Since its 2005 founding, Phoenix, a Madison-based company specializing in nuclear technology, has reached a number of milestones.
But the recent advancements, including the realization of neutron radiography, have brought unprecedented growth to a company that is about to expand its physical footprint in the Madison metro area.
The neutron imaging radiography (or n-rays) follows the same principles as traditional x-ray technology. But the neutron imaging goes a step higher than x-rays by penetrating through thick materials. Phoenix's technology can be used to test missiles for defects and detect explosive devices.
The innovative advancements within the company has caught the attention of a U.S. government agency. In the past year, Phoenix has landed two U.S. Army contracts as it continues bolstering its use of n-rays and other facets of nuclear technology.
Phoenix, which raised $12 million in financing in 2017, is entering a time of unprecedented growth, according to Phoenix President Evan Sengbusch.
“We’ve experienced 100-percent growth the last four years,” Sengbusch said. “We expect that to continue into 2019. It will be an exciting but challenging year.”
A physical sign of Phoenix’s growth is the construction of the company’s new 10,000-square-foot Neutron Imaging Center, which began in November in the Madison suburb of Fitchburg.
The new state-of-the-art facility is set to open later this year within a 10-acre plot of land in Fitchburg. Sengbusch and other company representatives said the site will serve as the first non-reactor facility to offer neutron imaging services.
“This has been in the works since 2017,” Sengbusch aid. “It was just an idea at first. There was a fair amount of planning before we pulled the trigger. Construction is in progress. We’re getting excited to have it up and running.”
Once fully operational, the center will host a number of the company’s critical functions, including neutron activation analysis, radiation effects testing and, of course, the n-ray imaging. Also in the mix will be standard x-ray imaging services.
The development of the Neutron Imaging Center is phase 1 of 2 for Phoenix, Sengbusch said. The company also plans to devote a portion of the 10-acre Fitchburg site to its new company headquarters.
“We’ll begin working on (the corporate headquarters) in late 2019,” Sengbusch said. “We hope to occupy it in mid-2020.”
Local organizations in the Madison area have lauded Phoenix’s economic investment and ongoing commitment to the region.
Local government and agencies such as the Madison Region Economic Partnership assisted Phoenix in selecting the new site.
“Phoenix’s commitment to continue to grow their business in Fitchburg represents another step forward for the Madison region as a Midwestern biotech hub,” Paul Jadin, president of the partnership, said in a statement.
