online and black markets for stolen phones.

“There will be some costs and technological obstacles, but this needs to be a coordinated effort … in order to work,” Udall said.

Steve Lynn covers technology for the Northern Colorado Business Report. He can be contacted at slynn@ncbr.com or 970-232-3147.