LTI Acquires UT Equipment Manufacturer

TAC Technical Instrument Corp. Joins LTI’s Team

Laboratory Testing Inc. (LTI) has purchased TAC Technical Instrument Corp. (TACTIC) of Trenton, New Jersey. TACTIC has been in the ultrasonic inspection business since 1962, developing and selling a product line of immersion ultrasonic inspection systems and accessories, providing parts, repairs and training and performing independent ultrasonic testing (UT) services. The majority of TACTIC’s standard products are designed to inspect cylindrical materials, such as tube, pipe, bar and billet, however, the company has also provided UT equipment to inspect hexagonal and square billet.

Laboratory Testing currently runs seven TACTIC immersion UT inspection systems under one roof on two work shifts and is one of the company’s largest customers. The systems provide high speed inspection of round materials to locate internal and external defects and inconsistencies in the wall thickness of tubular products. Ultrasonic testing is classified as a nondestructive test (NDT) method because it does not damage the tested materials.

“TACTIC is a perfect fit for our growing business and our companies have a long history together”, said Mike McVaugh, LTI president and CEO. “LTI was started as a nondestructive testing lab in 1984 and we have been using TACTIC equipment to perform ultrasonic testing since the beginning. They were the leader in the industry back then and still are.”

TACTIC will stay at its current location and will operate as a subsidiary of LTI. The company’s president, Fred Beck, and the other employees will remain in their positions. Quoting and sales of all products and services will continue to be handled by the New Jersey facility, with the exception of ultrasonic testing services, which will be consolidated into LTI’s NDT Department.

The combination of LTI’s long-term experience performing ultrasonic testing and working with the TACTIC equipment makes the companies an ideal match for this acquisition. The leadership team at LTI is anticipating enhancements to equipment and services through a combined effort of the two companies, including new technology, more automation and advanced reporting.

For pricing on TACTIC products and services, contact tactictest@aol.com or call (609) 882-2894.

Both companies are family-run businesses, with second-generation ownership. LTI was started by Robert W. McVaugh, Sr. in 1984 and ownership was transferred to some of his children following his death in 1994. Two of his children are still involved with the company and three of their children are employed by LTI. Kenneth H. Beck and William I. Shepley were the founders of TACTIC in 1962. Beck’s son Fred was employed by the company for 38 years and held the position of president for the last 20 years. He will stay with TACTIC and LTI for at least three years to ensure a smooth transition.

This is the second acquisition for LTI in just over a year. In June 2017, LTI acquired Fracture Technology Associates (FTA) of Bethlehem, PA. The company developed fracture mechanics software, sold test systems and performed fracture mechanics testing. The company’s founder, Keith Donald, retired and left the business. FTA’s products and services are now sold through Laboratory Testing.