From a garage to outer space: Indium Corporation celebrates its 90th anniversary

Indium Corporation, a global leader in materials science founded and headquartered in the Mohawk Valley, celebrated its 90th anniversary recently, with an event co-hosted with the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce.

Indium’s products, especially its soldering solutions, are found in consumer technologies such as electric vehicles and life-saving medical devices, officials said.

Curious what your smartphone is made of? Indium CEO Greg Evens assured that indium, along with 30 other metals, plays a role. He said the element symbolizes the brand’s essence given it's "malleable and strong."

“Our 90th anniversary is a significant milestone, made possible by the dedication of our team, the trust of our customers, and the continuing support of our global partners,” Evans said. “It is a moment to acknowledge our accomplishments but also a time to set our sights on a future enriched by the advancements in materials science on which we work every day.”

Utica Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kari Puleo praised Indium for the impact the company has had on the region.

“Indium Corporation's unwavering commitment to excellence not only showcases their remarkable journey but also underscores their significant economic impact on our region,” Puleo said in a statement. “As a cornerstone of the Mohawk Valley's business landscape, their presence has fostered job creation, spurred innovation, and contributed to the vibrancy of our local economy. We look forward to the next 90 years of success, ‘The Indium Way’."

From a garage to outer space

Indium Corporation was founded in 1934 in Dr. William S. Murray’s garage in Utica.

Today, the company has become a premier materials refiner, smelter, manufacturer, and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal management markets with five local facilities in Utica, Clinton, Rome and New Hartford, in addition to facilities in China, Germany, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

“We approach material science from a different perspective,” said Evans. “Our industry-leading scientists, engineers and manufacturers continue to deliver award-winning products to critical industries. Our customers are supported by the power of our experience, combining world class technical support and industry thought leadership. This is represented in our motto: from one engineer to another.”

Evans went on to highlight the company’s growth, including investing in 16 global headquarters and expanding operations to outer space. In the 1980’s Indium's team of chemical engineers manufactured new materials and processes, including electroplating and alloys, that helped return rocks to Earth, he said.

Puleo reiterated the company’s trajectory, from humble beginnings to becoming a global leader in electronic materials assembly solutions. “Indium has contributed not only to technological advancements but also to the fabric of our local community,” she said.

'At the heat of Indium is its people'

Evans referred to his colleagues as operators, scientists, financial experts, engineers as well as mothers, fathers, sons and daughters each “gifted with a spirit of innovation.”

“At the heart of Indium is its people, they are behind every achievement and breakthrough. In our Mohawk Valley sites alone more than 1,000 of our 1,400 exceptional employees walk through the door each morning eager to take on new challenges," Evans said.

Dr. Yan Liu, a key member of the research and development team, has become the go-to person for problem-solving and product development, Evans said.

Yan Liu joined the company in 2001 as a research chemist. She was promoted to manager of the R&D Flux Group in 2018 and took on additional responsibilities for managing the Suzhou team and laboratory in 2021.

Local impact

Through STEM partnerships with schools, universities, and community organizations, Indium Corporation impacts the lives of more than 5,000 students annually.

Associate Vice President of Human Resources Dawn Roller noted that upon inception in 2012, the company’s college internship has launched STEM careers for over 100 students.

“Just as we believe that materials science changes the world, we believe that today’s students will build our future successes," Roller said. "To that end, we are committed to bolstering community educational resources, especially those that advance the promise and vitally important work being done in STEM fields.”

Indium also recently launched its apprenticeship program, which offers assistance to support employees pursuing degree programs and works with military veterans to make successful transitions to private sector careers, officials said.

Evans noted how Indium’s commitment extends beyond its facilities' walls. “Through our charitable foundation and ongoing initiatives we proudly support a multitude of organizations from local food banks or housing shelters, to healthcare initiatives,” he said.

Indium supports the American Red Cross, ICAN, Greatest Heart Run & Walk, Stuff the Bus, United Way, and many veteran organizations. The Indium Corporation & Macartney Family Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports primary needs including food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

Looking ahead

Evans and Corporate Associate Vice President Rick Short have a combined 90-years-worth of experience at the company.

“As we commemorate 90 years of operations, we take pride in our strong Mohawk Valley roots,” Evans said. “Beyond business success, we remain committed to supporting our local communities, empowering our workforce, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries.”

Short said while the company recognizes the challenges ahead – from electric vehicles to high-performance computing – the team remains excited to pursue the opportunities of tomorrow.

“We are preparing for these hurdles by investing in new facilities, advanced technology, sophisticated tools, and above all else our people," Short said. "True to Dr. Murray's enduring legacy, and our rich history of curiosity, we are committed to leading the next era of material science innovation. We believe that material science changes the world and we are proud to play a role in shaping the future.

Evans agreed, noting Steve Jobs' expression that “innovation distinguishes a leader from a follower.” “Together we’ll continue to lead the way forward,” he guaranteed.

Public praise

Dignitaries, lining the entire front rows of the event, offered forth praise.

State Senator Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, recognized Indium as a trailblazer in material science innovation.

“Material science can change the world but it can also change governments," Griffo said. "For the first time the Assembly and Senate have agreed on something in Albany. Passed unanimously on behalf of the New York State Legislature we want to commend and congratulate Indium on its 90th anniversary. Thank you for the significant investments you’ve made, and continue to make, to our global community.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Indium Corporation celebrates its 90th anniversary