Our story began in 1970 with a small company that laid the foundation for what we are today. Over the decades, through dedication and innovation, we evolved and officially became Pacific Design Technolgies in the year 2000.
In 2025, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary. Our journey is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the trust and loyalty of our customers. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our legacy of quality and innovation for many more years to come.
Below is a brief history of AMETEK PDT and the people and products that brought us to where we are today.
1970 | PDI
Merlin Rossow founded PneuDevices, Inc. in 1970 to produce pneumatically driven surgical saws and fluid pumps. Initially, the company was composed of Merlin, Chuck Forbes, and Carla Zimmerman, and was located at 5730 Hollister Blvd, Goleta
Merlin Rossow, Founder of PneuDevices
Merlin moved to Santa Barbara in 1969 as part of a company called Varo (previously LA Aerospace Co.). He met an oral surgeon named Dr. Hall, who wanted better equipment for operating rooms.
Merlin started a sideline business working with Newt Myers of Myers Machine to develop vane-motor driven pneumatic saws for surgery.
Previously a regular smoker, Merlin decided to quit smoking and save his cigarette money. When he had accumulated $500, he launched Pneu Devices Incorporated (PDI). There were three original employees, Merlin, Chuck Forbes, and Carla Zimmerman.
Pneu Devices Scavenge Pump, produced for Allison Gas Turbine Co.
Scavenge pumps are used to return lubrication oil from the sump of a gearbox and return it to the tank. They form an important part of a gearbox lubrication system.
In the 1980’s, technical illustrations were drawn by hand, without the use of computer graphics
Howden Fluid Systems | 1985
PDI was sold to Howden Corporation in 1985. After the acquisition of FCD Corporation, the group was renamed Howden Fluid Systems.
The company occupied two units on Santa Felicia Drive in Goleta, including a new purpose-built building constructed in 1988.
Howden Model 3212, M1A1 Cooling Unit
Howden provided the liquid cooling system used aboard NASA’s Mars Pathfinder mission spacecraft.
Eric Turner drafting with the aid of a computer in the 1980's.
2000 | Pacific Design Technologies
In 2000, Howden closed the Goleta location and relocated the business to Corona, CA. Engineering manager Rich Fisher formed a new company, Pacific Design Technologies, to pursue business in aerospace liquid cooling systems. Initial funding for the venture was provided by Jim Bartlett and the nine founding employees of PDT.
Rich Fisher, founder of Pacific Design Technologies.
PDT provided the liquid cooling aboard NASA's Spirit & Opportunity Rovers.
Image courtesy of NASA
The PDT founders - from left to right: Chuck Forbes, Larry Theriault, Rich Fisher, Marge Kozaki, Eric Turner, Andrea Kozaki, and Kirt Dreher.
2019 | AMETEK PDT
PDT was sold to AMETEK Corporation in 2019. The company retains its focus on aerospace liquid cooling systems. PDT supports the Commercial, Military, and Space market segments with high-performance, long-life thermal management and related products.
PDT continued to provide cooling solutions for space programs, including the launch of the Europa Clipper.
The Europa Clipper launched in October of 2024, and will arrive at Europa in 2030.