December 6th marks the 50th anniversary of Matric Limited, an electronics contract manufacturer located in Seneca. To celebrate, Matric hosted an event in October, for its customers, suppliers, equipment vendors, past employees, friends, and families.
The event included a presentation featuring several community leaders, followed by a luncheon and tours of the facility. Close to 200 guests were in attendance.
For those who live in Venango County, many aren’t even aware of Matric’s existence. Who would think that a global leader in the electronics industry would have an 86,000 sq. ft. production facility in Northwestern PA? So, how did it end up here, and would it matter if it wasn’t?
Fifty years ago, in 1971, Andy Maitland and Lee Richey, two electrical engineers turned Vo-Tech teachers, opened an electronics design and repair shop in a basement in Franklin. Fast forward a few years and 10,000 sq. ft. later, Matric was engineering and manufacturing industrial controls for companies like Conair and Joy Mining, now Komatsu.
By the late ’80s, Matric had close to 80 employees and had expanded to include a retail computer store with a training facility and online services. The sky was the limit on what they could do. But with Richey and Maitland approaching their fifties and their interests changing, it seemed like the perfect time to pass the baton.
Enter Rick Turner, a young entrepreneur from New York state looking to purchase an up-andcoming electronics business. One stipulation—the owners requested that the company stay in Venango County. Turner agreed.
By the mid-90s, Matric relocated to the Tippery Elementary School on Hill City Road in Seneca, with a newly renovated building and an additional 10,000 sq. ft of manufacturing space.
Since then, Turner has reinvested in the company with three more renovations, millions of dollars in equipment, and a second facility outside of Pittsburgh.
Not to mention that over the past 27 years, Matric and its employees have contributed close to $500,000 to the United Way of Venango County, along with supporting many other local non-profits.
In addition, Matric is a huge supporter of the educational system, in which they often donate equipment and participate in internships and co-ops.
So, would it matter if Matric wasn’t here? Absolutely.
What started as a side business has become a $60 million company and the potential for continued growth and success.
Congratulations to Matric on their 50th anniversary. Here’s to another 50 years!
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s December 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.