An Arizona-based technology company, Swift Coat, has been named the state's Small Manufacturer of the Year for developing an innovative coating that significantly improves the performance of components in the aerospace and semiconductor industries. The company, which originated as a spinout from Arizona State University, is addressing critical supply chain issues in the rapidly expanding space economy.
The proprietary technology increases the power output of satellite solar panels by 4%, a development that could lower launch costs and accelerate domestic production for national defense and commercial space missions.
Key Takeaways
- Swift Coat was named Arizona’s Small Manufacturer of the Year for its advanced coating technology.
- The company's product can increase satellite solar panel efficiency by 4 percent.
- An Arizona State University spinout, the firm has secured over $4 million in contracts in the last year.
- Swift Coat is expanding into a 16,000-square-foot facility and plans to double its workforce within six months.
Addressing a High-Stakes Supply Chain Challenge
The number of active satellites orbiting Earth currently stands at approximately 14,000, with projections showing this figure could surge to over 65,000 by 2030. This explosive growth has put immense pressure on a historically slow and specialized supply chain.
Long production lead times for essential components have created bottlenecks, threatening to delay critical missions for both government and commercial entities. Swift Coat is directly tackling this problem with its unique manufacturing process.
Over the past 18 months, the company has refined its core technology, known as Aerosol Impact Driven Assembly, to produce advanced coatings domestically. This innovation helps strengthen the U.S. supply chain for vital industries including aerospace, solar, and semiconductors.
By the Numbers
- 65,000+: Expected number of active satellites in orbit by 2030.
- 4%: The power boost its coating provides to satellite solar panels.
- $4 Million: Value of contracts secured by Swift Coat in the past 12 months.
- 16,000 sq. ft.: Size of the company's new manufacturing facility in Phoenix.
Industry Recognition and Proven Performance
The company's progress has not gone unnoticed. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council jointly recognized Swift Coat's contributions with the prestigious award. The council celebrated the company for its cutting-edge technology that makes products more durable and energy-efficient.
“Swift Coat is exactly the kind of company we love to highlight,” stated Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council. “It’s homegrown, innovative and solving real-world challenges in smart, practical ways.”
Appelbe added that the award recognizes companies creating quality jobs and contributing to the state's economic growth. Swift Coat was honored alongside other major Arizona manufacturers like Axon and Four Peaks Brewing Company at an awards ceremony on October 28.
A Partnership Forged in Academia
Swift Coat’s success story is deeply intertwined with its academic roots at Arizona State University. The company began its journey at ASU’s MacroTechnology Works, a semiconductor fabrication facility that provides a crucial bridge between research and commercial application.
“It is emblematic of the ecosystem we’re building,” said Zachary Holman, vice dean for research and innovation in ASU's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and a co-founder of Swift Coat. “We’re proud to see companies that have gotten started at ASU earning recognition for advancing high-tech manufacturing and strengthening Arizona’s economy.”
From University Lab to Industry Leader
University spinouts like Swift Coat play a vital role in translating academic research into real-world commercial products. By leveraging university resources, mentorship, and talent pipelines, these startups can accelerate their growth and tackle complex industrial challenges, boosting regional economies in the process.
Peter Firth, the company's CEO and an ASU alumnus, credits the university for its foundational support.
“ASU provided mentorship and access to resources in the company’s early days to help us bridge the gap between academia and industry,” Firth explained. “Today we continue to partner with the university on projects in order to leverage their world-class facilities, faculty, and students.”
This ongoing collaboration also provides tangible benefits for current students. Several engineering students have gained hands-on experience through internships, and the company has already hired three ASU graduates, with plans for more hires in the near future.
Scaling Up for a National Impact
To meet the surging demand from the aerospace and semiconductor sectors, Swift Coat has expanded its operations significantly. The company recently moved into a 16,000-square-foot building in north Phoenix, an upgrade essential for its ambitious growth plans.
The company is now focused on building out its manufacturing capacity to a level that can support the entire U.S. satellite market. This involves a multi-million-dollar investment in new equipment and a plan to double its staff over the next six months.
Looking ahead, Firth remains focused on growth and innovation, seeing the recent award as a milestone on a longer journey.
“With support from ASU, the Arizona’s Manufacturing Council, and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, we hope one day we’ll be considered for the council’s medium and large manufacturer of the year awards,” he said.