Robert Walters, president of Pro-Solutions, Inc. and CEO of Innovations Plus, LLC, holds a prototype of the Integral Suppressed Weapon Barrel.
In February 2007, Pro-Solutions graduated from the University of Nebraska Technology Park leaving with new ways to build its business.
“When we entered the Tech Park, we were an engineering and design services business,” said Robert Walters, president of Pro-Solutions, Inc. “We continue to do this, but we are pursuing new opportunities.”
Innovations Plus, Pro-Solution’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) company, was born at the Technology Park. SBIR is a competitive government program that works with the nation’s small, technologically advanced businesses to develop federal products. Federal grants are given to these businesses to create the manufactured goods. Once the product matures and is used within the government, the business is free to sell their product commercially.
“It is a long, completive process, but it is an awesome program,” Walters said. “Businesses in manufacturing don’t often think about working for the government.”
Innovations Plus is currently seeking Phase II follow up funding for their integral suppressed weapon barrel. The barrel is made with carbon fiber instead of conventional all steel construction. The carbon fiber allows thermal stability, increased barrel life, improved accuracy and is light in weight.
The ability to withstand high temperatures allows the barrel to last longer, and harmonic dampening improves the accuracy of the weapon. Less heavy steel provides a lightweight gun.
Soldiers at Fort Carson in Fort Carson, Colorado, were able to test the barrel. Walters described the experience as rewarding, satisfying and energizing.
“It was great to see war fighters shooting our technology,” he said.
Walters never dreamed as a young man that he would be working with guns for a living. It’s a dream job, he said, but owning your own business has its ups and downs.
The University of Nebraska Technology Park provided Walters and Pro-Solutions many benefits that eased the hardships of owning a business. Stephen Frayser, president of the Tech Park, provided encouragement, support and networking sources, Walters said.
“Steve had great knowledge of SBIR and STTR,” he said. “Doug Krammer is also vital to our business. The high-quality expertise of businesses in Lincoln is priceless.”
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Pro-Solutions continues to specialize in product development, design development and product solutions to industries. Visit their Web site to learn more at www.pro-solution.com.
A solider at Fort Carson tests Innovations Plus’s integral suppressed weapon barrel.