EWI is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Gardner as the Director of EWI Colorado, an applied research center in Loveland, Colorado. Gardner will lead EWI’s newest facility dedicated to establishing best-in-class technical capabilities in advanced quality measurement technologies.
Gardner will also serve as the key spokesperson for EWI Colorado with responsibilities including business development, client relations, government and community relations, operations, and contracts.
“EWI is thrilled to have such an experienced industry leader to help position EWI Colorado as a national and global leader,” said Chris Conrardy, EWI VP of Strategic Initiatives and Chief Technology Officer. “With Rick Gardner’s proven track record of building start ups and strong ties to the Rocky Mountain manufacturing region, he is a perfect choice for this vital role.”
A Colorado native, Gardner has more than 20 years of industry experience with both start-ups and existing companies building high performing teams to meet business objectives. He has managed organizations in the development of Electronic Manufacturing Test Systems, Software/Firmware Systems, Robotic Systems, Optical Imaging Systems, Rocket & Spacecraft Propulsion Systems, and automated key duplication systems.
“I am honored to be joining such a passionate and talented team, and very excited about bringing EWI’s services right to the Rockies with the Loveland expansion,” said Gardner. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of something so important and beneficial.”
EWI Colorado is the third location in EWI’s network of technology innovation centers, which includes EWI in Columbus, OH, and Buffalo Manufacturing Works in Western New York. The facility is located at the Rocky Mountain Center for Innovation & Technology in Loveland. It focuses on technologies to improve first-time quality and help manufacturers gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.