Summit Worx
John Ledbetter seized the opportunity to start his own business, expand the business, and then pivot the operations plan to meet the needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After working at ITT-Exelis in Charleston for 9 years, Ledbetter saw the opportunity to embark on an entrepreneurial venture. ITT-Exelis was a large, top 10 defense contractor. However, given the business economic situation in 2012, the future of ITT-Exelis was uncertain. In 2013, Ledbetter approached the ITT-Exelis leadership about transferring these specific operations to a standalone small business entity and was able to transition the Charleston business operations to start Summit Worx, headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
Summit Worx offers technical engineering services and rapid production capabilities to meet urgent mission critical situations. Ledbetter has grown the company by expanding into the medical device markets and alternative renewable energy services. Summit Worx is able to pursue commercial business opportunities and defense, federal, state/local government contracts.
During the summer of 2020, Summit Worx worked with a prime defense contractor to complete a major production contract supporting the COVID-19 global pandemic. Ledbetter, CEO, of Summit Worx, said they made respirators and shipped them all over the country. In order to fulfill the contract, he had to make changes to his production lines and factory including adding assembly workbenches, soldering stations, wiring harnesses centers, and quality control inspection machines. His workforce also grew to 250 employees during the summer. The contract lasted six months. To view the respirators, click here https://www.adg.com/flexair-papr-system/ Recently, Summit Worx has begun work on a new PPE project.
Ledbetter said the assistance he received from Business Consultant Tom Lauria and the SC SBDC was valuable to the success of Summit Worx. Lauria introduced Ledbetter to potential funding sources and advised him on manufacturing and expansion plans.
“Mr. Tom Lauria has provided numerous initial phase business contacts that are in need of comprehensive engineering and production expertise. Additionally, Mr. Lauria’s office has provided funding options to assist in financing the exponential growth of Summit Worx operations.”