Laser-Precision Vision
Alumnus' business model has far-reaching impact
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
Drew Greenblatt '88 (far right) does the honors at a Jan. 12 ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating his company's latest acquisition.
In his recent State of the Union address, President Barak Obama declared that to invigorate the national economy—and safeguard the American dream—U.S. companies must create American jobs and boost national exports. Global manufacturer Drew Greenblatt ’88 certainly is doing his part on that score.
A former history and political-science major, Greenblatt is president of Marlin Steel Wire Products LLC, a small, Baltimore-based company that exports goods to 35 countries and is quickly becoming recognized by national leaders as one of the fastest growing inner-city companies in America.
Greenblatt presented his views on American manufacturing to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business last spring, and on Jan. 11, he took part in a White House conference on American job creation. The next day, he joined approximately 100 guests at a high-profile ceremony to celebrate his company’s latest leap forward.
Laser focus
At the Jan. 12 ribbon-cutting, Greenblatt commemorated his company’s purchase of a state-of-the-art, U.S.-made precision laser, which will be used to fashion parts for a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and equipment for the National Security Agency. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, U.S. Congressman C.A. “Dutch” Ruppersberger, U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes and Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake were among the high-profile guests who attended.
The laser is a far cry from the outmoded machinery Greenblatt reportedly inherited when he purchased Marlin Steel Wire 12 years ago. In the time since, Greenblatt relocated operations, updated equipment and hired highly skilled technicians to operate a high-tech, robotic fleet that creates cutting-edge steel products and electrical equipment for clients such as Toyota and Boeing.
“I fully expect that this new laser cutter, in conjunction with the 20-ton sheet metal punch press and 138 ton press brake we recently purchased, will give us metal fabrication capabilities unmatched in the nation,” Greenblatt said.
Published January 25, 2012