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CENTRAL SQUARE - When Marcus Rotundo, P.E. started CME Associates, Inc. in 1983, the materials-testing business boomed thanks to the economy.
"It was hard work, but it was all uphill," says the senior engineer and president, referring to the bull market. "Every year [since then] has been better for us."
Except 2003. "We've grown every year but this year," he notes.
He says this is due to "lack of movement" at the state level. Some of the company's clients include the Thruway Authority, Dormitory Authority, and the Department of Transportation. "There's not a lot of public projects," he says. "There's been a general slowdown in commercial construction. Most business owners are reserved this year. It's a difficult year to be optimistic in business."
CME Associates is an independent, commercial-testing agency. CME stands for construction-materials evaluation. The company tests all types of construction materials, such as concrete, structural steel and welds, bolts, and masonry. Generally, it tests the materials for their strength.