(November 18, 2006) — Ameritherm Inc. in Scottsville, which designs and manufactures induction heating systems, ranks 16th on this year's Rochester Top 100 list of the region's fastest-growing private companies.

President and chief executive Richard Rosenbloom of Brighton co-founded the company in 1986 with Stanley Zinn, a current board member.

Ameritherm employs 55 people in Scottsville and almost 100 worldwide.

Rosenbloom answered these questions Friday:

What does Ameritherm do?

We provide equipment, accessories and precision heating solutions used in manufacturing and research processes.

The key industries we serve are automotive, aerospace, dental and medical, electronics, cutting tools, fasteners and fiber optics.

Our equipment not only provides precision heat but does so with improved efficiency over traditional ovens and flame methods.

What is the market for induction heating systems?

Induction heating systems are used in manufacturing whenever you need to heat metal really hot, really fast. For example, a piece of steel can be heated to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit in 1.5 seconds.

This noncontact, clean, energy-efficient method of heating is used for such processes as brazing, soldering, heat treating, curing, shrink fitting and welding.

How much has your company grown?

In the last four years, we have more than doubled our revenues. This has been done through acquisitions and expansion into overseas markets.

We recently purchased the British company (Cheltenham Induction Heating) we had licensed our original technology from, and opened an office in France. We also have distributors in Japan, Russia, Poland, South Africa, India, Italy and Australia.

In addition to English, we have Web sites in seven languages: German, Korean, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.

Who are some of your customers?

Our manufacturing customers are well-represented in the Fortune 500. To name a few: Samsung, Honda, Phillips, Kodak, Corning, GE, Boeing, Delphi, Caterpillar, Bosch, Stanley Tool.

We also have systems in many research facilities and universities, including RIT.

Where can a consumer find your products?

The average consumer would not normally see our products. But your home, workshop and automobile are filled with products manufactured using our induction heating technology.

From the moment you get up in the morning to the time you reach your office, you will have used or seen many of these products. Toothpaste and shampoo tubes, razor blades, tamper-evident food and pharmaceutical plastic bottles, saw blades, tape measures, cutlery, electrical connectors, screws, bolts, car door handles, brake rotors, antennas, speakers and camshaft gears are only a few of the many products.

Do you plan to keep manufacturing in the Rochester region?

Yes, even though the cost of doing business in New York state is high. I feel that this is more than offset by the quality of our people. Here in Scottsville, we have a commitment to quality and meeting or exceeding our customers' expectations. We are dedicated to the Rochester community.

Where do you see the company in five years?

I see Ameritherm providing products that will touch the average consumer. Due to our heavy investment in research and development, I believe that the nature of our company could change significantly. We continue to push the envelope to bring this technology to a point where it can be incorporated into everyday products.

In fact, you may see induction heating-based products in your home and used by the average do-it-yourself person.

MCHAO@DemocratandChronicle.com