Analytical Engineering, Inc. (AEI) was founded by David and Angie May on November 4, 1994 in Columbus, Indiana. Founded as a specialty instrument development and manufacturing company, AEI has grown into a multi-faceted research, development, and manufacturing establishment on 72 acres of land. AEI has strategically built a strong supporting infrastructure which includes 300,000 sq/ft of facilities, engine development equipment, and knowledgeable staff that enables new projects to be quickly launched and completed. This combination of in-house capabilities, in conjunction with a cooperative development approach, enables AEI to help our customers find rapid solutions leading to innovative new products.

Analytical Engineering History


1994-1999

For the first five years, AEI was located in a leased space on State Street in Columbus, Indiana. The original business plan included development of real-time analytical instruments. They immediately encountered a cancelation of this development project and had to search for other work. Ironically, their hobby of SCUBA diving would lead to AEI being awarded a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant from the US Navy in 1996. During the next few years, AEI would develop a novel underwater communication system that allowed divers to hear through their teeth, essentially an underwater walkie-talkie.

1999-2000

21 acres of farmland that had been rezoned for industrial use was purchased by AEI. Site development began and the newly acquired land was named Technology Park. The decision was made to construct a 10,000 ft 2 facility for AEI.

2001-2002

The AEI employees moved from State Street into the new facility at 2555 Technology Blvd in mid-2000. The building was designed for ten test cells, with the plan to commission one test cell at a time until the business could support the next one, thus ultimately using the support infrastructure across ten test cells. Extensive and costly site work was required before the construction could begin on the 40,000 ft 2
addition to AEI Central.

2004

AEI embarked on a path to develop the engineer’s dream test cell in response to the need for altitude development in a controlled environment, as opposed to the wintery conditions with traffic that often challenged real-world driving in the mountains. Super Cell offered multiple performance and emissions functions: up to 15,000 feet altitude, down to -40F cold ambient, emissions, and transient driving cycles capability. At the time, it was the only test cell in the U.S. with all integrated capabilities. Four new major customers were obtained with the launch of Super Cell.

2012

AEI purchased the property which became known as, “AEI – The Rock.” This building was originally constructed in 1973 for engine manufacturing, and later served as a paper manufacturing company prior to AEI’s acquisition. This property included 51 acres of land and a 223,220 ft 2 building. The addition of ten more test cells began with the construction of reinforced concrete block walls to form the individual rooms and provide a location for all of the supporting infrastructure.

2020

AEI experienced a business slow-down caused by the pandemic. In over 25 years of business, AEI had always kept people employed by providing alternate in-house work during economic downturns. The business decline provided an opportunity for AEI employees to help with a remodel of the building’s entrance, a desired improvement since The Rock was purchased. The scope expanded to include a new lobby and atrium, along with large conference rooms, office space, restrooms, and a breakroom with a casual seating area to work or meet.

2024 – AEI celebrated its 30th anniversary; with two established buildings in Columbus and 50 employees.

“Better living through chemistry.”

– Dave May, Founder and CTO

Celebrating 30 years of Innovation In Action