Our History
Matrix Technologies Inc. was founded in 1980 and initially focused on process and instrumentation projects for various industries. As the 1980s progressed, the firm recognized the growing demand for automation in the manufacturing industry and pivoted its focus towards industrial automation.
Through strategic partnerships and technological advancements, Matrix became a leading provider of automation solutions for various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, biotech, mining, metals, and consumer goods. As the firm's expertise grew in automation that opened other opportunities to invest in and grow the core engineering services so that it could serve a wider array of client needs.
As a result of these expanded capabilities and more demand from the client base through the 2000s, Matrix expanded its services to include Engineer Procure Construct (EPC) projects, which involved designing, procuring, and constructing large-scale industrial facilities.
Today, Matrix continues to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of the industrial landscape. Its services have expanded to include capital project planning, machine safety, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and sustainability initiatives, while still maintaining its core competencies in engineering, automation, and EPC projects.
Through the entire history of Matrix, the goal of the founding members, and the continuing ownership today is to provide opportunities for advancement and expanded employee ownership. Today, Matrix has had four separate CEOs, and has over 40 shareholders, with more added each year. We strive to create an environment where employees can both start and finish their careers, with ample opportunities to expand their knowledge and expertise along the way.
1980
Matrix Technologies, Inc. was founded by six professional engineers in Toledo, Ohio in 1980. Their goal: Become a comprehensive, multidiscipline engineering resource for industrial manufacturers in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
1985
As automation transformed the manufacturing process, Matrix expanded its capabilities to include automation systems such as DCS and PLC. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, automation projects were the largest portion of the company’s business.
1992
In 1992, Matrix designed and built a new headquarters building in Maumee, Ohio near Toledo. In 1995 as growth continued, Matrix opened its first regional office in Indianapolis and in 1997, acquired a regional competitor.
1994
In 1994, Matrix helped found the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA), an organization formed to help independent system integrators run their businesses to a professional standard.
1997
Matrix earned its first ISO certification in 1997. The company has been continuously ISO-certified in our Maumee and Indianapolis offices ever since.
1998
In 1998, Matrix purchased another company with extensive capabilities in process design, product development, and software solutions. A year later, the company expanded its headquarters building.
2000
In 2000, Matrix became one of the first system integrators to be certified by the Control Systems Integrators Association (CSIA).
2005
In 2005, Matrix opened a Denver, Colorado office to serve customers in the Rocky Mountain region and on the West coast. The Denver office grew to dozens of employees and has since expanded and relocated to larger offices two times.
2008
Matrix has earned many professional accolades and won dozens of awards for system integration and engineering excellence. Matrix was inducted into the System Integrator Hall of Fame in 2009 and is the only three-time winner of the System Integrator of the Year Award from Control Engineering magazine (2008, 2012, and 2016).
2011
As the company’s customer base increased to hundreds of industrial manufacturers in many industries and locations throughout North America, Matrix opened new offices in Kansas City, and Minneapolis.
2018
Matrix is now a Machine Safety Partner for Rockwell Automation.
2018
Matrix earned its first ISO certification in 1997 and has continuously retained this status. Currently, Matrix is certified ISO compliant by AQC – Absolute Quality Consulting.
2020
Matrix Opens Location in Atlanta, GA The location will provide Multi-discipline Engineering, Automation, and Information Engineering services to customers in the surrounding region.
2021
On April 21, 2021 Dave Blaida joined over 2,000 organizations in signing the CEO Action Pledge.
2022
Matrix has record revenues as the strategic planning process is fully implemented.
2024
Matrix announced it has established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
2025
Matrix Technologies Named 2025 System Integrator of the Year – Five-Time Winner!
