Concurrent Technologies Corp. employees might be experiencing dizziness with the whirlwind of activity swirling around the suburban Johnstown complex.
In a short period, its longtime chief executive, Dan DeVos, has begun a well-deserved retirement. Another veteran company official, Ed Sheehan, has taken over as president and CEO. And just last week, the Richland Township defense contractor announced two work agreements totaling a whopping $246 million.
Did someone mention a recession?
Once again, our hats are off to CTC and its entire work force. The company has been a huge player for two decades in our region’s economy. We couldn’t be prouder.
Causing a welcome buzz in these parts last week was the announcement of two contracts:
* A Seaport-e Task Order from the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center with an estimated value of $236 million over five years.
* A deal worth $10 million involving work with the Navy’s helicopter operations.
In addressing the larger contract, Sheehan said, “I am very proud that CTC received this task order. This accomplishment is the result of CTC’s technical expertise, our continued high performance in critical technical areas, as well as the hard work and dedication of many employees.”
We’re told CTC collaborated with 16 subcontractors in pursuit of the deal, including MTS Technologies, which has offices in Johnstown. It’s this kind of teamwork that has drawn national attention to our region as a big-time player in the defense industry.
It’s also a prime example of how the company has parlayed U.S. Rep. John Murtha’s earlier assistance and guidance in defense matters to become a basically independent broker of lucrative deals.
The contract allows CTC to sustain 30 jobs and could result in the company’s adding up to 40 employees.
That’s obviously wonderful news.
It’s also a great start for what many expect will be a dynamic Sheehan era at CTC. Sheehan, a 15-year employee, has worked closely and has often been seen publicly with DeVos.
We wish Sheehan and CTC a smooth transition in leadership. Obviously, last week’s nearly quarter-billion-dollar contract announcement is an excellent beginning.
CTC today employs more than 1,400 people at 50 offices. Much of that success can be traced to DeVos, who we wish well in his retirement. He said it will give him more time to be with his family and to pursue his hobbies.
We also hope and expect that he will continue to be a part of organizations such as JARI and events such as the Showcase for Commerce, both of which have long benefited from his valuable expertise and work ethic.
