ASI Instruments

ASI Instruments produces instruments for the biomedical and scientific research communities by using advanced design techniques and state-of- the-art facilities.

Located in Warren, Michigan, the firm’s 7,000 square foot facility contains advanced machining equipment for developing and manufacturing an expanding line of innovative and patented research instruments. These include wire machines, inspection instruments (e.g., inspections microscopes) and electronic fabrication instruments. The company is very strong in product development and execution on new ideas.  To date, the company’s price list contains some 200 products which are innovative designs that were conceived and produced internally.  They continue to strengthen their core competencies by trying to replenish their engineering and fabrication equipment base when time and capital permit.

ASI Instruments has patented several designs and technologies.  Its premier technology, the Rodent Brain Matrix, aids research in dissecting animal organs by firmly holding the organ in place.  For its annual meeting, the Society for Neuroscience uses a product category titled “Brains Matrices” – a name coined by ASI Instruments through the creation of the  Rodent Brain Matrix.  Furthermore, the Rodent Brain Matrix was used in experiments on board a space shuttle during a recent NASA mission.

ASI Instruments also manufactures an innovative line of Stereotaxic Instruments, Micromanipulators, Multi-Barrel pipettes, Pipette Pullers, and a Micro-drive System.  In addition many other patents cite the Rodent Brain Matrix and  Stereotaxic Instruments as discovery tools.

The company reached out the to Macomb Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC) in March, 2006 when Chris Chido, president and owner, first met with Bob Madigan, certified business consultant.  At that time the company was doing research and development work using grants from Georgetown University.  The project utilized a $1 million grant to develop an instrument that would allow researchers to work on animal cells in a controlled environment.

During this visit Chris asked if the SBTDC could help him with a business plan that would allow him to market his products to the biomedical and scientific research community.  After much discussion it was agreed the marketing effort would be the key to the company’s success.  His initial concept was to market his products through General Electric, Siemens and Varian, which are global distributors for this equipment in the world.

The SBTDC developed a business model for transitioning the company from a research  organization to manufacturing entity.  Bob recommended they get together in 90 days to review his progress and offer assistance where needed.

In 2008 Chris and Bob met to put the final touches on the business plan in which Chris had identified the products he wanted to bring to market.  He also wanted to stay with his original three distributors while adding Phillips and Bruckner of Germany.  Research indicated the market potential was $12 million. 

In early 2009 Bob and Chris met to complete the business plan.  After a number of meetings it was realized that it would take longer to come to market than originally planned. The industry is built on relationships and these will take time to develop.  This is especially true for the more sophisticated equipment that could cost as much as $100,000.  To reach this market we will have to develop a strategy that will educate the customer on the merits of these new innovations and how this equipment will enhance their research efforts.

In July 2009 the SBTDC developed a business plan.  The plan covers the following areas:  Start up costs and funding requirements; organization structure; staffing requirements; sales forecast for three years; income statements for three years; cash flow projections; implementation strategy.

The company plans to be up and running by the second quarter 2010.