After a successful 36-year career in the defense industry, which culminated in the growth of a strategic business unit inside General Dynamics, with 600% growth over a 10-year period, Dr. Dean Bartles decided he wanted to give back to the manufacturing industry. He left the company for a not-for-profit startup and in 2020, founded Manufacturing Technology Development Group (MTDG).
MTDG was formed to help small-to-medium manufacturers transform advanced manufacturing by driving innovation and accelerating growth. Bartles has made it a priority to help businesses retool their operations with the help of the latest advanced manufacturing technologies, helping companies regain their competitive edge over other companies in the global manufacturing industry.
Under Bartles’ guidance, the firm has developed a solution for high-level encryption with secure blockchain technology to keep their data safe and secure. Through its subsidiary AMI, the firm is also helping community colleges secure state funding to build out their manufacturing technology labs.
“Technology is rapidly changing, and with it, so must companies in the manufacturing sector,” said Bartles’ staff. “Dr. Dean Bartles has repeatedly demonstrated he knows how to address the issues facing small-to-medium companies, and the advanced manufacturing industry as a whole, and vows to keep doing so for the foreseeable future.”
Within the industry, Bartles has served on the board of directors of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining for 10+ years. He has been awarded the Victor Lindner development award, the William E. Warner professional practice award, the industry innovation award, named to the National Small Business Association leadership council, and served as the chair of the Florida Statewide Engineering Technology Industry Advisory Board.
Out of all the accolades, Bartles is most proud of the M. Eugene Merchant Manufacturing Medal of ASME/SME, as he feels his father, who was responsible for introducing Bartles into the field of manufacturing, would have been most proud of this significant recognition by his peers.
“With my extensive experience and leadership roles in various organizations, I have developed a unique talent for driving technological advancements and fostering innovation,” said Bartles. “My deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, combined with my strategic vision, allows me to effectively navigate complex challenges and spearhead initiatives that push the boundaries of the industry.”
When mentoring young entrepreneurs looking to enter the manufacturing space, Bartles offers the following advice: “Research current and emerging technologies to determine which ones should be explored for adoption and which ones should be put aside to watch,” he said. “There are so many choices out there and not all of them are worth adopting.”
