Universal Services Associates, Inc. was founded in 1974 by Lawrence H. Myers. The company’s initial mission was to provide technical-engineering, design personnel and model makers for temporary assignments within major US corporations throughout the country. At that time, USA’s services centered on the use of highly detailed, professional models to visually confirm aspects of plant design where complex runs of piping, wire and cable and the installation of complex equipment may result in “conflicts”. USA served many large corporations in the petrochemical, nuclear and electric power generation and pharmaceutical fields.

During the 1970’s and 80’s the defense industry also provided a large market for professional models including concept models, marketing models, engineering models and prototypes. USA had developed a strong staff of engineering-oriented, multi-faceted model makers and fabricators in its shop along with a sizable number of field engineering personnel.

Early in the 1980’s computers and CAD became more commonplace and had an effect on the 3D modeling market. Computer rendering and 3D computer models began to reduce the need for model making.

During this same period, Michael C. Myers, Larry’s son, joined the company. Mike was a visionary who quickly analyzed the changes in his family’s business and saw a new opportunity developing within the field of museums and corporate exhibitions. Museums, visitor centers and theme parks had started moving into non-traditional areas involving interactivity by increasing the use of complex electromechanical exhibits, themed environments and physical models. This new type of exhibit fit perfectly with the talents USA had developed.

Mike envisioned how the USA staff of artisans, engineers, technicians and specialty fabricators could transition into the interactive exhibit fabrication arena. Mike worked on developing USA’s museum exhibit enterprise. Besides traditional museums which included primarily science centers, children’s museums and visitor centers, major corporations began to promote their own museums featuring company history and product development.

As USA entered this developing market, we worked primarily as an interactive exhibit design developer and fabricator for larger general contractors. Gradually, USA’s expertise in the museum field developed, and the needs of the industry grew more complex; USA began to provide design/build services to its clients as a prime contractor.

We created project specific teaming with general building contractors and designers for large projects, and we expanded our own internal capability to include scenic work, metal fabrication, and computer technology.

USA is now serving several market places, both new and old, with a diverse line of products and services in the 21st century. Today, USA’s client base includes traditional museums and major corporations, designers, architects and defense contractors. USA products and services include a specialization in interactive exhibits, models of all types, engineering prototypes, themed environments and custom or specialty fabrication. We maintain memberships in leading organizations in these varied fields, including:

• Association of Children’s Museums (ACM)
• American Association of Museum (AAM)
• Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
• Small Business Association (SBA)
• National Association of Health Education Centers (NAHEC)
• American Helicopter Society (AHS)

We maintain regular service agreements with many of our local museums and are currently developing a line of “off-the-shelf” products that we call, “Crazy Contraptions”. These kid-focused exhibits are based on our years of experience in developing exhibits that are economical, safe, easy to maintain, and geared towards the typical themes and interests of educational museums and displays.

Each day brings on new challenges through unique and interesting projects. With our highly skilled interdisciplinary workforce and a “We Can Build Anything” mentality, the Universal Services Associates team is constantly growing and expanding our abilities to meet future design, engineering and fabrication challenges. We love what we do and we do it the best.

At USA, exceeding our client’s expectations is our goal. We achieve this by fostering an atmosphere of respect, communication and opportunity among all of our employees.

We know that it takes a team - working together - to achieve our mission to be the industry leader in providing unique and creative solutions to meet our client’s requirements in the design and fabrication of state-of-the-art exhibits.

Our unsurpassed ability to create complex, technical and aesthetic exhibits, prototypes and models is achieved through the free-flowing exchange of ideas between our designers, artisans, technicians, project managers and you, our client. Our employees know that their opinions are valued. Therefore, they have great pride in their work and they continuously strive to exceed our client’s expectations.

When you work with USA, you work with a team. You will have a project manager to lead your team and ensure that every aspect of your work - from initial prototyping to final delivery and punch out - is completed by the most skilled person at USA. Your project manager is responsible for setting the highest quality standards. The project manager is ultimately responsible for leading the team to complete the project on time, on budget and to the required level of quality. He or she will be your key contact at USA and will keep you informed of progress throughout all stages of your project.

USA uses state-of-the-art tooling, combined with a common sense approach in all of the work we do. We know that it is an on-going responsibility to keep our employees trained on the most up-to-date technologies and fabrication techniques. We are constantly testing new materials, equipment and software to determine if these products are up to meeting our clients’ standard of quality and reliability. We encourage our designers and technicians to pursue advanced levels of certification and training in their fields of expertise. We know that it is important to develop the skills of our employees because technology can never replace the first hand experience of a talented craftsperson. That is why at USA, we are proud to say that three quarters of our employees have been in the fabrication business for more than 20 years and over half of them have been with USA for over 12 years. We know that our people are our greatest asset – and we treat them that way. The ultimate goal of USA is to deliver unique products of which our clients and team can be proud.

At USA, we work tirelessly to achieve our goals of quality and customer satisfaction.

USA’s core business is the creation of permanent exhibits for museums and corporations throughout the world.

Headquartered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Universal Services Associates Colwyn facility supports the development of prototypes, museum exhibits, and scale models.

Our Colwyn facility - located in the Philadelphia suburbs - has recently expanded and specializes in the design, engineering and prototyping needs of our clients. Services such as CNC machining and millwork, electromechanical design and 3D CAD design are performed at this location as well. Colwyn is also the headquarters for our project management team and provides overall management for all of our projects.

Using the latest CAD technology, CNC machining centers, proven management techniques and good old-fashioned craftsmanship, USA’s team of designers, engineers and technicians will turn your ideas into reality.

Our project management team oversees each project from inception to completion, addressing each project’s distinctive requirements. Your project manager will keep you informed of progress every step of the way so that there are no surprises on delivery day. The team atmosphere at USA is our key to keeping you up to date and getting the job done right the first time and keeping the project on time and on budget. Our technicians have multifaceted backgrounds and diverse skill sets, which allow USA to tackle, projects that range from the most basic tabletop models to Standard casework and graphics to the most complex interactive exhibits that can be conceived. USA’s employees are not factory line workers; each technician is a specialized, skilled craftsman in his or her own right who prides themselves in their creative and problem solving skills. We specialize in creating highly detailed one-of-a-kind exhibits and displays. When a project is brought to one of our shop technicians, he or she is empowered to carefully analyze it and collaborate with USA’s team of designers and engineers to further improve the design and quality.

We have the people, equipment and know-how to get your job done right.