By Lou Auletta Sr & Lou Auletta Jr

As the commercial airlines business was growing in the mid 50s, Bauer saw an opportunity to grow with it. Following the introduction of jet engines in commercial and military aircraft, Bauer developed temperature simulators for testing engine components. In the early 60s Bauer continued to expand in the designing and manufacturing of jet engine test equipment.

It became apparent to Bauer that not only was the domestic commercial airline business growing, but so also was the international airline business. Initially business opportunities were pursued in Canada and soon after expanded into Europe. The main objective in going global was to lessen Bauer's dependence on domestic airline and government work.

By the end of 1960 overseas work had expanded in Europe into Australia and Asia. As areas throughout the world were developing, they realized that in order to grow they needed to expand their airlines. Bauer followed the expansion of the airlines, working with them in the planning stage of their aircraft overhaul facilities. A major project was started with Singapore Airlines in the mid 70s as they were expanding their fleet and planning a major overhaul facility. Bauer worked with Singapore Airlines for several years before a contract was received. After over 30 years, recognizing our dedication and the quality of our products, they are still a good customer.

Even today at Bauer's headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut there is a constant flow of customers from other countries. For example, over the last six months Bauer has hosted visits from customers based in Brazil, Taiwan, Israel, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand, France, Pakistan, Japan, Spain, Singapore, Turkey and Canada.

But all that travel is not just limited to customers coming to visit Bauer, as employees venture out to our customers' facilities as well. Visits from Bauer engineers to places outside of the U.S. have occupied more than 20% of the time of key employees. Today "Join Bauer and see the world" might well be the company's slogan and motto.

However, not just the engineers get to visit these great locales. Bauer's CEO and COO have themselves, within the last six months, visited more than fourteen countries.

As you can see, the growth of international business has played a major role in Bauer's growth, expanding from approximately 5 percent in the mid 60s to over 50 percent by the current decade.