Automation Engineering Corporation (AEC) provides mechanical and electrical engineering and design for factory automation systems. AEC produces custom fabricated machinery and systems. AEC also provides complete electrical/mechanical installation and start-up. AEC emphasizes integrity, teamwork, technical expertise, and perseverance in their work and relationships. AEC was the 2005 recipient of the “Salute to Manufacturing’s Silver Crescent Award” recognizing outstanding manufacturers in South Carolina based upon economic impact, commitment to workforce, and involvement and contributions to their communities. Steady growth, progressive leadership, aggressive use of the latest technology, continuous improvement, and innovation has made it possible for AEC to grow from a staff of 35 people to 65 in the last three years. AEC's staff includes twenty-six engineers with degrees in electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physical chemistry, physics, and computer science. Three are Registered Professional Engineers, and two have advanced engineering degrees. AEC's staff includes a full-time office manager, purchasing manager, quality manager, shop manager, and sales manager. AEC's shop has a full-time staff of 21 skilled machinists, fabricators, and electricians. AEC's quality management system is registered to ISO 9001-2000 for design and manufacturing operations. AEC was founded in 1981 in Gaffney, South Carolina then relocated to Greer, South Carolina in 1988. AEC currently occupies a 10,000 ft2 design office and a 45,000 ft2 fabrication shop located off Pelham Road in Greenville, SC. AEC is employee owned. Their primary market area is the southeastern United States. AEC has executed projects requiring design, installation, and start-up across the USA and Canada. AEC has also executed projects in England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and Romania.