VPDS Brief History

Upon graduating from the University of Illinois in 1984 with a MS in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Paul Fotsch spent several years in the Aerospace Industry and fifteen years at Caterpillar Inc. His work at Caterpillar involved developing techniques and software related to structural analysis, including flexible body technology. While happy with the progress made over those years Paul realized by 2003, when he founded VPDS Inc, progress could be made even more quickly in the hands of a small company that is singularly dedicated to that initiative.

Don King joined VPDS in 2004. His career started after he graduated in 1992 from the University of Illinois with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a specialization in Finite Element Methods. Twelve years prior to joining VPDS he worked for Quantum Chemical, Mueller Company, Cashe Valve, and Caterpillar Inc. In his early years he gained experience in areas of reliability, design, analysis, testing and manufacturing. During his years at Cashe Valve and Caterpillar Don began his focus on application of technical analysis in the field of design. During this time he built experience in application of advanced structural analysis tools like those supported and developed by VPDS.

Having the same desire to support accelerated development of analysis tools and skills, Don partnered with Paul to pursue the shared vision of creating a reputable company that effectively develops and applies advanced structural analysis tools and techniques. Since its inception, VPDS has developed and applied many more tools and techniques in its effort to continuously push forward the methods by which quality structural information is obtained.