From Calumet to outer space, REL Inc. on the cutting edge

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CALUMET - Robert Loukus, along with his son Josh Loukus, started Calumet-based REL Inc. in 1990 with only an engine lathe and a knee mill.

The advanced material products and automated manufacturing processes company has come a long way in nearly 20 years.

In 2000, Josh earned his doctorate degree from Michigan Technological University and the company moved to the Calumet Industrial Park. In 2004, fellow Ph.D. graduate Adam Loukus joined on as the vice president of REL and head of research and development.

The move to the Calumet Industrial Park gave them 10,000 square feet of manufacturing space, allowing them to purchase some of the most sophisticated and high-tech equipment available.

"We're on the cutting edge in a lot of areas, even in the processes we use to manufacture these parts," Robert said.

This advancement has caught the interest of a lot of companies. Some of the bigger jobs include after-market parts for Harley-Davidson and work done for NASA.

The work for NASA included a repair kit that can withstand the temperatures of re-entry into the atmosphere. REL had to meet a tough deadline for that project, but was able to complete it and help NASA continue their projects.

"Without that kit, the program would have been set back," Loukus said.

They are also hard at work on brake rotors for motorcycles, something they've been able to do with their own blend of materials to make a ceramic composite that weighs two-thirds the weight of the same rotors in steel.

"We're definitely pioneers in the light weight for automotive parts and motorcycles," Robert said. "We're also looking at renewable resources and manufacturing process to make sure they're clean and green."

The modern technology, along with their efforts to remain a responsible company, is a thing of hope for the company.

"Once the economy turns we'll be a part of that up-shoot," he said.

Currently they have 25 employees, but with a few large projects potentially on the docket, who knows how large they can become.

For more information on REL, visit their Web site at relinc.net.

Michael H. Babcock can be reached at mbabcock@mininggazette.com.