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Baltimore Jewish Times May 2002
Shipeshape
By Deborah Walike
Two months ago, 39-year-old Michael Raphael took his first trip to Israel. And just last week, he was back in Haifa again.
It took two years but after introducing the rapid prototype technology produced by his Owings Mills company, Direct Dimensions Inc., to an Israeli businessman, Mr. Raphael found himself working with the Israeli navy. The company created a system that can make a three-dimensional model of the fleet's propellers, enabling quick refurbishment or replacement of the equipment. The technology ensures perfect replication and precise matching of specifications.
"There's a definite sense of urgency here," Mr. Raphael said from his hotel in Haifa. "Things have got to be done right, immediately, with no screwing around."
The success of Direct Dimensions' first foray into major international work has caught the interest of other Israeli industries, something Mr. Raphael had hoped would happen. Because of the current situation, he could not travel to Jerusalem or bring his family along on this trip. But Mr. Raphael, a Beth Israel congregant, said he anticipates making regular trips to the Jewish state soon.
"Clearly, I was very anxious to be successful way above and beyond what we promised, because it is Israel and I believe strongly in this country," he said. "We have done work that directly affects the performance of a ship. I know it's important work."oped would happen. Because of the current situation, he could not travel to Jerusalem or bring his family along on this trip. But Mr. Raphael, a Beth Israel congregant, said he anticipates making regular trips to the Jewish state soon.
"Clearly, I was very anxious to be successful way above and beyond what we promised, because it is Israel and I believe strongly in this country," he said. "We have done work that directly affects the performance of a ship. I know it's important work."
