Company History

In 1946 Max Wastl, a young man recently immigrated from Germany, graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1947 his strong desire for personal achievement propelled him into the world of the entrepreneur and Lafayette Instrument Company was born... LIC started with one employee and was located in an 8 x 10-foot shed. Hours were long and work was hard, but rewards came too, and shortly the company expanded into a garage and then to a newly constructed brick building. The first full promotional catalog was printed in 1954 and there was a message on the front page from the company's President. It read, in part: "We are always open to constructive criticism and suggestions from our customers. It is our aim to build instruments of high quality and at a reasonable cost." - Max Wastl

With this statement the company made a commitment. He was a man of integrity who understood the ingredients necessary for the long-term success of the company.

In 1965, LIC moved again to its current location. Over the next ten years this building would have to undergo three modifications to accommodate the growth in business. In 1968, LIC began to dabble in the sports editing market while sales of physiological recording instrumentation and related psychology testing apparatus continued to be major contributors to the company's growth. In 1972, LIC built and marketed "The Examiner Series" polygraph directly to polygraph examiners.

Throughout the years to come, LIC would make much progress moving its company and products into the age of computers. As technology evolved, so did our products. In 1993, LIC sold its first computerized polygraph. By 1997, LIC had fully embraced computerization, and begun to market its new line of computerized physiological recording instrumentation (DataLab), as well as its behavioral control and monitoring system (ABET).

As LIC grew into the international market, the need for focused international representation became obvious. While adding to our global network of dealers, LIC found Campden Instruments products to be a complimentary addition to our already established market. Therefore, in 1991, Campden Instruments became LIC's sole UK agent, and was acquired in 1998 by LIC.

In 2004, LIC was pleased to acquire controlling interest in MindWare Technologies Ltd., a Columbus Ohio based software development company. MindWare brings a wealth of experience to solve researchers' complex computer based data acquisition analysis needs. MindWare has over 40 years of real-world engineering experience in both industry and academia. MindWare plays an active role in the academic and medical research community, they have specialized in developing systems for physiological signal acquisition and data analysis.

In late 2006, LIC purchased Acumar Technology, formerly of Portland Oregon, and the rights to the Acumar product line. Acumar is the only digital inclinometer listed in the 5th edition of American Medical Association guide. Inclinometers are essential for making spinal measurements and documenting range of motion. The Acumar product line includes both a single and dual digital inclinometer. The inclinometers allow for multiple data point storage including maximum, minimum, and computed average values, and feature a wireless option to transmit data to a personal computer. Adding the Acumar product line will enhance Lafayette Instrument's ability to continue its 60 years of service and dedication to the medical industry.

With over 60 years of success behind us, we realize that we have many challenges moving forward. Our Vision Statement was written as a reminder to all of us, as to where we are, and where we want to "grow".

We will continue to provide high quality, unique solutions that will meet and exceed our customers' expectations. Our continuing goal is to strengthen our market position as a preferred industry provider through the joint efforts of our extensive network of focused and dedicated dealers, partners and employees.

The integrity of our business is such that we continue to strive at never compromising our standards of practice. Our main objective is to accomplish all of these things while continuing to advance the "state of the art". We do not ever want to follow in anyone's footsteps, but rather to continually show that we are the leader.

Our Vision

To further strengthen our market position as a preferred industry provider. Through our extensive network of dedicated dealers, and partners, we will continue to provide quality products and unique solutions to meet our customers' needs, advancing the "State-of-the-Art" without compromising our high standard of integrity.