- Nicole Blair
- Updated: June 7, 2024
- Categories: Interviews
- Made in CA Exclusive Interview
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WDI designs, engineers, and manufactures innovative microscopy automation solutions. These solutions include individual OEM components and complete optomechanical/optoelectronic subsystems. Our products range from compact autofocus sensors and automated microscopy modules to end-user IR imaging systems. WDI’s technology and solutions are employed in a variety of industries, including Life Science & Biomedical Imaging, Machine Vision, and Electronics/Semiconductor/Display Manufacturing.
Our mission is to be a global leader in the supply of advanced optical microscopy autofocus and automation solutions through technological innovation and enhancement of customer productivity. The specialized knowledge, skills, and experience of our dedicated team allow WDI to achieve this goal and meet the ever-changing needs of customers. WDI is committed to creating value through the relationships we build with our partners and customers by providing superior products, service, and support.
Tell us about yourself?
WDI is a family business which started in 2005. My father, Dr. Adam Weiss, held a PhD in Physics and a Masters in Electronics. He was an integral part of the R&D teams of several companies. However, he grew tired of the companies downsizing their research and development departments or shutting them down completely. Adam was compelled to start his own company where R&D and innovation would be truly prioritized. This move was encouraged and supported by the family, consisting of myself, my mom, Dorothy MSc., and my sister, Marcelina MA. We all pitched in, and WDI was born.
WDI supported me in my studies at the University of Toronto, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree and later on supported me again at Durham University in the UK, where I gained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. I, in turn, supported the growth of WDI during my studies, working in various roles and holding a number of positions over the last 19 years. When my father decided it was time to step into the position of Founder within WDI, I accepted the challenge, with the support of both my mom and sister, to move to the role of President.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
In business, as in life, it’s okay to make mistakes so long as you learn and grow from them. It’s not okay to repeat them.
What problem does your business solve?
We offer solutions to complex applications that cannot be solved with off-the-shelf microscopes or products and systems. Our expertise and experience span many applications and environments. WDI can accomplish this because our engineering team consists of accredited optical, mechanical, electrical, software, automation, and application engineers with expertise in a wide range of microscopy and imaging applications and technologies. Additionally, we have years of experience with illumination, optical imaging methodologies and equipment, optomechanical engineering, and performance modelling, as well as quality control. WDI is able to provide a broad range of design and engineering services, covering all aspects of developing custom microscopy autofocus and automation solutions.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
WDI was inspired by human innovation, intelligence, and drive to create. We are a people company. We were started by a family that wanted to foster growth and innovation and to support engineers and scientists in what they do best; dream, experiment, imagine, and develop. As a result, the Weiss family has built a company that strives to work more like a university than a corporation. This can be seen in our core values: Putting People First, encouraging Being Bold and Innovative, seeing the value in Learning Every Day, but also Creating Value, and finally Being Focused and Accountable.
What is your magic sauce?
The foundation of WDI’s success lies in three principles: Precision, Focus, and Automation.
WDI’s emphasis on precision in design, engineering, assembly, and testing results in superior products and technology. Applying precision in all aspects of our business ultimately leads to customer satisfaction in components, systems, and service.
WDI’s main focus is to deliver superior microscopy automation solutions. Success comes from focusing on building strong relationships with customers and partners, continually innovating our technology, and constantly improving our manufacturing and business processes.
WDI’s knowledge and experience in automation technology and methods allow us to develop components and systems tailored to customer needs. The understanding of automation and its impact on applications and industry permits rapid engineering and manufacturing of unique solutions.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
WDI has grown an average of over 15 per cent year-over-year for the last 10 years. Our five-year plan sees us continuing this trend through the innovation of new products and solutions, by adding new global sales and channel partners, and by focusing on building our engineering and manufacturing resources.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
As with other companies that have experienced consistent year-over-year growth, WDI has faced many difficulties, such as recruiting qualified and experienced technical personnel and maintaining lead times in the face of COVID-19 and global supply chain economic uncertainty. Perhaps the most significant challenge WDI faces as a company is ensuring that we continue to maintain the highest level of quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation in the face of these difficulties.
How can people get involved?
To find out more about WDI, its products, and open positions, please visit our website at www.wdidevice.com.