Traffic plays a role in integrator's D.C. expansion

FREDERICK, Md.--Systems integrator InterTech Security has strategically positioned itself to better serve the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore markets with the recent relocation of its Gaithersburg, Md., office. Though the move was short--only 20 miles separates the company's new office here from its former one--it provides the integrator with better access to heavily traveled I-70 and sets the company up for future expansion. "The position of this office in Frederick is creating a little distance between where we'd like to put our next office in Northern Virginia," said Chris Wetzel, cofounder and chief operating office of Cranberry, Pa.-based InterTech Security, about the company's late August move. At 5,000 square feet, the new office also provides twice as much room for the systems integrator and the ability to expand the 14-person location at a later date. Since its inception nearly five years ago, InterTech Security has set its sights on expanding into new markets. Its first office outside the company's home state of Pennsylvania opened three years ago in Gaithersburg, Md. The integrator added another location in Morgantown, W.V., less than one year ago. All these new locations have contributed to the company's bottom line. This year the 56-employee company expects to reach $9 million in business. Much of its work is equally split between installing access control and surveillance systems. Wetzel said 20 percent of the company's revenues currently come from customers served by its Frederick office. But within three years he anticipates contracts from customers in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore to surpass the $6 million a year generated from its Pittsburgh-area customers. When it comes to increasing government-related work, the systems integrator is already off to a good start. It recently installed an intrusion system for Maryland National Guard's 26 armories. Within a year, Bill Zaycer, regional manager for InterTech Security, expects the company to serve the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore area from three locations, not just one. "Our goal is to open a facility in Northern Virginia and Baltimore in the next 12 to 18 months as we continue to grow," said Zaycer.