Aerospace - Defense

Being recognized on the Inc. 500 is called "a pretty amazing achievement" by the publication's CEO and editor-in-chief, John Koten. "For 24 years we've had the honor of uncovering some of the country's most dynamic companies," Koten said, "The idea is to showcase the best strong private companies in the American economy, and to recognize businesses that are starting from scratch, and will eventually play a lead role in the economy."

"I have always aspired to make the Inc. 500, and am proud to be named to the list," said Tribhuvan Singh, Hi-Tec Systems' president and CEO. "The designation confirms our business model is on the right path," Singh said. "The credit for our growth goes to the professionalism and dedication of Hi-Tec's employees, who respond quickly and efficiently to our customers in the FAA and TSA."

Hi-Tec's largest clients include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Headquartered in southern New Jersey, the company provides technical support to many research organizations at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center near Atlantic City. Hi-Tec also maintains a branch office in Arlington, VA, to serve contracts with FAA headquarters and other customers in the Washington, DC, area. Experts from Hi-Tec specialize in modernization of air traffic management systems, airport and aircraft safety research, homeland security and defense, environmental engineering and OSHA compliance, and information technology services.

The ranking of 445 on the Inc. 500 results from Hi-Tec's growth of 320.1 percent from 2001 through 2004. The company reported revenue last year of $19.16 million. Inc. required U.S.-based firms be privately held and independent, with four full years of sales as of December 31, 2004. For the 24th annual list, the revenue minimum in the base year was raised from $200,000 to $500,000.

"With unprecedented global competition, companies have to be able to turn on a dime and discover innovative new ways of doing business," said Jim Melloan, project manager for the Inc. 500. "Increasingly, it's the smaller, agile companies like those on the Inc. 500 that are best equipped to meet these challenges."

Hi-Tec joins an impressive line of Inc. 500 alumni, many of which have grown into industry leaders. The publication's list of all-stars include such common household names as Microsoft, Oracle, Gateway, E*Trade, Domino's, Timberland and Jenny Craig.

"This honor is appropriate as Hi-Tec Systems celebrates its 10th year of business," Singh said. "Making the Inc. 500 is the crowning touch recognizing a decade of hard work and commitment to supporting federal agencies with the best technical people and technology services available."