Kristin McLane and her father started CIMx 13 years ago with three others. In 2006, she assumed the role of president and this year became majority shareholder and owner, making CIMx one of the few women-owned businesses in the aerospace and defense industries.
CIMx has created a sophisticated suite of software for aerospace and defense manufacturers that essentially acts as an electronic shop floor foreman and paperless information center. The software adds labor, quality and job status information to its enterprise resource planning capabilities. Its data collection features also provide information needed for audits, compliance reviews and product genealogy reports. Its software is configurable by its customers, and it can be upgraded to fit in to the client's system without additional consulting services. As an out-of-the box product, it can be delivered and implemented in 90 days or less, meaning the return on investment is quicker. CIMx customers include Boeing, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, BAE Systems and Bell Helicopter.
The firm prides itself on a culture of openness and employees are encouraged to own what they contribute. "I encourage all of our employees to take an active role in leadership," McLane says.
CIMx experienced 16 percent growth in revenue growth in 2007 and expects 25 percent growth this year.