Contemporary computer lore says there are two types of computer users: those who have lost data because of a power problems, and those who are going to. American Power Conversion, located in West Kingston, R.I., has created a new class: those who recognize the need for power protection.
APC's major products include Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) systems (backup power supplies), surge suppressors, and accompanying software which provide pure power to computers, engineering work stations, phone systems, file servers, and internet equipment. In the event of a power loss, APC products maintain a safe power supply, protecting equipment and preventing data loss.
APC says its 94 products offer peace of mind to computer users, from the student working on a term paper to customers including AT&T, CVS, and Raytheon.
In 1981 three engineers from the Alternative Energy Program at M.I.T. came together in Billerica, Mass., to start a business that would solve problems in the alternative energy field. At a time when oil prices were expected to skyrocket, Neil Rasmussen, Emanuel Landsman, and Ervin Lyon planned to produce solar products. However, falling oil prices rerouted the plan.
With the help of a Research and Design Partnership, the founders created their first UPS (a 750) that led the team to design smaller models. And in 1984, the 300 PC aimed at protecting the IBM PC was born. The company's fledgling steps were marked by frugality, determination, and commitment, qualities still continue to guide the company.
Chairman, President, and CEO Rodger Dowdell, Jr. joined APC in 1985, initially as a consultant. He led the company from underdog status competing with larger companies to top dog in the UPS market. "APC had no right to survive," Dowdell said. "As a company, our biggest accomplishment has been that we did survive and now lead an industry that thought the odds for us to make it were too big."
APC achieved number one spots in the United States in 1990 for the 0-2KVA range size of UPSes, in 1991 for the 0-2KVA range, and in 1994 for as the largest UPS manufacturer in the world for number of units shipped. In 1994, earnings were up 47 percent over the previous year.
"When looking at the success APC has had, it's like winning the Super Bowl five years in a row," Dowdell said.
APC has won more than 55 independent trade awards for product performance and reliability, triple that won by all other UPS vendors combined. Forbes named APC one of the "Best Small Companies" in 1994. In 1995, it was number two on Financial World's list of the best small companies in America.
The manufacturing and corporate offices are housed in a 170,000-square foot facility in West Kingston. Other sites include manufacturing facilities located in Galway, Ireland, Cranston, R.I. and Fort Meyers, Fla.; research & development facilities in Billerica, Mass.; and the European corporate headquarters in Paris, France. Additional sales offices are located throughout the world.
As technology advances, so will the opportunities for APC. Dowdell said that by continuing to excel and outperform competitors through research and development, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and repeat business, APC will grow dramatically and continue to dominate the largely unserved market.
"In the process, we hope to make power protection as pervasive in the years ahead as PCs and networks are today," Dowdell said.
In 1994, the market saw five new products and product lines, as well as numerous advancements to existing products. APC continues to win more industry awards than all other vendors combined.
