An affinity for science and its potential applications drove Manhar Karsanbhai to pursue his Bachelor of Science at Colorado University in electrical engineering. After spending several years gaining experience in semi-conducting, storage, and research and development with companies from Colorado to California, Manhar decided it was time for a change. “It’s a big leap going from corporate America to jumping in to business ownership,” he said.
Nova Engineering was established in 1979 and Manhar took ownership of the company in 2013, the first business he’s ever owned. Being an established company, it came with its own set of unique challenges. As he began to realize his entrepreneurial dream, he drew upon previous experience to look for ways to improve the efficiency and flow of the business along with their manufacturing processes. By October of 2013, Nova Engineering began the process of earning ISO 9001:2001 certification that ensures certified companies comply with high quality processes, which would allow Nova to target larger companies to contract with. During this auditing process, Manhar began working with the North Metro Denver SBDC to streamline and add structure to their business processes. “Our consultant helped us through the ISO process, which was very challenging. We went from doing things ad hoc to very documented and standardized, which required a change in the company culture.”
Now that the company is ISO certified, they are working on building electronics that go in to medical equipment such as ultrasound probes for fetal monitoring, vascular products, infusion pumps and more. “It feels good to be part of a company that makes products that help with health needs, especially for a lower cost than many of the products that are out there.” Nova Engineering is proud to manufacture high quality products that are made in the United States and to provide skilled, well paying manufacturing jobs to the Colorado economy.
The challenges for Nova Engineering are never ending; their plan in working with the SBDC has shifted from their ISO certification to now developing leadership training for both management and employees, as well as implementing LEAN manufacturing processes. “Finding a skilled workforce and training existing employees on new technology are our next large challenges. Our growth will be ongoing.”
The future of Nova Engineering is bright, and owner Manhar says he’s, “Starting to see a little bit of light and everything is coming together. We are getting a better feel of how this business is run and how to improve.” In the near future, they are anticipating adding new equipment and working closer with original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) to better meet their needs as they build new products. “It all boils down to perseverance, patience and focus.”
