The RDI Group
Stephen Merkel is a skilled Laser Automation and Sales Engineer at The RDI Group, focusing on the development of a patented laser blanking system and supporting customer applications. Prior experience includes a role as a Design and Operations Engineer at HEAT Armor, LLC, where responsibilities encompassed sheet metal design, vibration control, vacuum form mold integration, and mechanism design. Earlier internships at Wal-Mart Supercenter and Meijer Supercenter provided experience in inventory management, while a consulting position at Merkel Tax focused on data management and technical support. Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University and an Indiana Academic Honors Diploma from Roncalli High School.
The RDI Group
The RDI Group operates four business units specializing in the design and manufacture of systems for the asphalt roofing, construction, telecommunications, power, metal coil processing industries, and medical industries. The machinery and manufacturing solutions designed, built and commissioned by Reichel & Drews, Chicago Slitter, RDI Laser Blanking Systems and RDI Enclosures & Systems have been helping customers improve productivity and profits since the early 1900s. To remain focused and best serve customers in these diverse markets, each business unit maintains dedicated product management, sales and marketing, engineering, customer service, field service, and research and development functions. The business units of The RDI Group share resources including facilities, operations and manufacturing staff and other corporate functions. This shared resource strategy allows the company to provide customers with the highest value and best technology available in each industry. By actively practicing teamwork with customers and suppliers, the men and women of The RDI Group are creating competitively superior products and solutions. The world headquarters, technical center and manufacturing operations for The RDI Group are housed in a 120,000 square foot (11,150 sq. meter) facility in Itasca, Illinois, just 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Chicago and minutes from O’Hare International Airport. Internationally, The RDI Group maintains offices in China, as well as supporting a strong network of agents and representatives worldwide.