Category: Press Releases

SEM Surpasses Expectations in Steps for Vets Event Ahead of Memorial Day

June 2, 2025 at 1:24 pm by Amanda Canale

Security Engineered Machinery (SEM), a leading provider of high-security data destruction solutions, announced the successful conclusion of its Steps for Vets event, which was held the week leading up to Memorial Day. The initiative, which encouraged employees and participants to collectively track their steps, raised awareness and support for veterans’ causes.

Steps for Vets is a 5k fundraising event organized by U.S. Vets, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans. Participants have the option to walk, run, or roll at their own pace, both at in-person events or remotely. The annual event encourages participants to track their steps, promoting physical wellness while raising awareness and funds to support U.S. Vets’ mission to provide critical services, housing, and support to veterans in need.

The event was brought to SEM’s attention by the company’s Culture Committee, an employee-led group dedicated to fostering community engagement, planning company-wide events, and supporting philanthropic initiatives.

“As a veteran-founded company, supporting causes that benefit our nation’s veterans is deeply personal to us—especially around Memorial Day,” said Steve Watson, SEM Culture Committee President. “The Steps for Vets initiative was a meaningful opportunity for our team to come together in support of those who have served.”

SEM’s collective participation helped surpass the initial goal of 100,000 total steps, reaching more than 217,000 steps, with contributions from SEM employees and management. Team members joined the initiative from all over the country; from their Westborough and Hudson, MA facilities, remote sales team, and traveling service technicians.

Founded in 1967, SEM is a veteran-founded organization with a deep commitment to supporting the military community. The Steps for Vets event, held in conjunction with Memorial Day, provided SEM with a meaningful opportunity to honor the sacrifices of service members while promoting physical activity and community engagement during a time when individuals and organizations across the nation reflect on and pay tribute to those who have served. SEM’s participation in this initiative demonstrates their dedication to supporting those who have served in the military, as well as its broader corporate social responsibility efforts.

The funds raised during the event will go toward supporting veteran-focused charities, providing much-needed assistance to those who have served the country.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see such enthusiastic participation from our team, with over 217,000 steps logged—more than doubling our original goal,” says Andrew Kelleher, SEM President. “Together, we’ve shown the power of collective effort and our ongoing commitment to supporting those who have served our country.”

For more information on SEM, please visit www.semshred.com.

About U.S. Vets

U.S. Vets is one of the largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans. With programs in cities across the United States, U.S. Vets provides critical services such as housing, employment assistance, mental health support, and case management to help veterans transition successfully to civilian life. To learn more, visit usvets.org. 

SEM Reinforces Environmental Commitment with Annual Earth Day Cleanup Effort

April 22, 2025 at 4:22 pm by Amanda Canale

In honor of Earth Day 2025, Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), a global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, organized a community cleanup effort on Thursday, April 17, 2025, near its corporate headquarters on Walkup Drive in Westborough, Massachusetts.

Now in its third consecutive year, the annual Earth Day event was a joint initiative between SEM’s Culture Committee and its ISO 14001 Task Force. Together, the teams engaged employees in a hands-on cleanup to support SEM’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and community involvement.

SEM team geared up to begin neighborhood cleanup

“At SEM, we take great pride in being a responsible corporate citizen, and that includes doing our part to protect the environment,” said Andrew Kelleher, President of SEM. “This Earth Day initiative is more than just a cleanup—it’s a reflection of our values and our commitment to continuous improvement, both in our operations and in our community. I’m proud of our team for showing up with such enthusiasm and making a positive impact right here in Westborough.”

SEM employees, from both the Westborough and Hudson locations, participated in the event, collecting litter along Walkup Drive. The company worked in collaboration with the Westborough Department of Public Works to supply waste bags and ensure proper disposal of the collected debris.

“Our environment gets very polluted with trash, especially over the winter months, so doing our part with some spring cleaning is a necessity to the entire SEM team,” said Steve Watson of SEM’s Culture Committee. “It’s an honor to partner with SEM’s ISO Team and see so many people come together for this important event, which is now in its third year. This is one of the most meaningful events on the SEM calendar, and we look forward to continuing and building on this annual tradition.”

green paper shredder

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, providing a framework for organizations to minimize their environmental impact, comply with applicable regulations, and drive continuous improvement.

SEM’s Earth Day cleanup joins a list of long-standing corporate philanthropic efforts, including seasonal food drives and annual toy donations.

For more information on SEM’s corporate social responsibilities, please visit https://www.semshred.com/company/corporate-social-responsibility/.

SEM Introduces New 2mm Optical Media Shredder

June 18, 2024 at 8:00 am by Amanda Canale

Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in classified and high security data destruction, is pleased to announce that its new Model OMD2X2 Optical Shredder has been evaluated by NSA/CSS and meets the requirements of NSA/CSS Specifications for Optical Destruction Devices following the NSA/CSS 9-12 Device Declassification Policy Manual. 

This cutting-edge device was specially designed and evaluated for the destruction of classified compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and Blu-ray discs (BDs). This cutting-edge device is now listed on the NSA/CSS EPL for Optical Destruction Devices and was specially designed for the destruction of classified compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and Blu-ray discs (BDs).

The Model OMD2X2 was designed for maximum efficiency and ease of use while destroying CDs, DVDs, and BDs alike down to a consistent 2mm x 2mm final particle size, regardless of the disk type, ensuring SEM would be able to provide an optical solution for the federal government. The device can shred at high volumes of hundreds of discs per hour.

“The creation of the Model OMD2X2 is a testament to SEM’s long-term commitment to innovation and security when it comes to data destruction solutions,” says Andrew Kelleher, SEM President. “With the ability to shred optical media to a final particle that meets the NSA requirements for optical destruction, we are providing our customers with the peace of mind that their data is secure beyond the latest mandate.” 

The Model OMD2X2 is an ideal solution for government agencies and entities and any organization requiring high security data destruction. Equipped with an auto-oiler and a large internal waste collection bin, the device prevents users from needing to routinely oil the machine manually, and allows for more shredding before changing bags, making the Model OMD2X2 a low maintenance destruction option. 

“Our advanced shredder ensures that sensitive information stored on optical media is irretrievably destroyed, providing the highest level of data security available,” says Todd Busic, SEM Vice President of Sales. “By introducing this new product, SEM continues to lead the industry in providing state-of-the-art data destruction solutions.”

For more information on the Model OMD2X2, visit https://www.semshred.com/explore-model-omd2x2/

 

SEM Gives Back to Community with Annual Food Drive

November 28, 2023 at 8:00 am by Amanda Canale

WESTBOROUGH, MA November 20, 2023 – Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM) has completed their annual mission of donating non-perishable food to the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB). 

The Worcester County Food Bank is one of only three Feeding America member food banks in the entire state of Massachusetts. In 2018 alone, the WCFB was able to distribute nearly 6.1 million lbs. of food to approximately 75,000 people throughout the county. 

In the true essence of Thanksgiving, SEM employees have united year after year to collect non-perishable food items to make a meaningful impact on their local community. The initiative is a testament to the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and fostering a sense of community.

The company-led food drive kicked off on November 6 and continued until November 17. Employees from various departments, both remote and local to the Westborough headquarters, enthusiastically embraced the opportunity and were able to gather 527 lbs. of food for the local food bank.

“As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and compassion,” says Amanda Canale, SEM Marketing Coordinator. “At SEM, we believe in the power of collective action and are so proud to be able to contribute to our local community, ensuring that no one goes hungry during the holiday season.”

The annual food drive is just one of a handful of philanthropic initiatives the company takes part in every year. 

“Our employees have always wholeheartedly embraced each opportunity to give back, which is something we have always been extremely proud of,” says Andrew Kelleher, SEM President. “Knowing that our efforts will make a difference in someone’s Thanksgiving celebration is truly heartwarming. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a family that cares about our community.”

SEM Celebrates Earth Day with Neighborhood Cleanup

May 16, 2023 at 7:30 am by Amanda Canale

WESTBOROUGH, MA May 5, 2023 – Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, spent Thursday, April 27, 2023 walking up and down Walkup Drive in Westborough, MA, where their headquarters are located, picking up trash. 

The SEM Culture Committee, a group of voluntary employees that plan interactive philanthropic and team-building activities, partnered with the company’s ISO 14001 task force to collaborate on an event to honor Earth Day, an annually recognized day centered around environmental protection celebrated on April 22. 

“At SEM, we are committed to protecting our environment in a multitude of ways,” says Lara Rapport, SEM Director of Quality. “Our ISO 14001 certification as just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the continuous improvements we make in order to be as sustainable and environmentally conscious as possible.”

ISO 14001 is a familial set of standards developed in the mid-1990s to help organizations minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment (or cause adverse changes in air, water, or land), educating the organization on how to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmental standards, and how they can sustain their efforts.

“Our cleanup initiative was something that our two groups had collaborated on as a way to not only educate our team on our ISO 14001 efforts, but also to really drive home the message that we can make serious change when it comes to our local environment,” says Amanda Canale, SEM Marketing Coordinator. 

The two teams worked closely with the Westborough Department of Public Works to coordinate the delivery of empty waste bags and the pickup of the collected trash. The cleanup event saw an attendance of over twenty employees, including company president, Andrew Kelleher. The cleanup activity is just the latest in the company’s detailed history of giving back to their local community, adding itself amongst the annual food bank and toy donations, and Operation Playhouse. 

“We have always prioritized events and activities that are both interactive and morale-boosting, and serve a philanthropic purpose, and this one was our most well-received yet. We will be making this an annual SEM tradition,” states Rapport.

For more information on Security Engineered Machinery’s environmental policy, visit here. 

SEM Introduces NSA EPL Listed High Security Solid State Disintegrator

January 24, 2023 at 8:00 am by Amanda Canale

Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, is pleased to announce that its new Model SSD2-HS high security solid state disintegrator meets the requirements of NSA/CSS 9-12 Storage Device Declassification Policy Manual. This revolutionary device is now listed on the NSA/CSS EPL and was specifically designed for the destruction of classified and highly sensitive solid state media and devices, producing an NSA mandated 2mm squared final particle size. 

“The SEM Model SSD2-HS is an exciting new addition to our long line of disintegrator devices and fills a large void within the intelligence community when it comes to classified SSD destruction,” commented Todd Busic, SEM Vice President of Sales. “This NSA listed device incorporates technologies to mitigate jams and increase operator health and safety via HEPA filters, making the SSD2-HS an industry first.”

The NSA states that in order for a solid state disintegrator to be NSA/CSS listed, it must be able to “reduce any solid state storage device to a maximum edge size of 2 millimeter or less” (NSA.Gov), making the SEM Model SSD2-HS a viable option for the destruction of end-of-life classified solid state material.

The Model SSD2-HS disintegrator has the power to cut through multiple steel plates, carriers, and other drives. The model’s dual stage cutting system features an auto unjam in both stages, robust safety features, and premium sound proofing. Together, the model’s dual stage cutting system combined with the solid steel rotor and cutting blades efficiently destroy multiple SSD-type devices.  

“The Model SSD2-HS is a state-of-the-art, clean, and revolutionary device that ensures the secure end-of-life destruction of any and all solid state devices,” commented Andrew Kelleher, SEM President and CEO. “Our engineers have been working tirelessly on this product and the device performance reflects that. Whether it’s laptop boards, thumb drives, or other memory modules, this machine can destroy it.”

In addition to powerful steel rotors, the device is equipped with premium sound dampening insulation, a waste evacuation system with high efficiency particulate filtration and external vacuum, and other features to ensure optimal operator and environmental health and safety.

“SEM has long been an innovator of high security information destruction technology and the new SSD2-HS continues that tradition of excellence,” noted Busic.

For more information on the Model SSD2-HS, visit https://www.semshred.com/explore-model-ssd2-hs/. 

Security Engineered Machinery Gives Back to Veteran Family with Operation Playhouse

March 7, 2022 at 7:25 pm by Amanda Canale

WESTBOROUGH, MA, February 23, 2022 – Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, once again partnered with Metrowest Habitat for Humanity for Operation Playhouse. The operation allows the opportunity for local Worcester County businesses to partner with veteran and military families to build and donate a playhouse to the family’s children. Each year, participating local businesses receive construction plans, paint, and a deconstructed house to build, and are given free rein to decorate the playhouses based on the children’s interests.

The SEM team decorated the playhouse for U.S. Army veteran Sgt. Christopher Cutliffe’s family. Sgt. Cutliffe served in the U.S. Army from 1998 to 2006 with a 2003 tour in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. 

“SEM was founded by a Korean War veteran in 1967, and ever since then we have worked very closely with all branches of the military and intelligence community, so any opportunity we have to give back, we take it,” said Andrew Kelleher, SEM President. “This cause has always been so close to our hearts, and it is always an absolute honor to come together and give back to a family that has given so much to our country.”

SEM Marketing Assistant, Amanda Canale, and Customer Care Representative, Cindy Haskell, painting the playhouse’s window frames.

SEM Director of Marketing, Heidi White (left), and Marketing Assistant, Amanda Canale (right) intertwining ivy garland into the playhouse’s porch.

The SEM team took full creative control with Operation Playhouse 2022 and produced a jungle-themed playhouse for the Cutliffe family’s two small children. The playhouse, painted dark green, is adorned with bamboo, greenery, jungle-themed activity books and toys, a removable front porch with gate, and even a rope swing with jungle vines. 

“Every year, we try to take creative liberty and produce a truly unique and special playhouse,” said Amanda Canale, SEM Marketing Assistant. “Our team really outdid themselves with this year’s concept. It’s by far the most creative we have been and it was incredibly heartwarming to see it received so lovingly by the Cutliffe family.”

Members of the SEM Sales, Engineering, and Service teams working together to construct the playhouse’s roof.

 

SEM Director of Marketing, Heidi White, presenting Sgt. Christopher Cutliffe and his family with a certificate and the playhouse.

 

This is SEM’s fourth year taking part in Operation Playhouse and certainly won’t be the last. “Operation Playhouse has become a tradition here at SEM and we are eagerly awaiting next year’s opportunity,” added Kelleher.

Watch a recap of the day in the video below.

About Habitat For Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

SEM Introduces New Line of Shredders for Commercial Data Center Market

September 1, 2021 at 9:00 am by Amanda Canale

Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, is pleased to introduce a new line of hard drive and solid state shredder models: the SEM Model DC-S1-3 Series. This unique series of devices are specifically designed for the destruction of enterprise rotational hard drives and solid state media, such as those found in data centers. 

Designed at SEM’s Westborough, MA headquarters, the DC-S1-3 Series includes three models: the DC-S1-3 HDD for rotational hard drives, DC-S1-3 SSD for solid state drives, and DC-S1-3 HDD/SSD Combo for HDDs and SSDs. All are made in the USA and TAA compliant. 

“The DC-S1-3 series is an exciting new addition to our already extensive line of data destruction devices that was designed as a result of feedback gathered over the years from our data center clients,” commented Nicholas Cakounes, SEM CTO. “In addition to robust health and safety features, the DC-S1-3 incorporates very high torque and solid steel cutting heads to easily destroy the toughest, most dense hard drives and devices.”

The S1-3 series of devices are designed with a 3HP motor, high torque, and 3-phase power, ensuring the machines’ longevity and consistency. The S1-3 HDD and SSD both come with a single feed opening while the S1-3 HDD/SSD combo unit includes two separate feed openings and cutting chambers, one for rotational, platter-based hard drives and the other for solid state hard drives and devices. 

“Our new DC-S1-3 Series fills a gap for our data center clients when it comes to end-of-life hard drive destruction,” said Ben Figueroa, SEM Strategic Account Manager. “These devices not only offer consistent and efficient drive destruction, but also feature a compact footprint, which is so critical to our data center clients.”

In addition to rotational and solid state hard drives, the DC-S1-3 Series is ideal for the shredding of data tapes, cell phones, smartphones, optical media, memory sticks, thumb drives, PCBs, and other related electronic storage media.

For more information on the DC-S1-3 series, visit https://www.semshred.com/product/model-dc-s1-3-hdd-ssd/ and watch our YouTube video.

Announcing New Merchants Fabrication Production Supervisor

June 28, 2021 at 5:51 pm by Amanda Canale

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass., Merchants Fabrication, Inc. (MFI), a full-service metal plate and structural shape manufacturer specializing in the machine building industry, is pleased to announce that Voytek Knara has been promoted within the company as Production Supervisor.

“Voytek has been an integral member of the MFI team for over a decade and has played a key role in our success thus far,” comments John Bernier, MFI General Manager. “This promotion could not be more deserving.”

Mr. Knara, who has been with the company for 17 years, has nearly 30 years total of manufacturing experience. His new role at MFI will allow Mr. Knara to bring his expansive knowledge of metal fabrication theory and procedure as well as mechanical troubleshooting to the production floor.

“I am both honored and thrilled to be able to continue my work at MFI in this new role, and am excited to help bring the company to the next level,” commented Mr. Knara.

MFI has extensive history and experience in sub-contract manufacturing work, specializing in the aerospace, paper, food and beverage, medical, and specialty equipment industries. Their capabilities range from custom fabrication work, prototyping, and custom design to waterjet cutting, CNC bending, welding, and more.

SEM Introduces Two Solid State Media Crushers for Commercial Data Center Market

April 13, 2021 at 8:15 am by Amanda Canale

Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM), global leader in high security information end-of-life solutions, is pleased to introduce two new shredder models: the SEM Model 0205NANO and the SEM Model 0205MICRO. These two unique devices are specifically designed for the destruction of solid state media, including small chips; the 0205NANO crushes the smallest of solid state media while the 0205MICRO is equipped to crush other larger solid state material.  Designed and manufactured at SEM’s Westborough, MA headquarters, both devices are TAA compliant and meet NIST 800-88 regulations.

“These are both exciting new additions to our line of destruction devices for data centers,” commented Nicholas Cakounes, SEM CTO. “The 0205 line fills what has been a very real industry need for solid state destruction devices designed specifically to destroy microchips.”

The Model 0205NANO is a mobile crusher designed to destroy the smallest forms of solid state media and microchips. The first of its kind, this revolutionary device destroys Compact Flash Type 1, SD Cards, SIM chips, SOIC-8, PLCC-32, SOIC-16, and TSOP48. Once the end-of-life data has been inserted into the device, it is crushed beyond recovery by the specially crafted and designed internal rotors, even the tiniest chips.

Similarly, the SEM Model 0205MICRO is constructed with custom-engineered solid steel rotors, an LCD touch screen interface, and portability. The 0205MICRO is a low volume, solid state crusher that crushes a wide array of various solid state media, including SSDs, thumb drives, flash and optical media, cell phones, and more.

“These revolutionary devices are the perfect additions to the commercial market, particularly data centers, when it comes to end-of-life data destruction,” said Ben Figueroa, SEM Strategic Account Manager. “The 0205NANO and 0205MICRO are two state-of-the-art, compact, clean, and portable devices that make them ideal for safeguarding sensitive information stored on microchips.”

For more information on the Model 0205NANO, visit https://www.semshred.com/product/model-0205nano/. For more information on the Model 0205MICRO, visit https://www.semshred.com/product/model-0205micro/.