Both Great Plains and Phoenix International are based in Fargo. It has 12 employees half with advanced degrees in chemistry who work with lasers, fluorescence spectroscopy, fiber optics and vapor detectors used to measure a wide range of things. Dakota Technologies also is involved in a project to monitor ballast exchange on ships. Zebra mussel, a small snail that fouls American lakes and streams, has entered the United States from Europe in the ballast water of ships. And the company is involved in developing instruments to detect chemical and biological warfare agents.
Some companies have a very narrow focus.
We re not tied to any one area, Gillispie said. In the past, the company has earned its keep primarily through government research contracts that it won through the Small Business Innovation Research and similar programs. Now, though, the company aims to broaden its base. Hire an experienced chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Expand its research and development funding for biomedical-related products.