About SEM
In 1967, Security Engineered Machinery Co., Inc. (SEM) was established by Korean War veteran, Leonard Rosen. Today, SEM stands as a US manufacturer that provides comprehensive end-of-life solutions for the protection of sensitive information in government and commercial markets. SEM data destruction devices are the premier high security choice available on the market today.
Whether paper, hard disk or solid state drives, tape, microchips, or any other type of media-bearing device, SEM has a solution that can sanitize classified and top secret information as well as controlled unclassified information (CUI), personally identifiable information (PII), personal health information (PHI), or any other type of sensitive data. SEM also produces customized equipment for size reduction solutions and for destroying off-spec or returned product for the medical device, gaming, security printing, and food industries as well as bank note/currency destruction for the US Federal Reserve and Central Banks throughout the world.
Primary products include personal, departmental, and central destruction paper shredders, hard drive shredders and crushers, solid state device shredders and disintegrators, magnetic media degaussers, and optical media shredders and destroyers. In addition, as the inventor of the disintegrator in 1967, SEM continues to offer and service a complete line of disintegration systems designed for an office environment as well as larger centrally located systems for heavy duty, high-volume applications that are supported by a variety of customized waste collection systems including briquetting for paper, which creates a 100% recyclable end product and contributes to LEED points in new construction.
SEM has established a global reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service. Our sales and service departments are always accessible, and clients appreciate the high quality solutions and custom, dedicated technical support we are able to provide as a small business and US manufacturer. When it comes to a solution to securely and effectively eliminate end-of-life information or mitigate liabilities, SEM still stands as the first choice of the US Federal Government and security-focused Fortune 50 companies.
A History of Innovation and Excellence
On January 23, 1968, the USS Pueblo, a Navy intelligence vessel, was engaged in a routine surveillance of the North Korean coast when it was intercepted by North Korean patrol boats. According to U.S. reports, the Pueblo was in international waters almost 16 miles from shore, but the North Koreans turned their guns on the lightly armed vessel and demanded its surrender. The Americans attempted to escape, and the North Koreans opened fire, wounding the commander and two others. With capture inevitable, the Americans stalled for time, destroying the classified information aboard while taking further fire. Unfortunately, the volume of material on board was so great that it was impossible to destroy it all prior to capture. An NSA report quotes Lieutenant Steve Harris, the officer in charge of Pueblo’s Naval Security Group Command detachment: “Only a small percentage of the total classified material aboard the ship was destroyed.”
Korean War Veteran Leonard Rosen was struck with the idea that there must be a better way to destroy classified information, and he began working to develop a faster, more efficient and secure method. Within weeks he had developed the concept for the world’s first paper disintegrator — and SEM was born.
For over 50 years, SEM has been the driving force behind document and data destruction innovations that are now considered industry best practices. From the world’s first disintegrator to the industry’s most successful line of electronic media crushers and shredders — and the only touchscreen, dual-voltage, NSA Listed degausser — SEM enjoys a reputation for innovation earned from a firm commitment to engineering, design, and product manufacturing.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
To provide unsurpassed end-of-life solutions that ensure security of classified and sensitive information by fostering a supportive, team-centric environment that values intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and unrelenting integrity.
Vision
To ensure that every individual, entity, and organization maintains their privacy and security by innovating the most effective and efficient information end-of-life solutions.
Values
Innovation – creativity and forward thinking
Excellence – focus on quality and reliability
Transparency – open, direct, and honest communication
Positivity – optimism and a collectivist culture
Teamwork – collaboration and partnership with each other and with our clients
Integrity – honesty, confidentiality, and accountability in all endeavors
Responsibility – strong commitment to community and the environment
The World of SEM
In business since 1967, SEM has devices and installations in every corner the world. Our devices can be found in every US Embassy and Consulate globally, throughout the intelligence community, in countless military and federal agency installations, and in countless enterprise and hyperscale data centers. We are proud of our history and of our global reach and are committed to providing superior devices and services that have come to be synonymous with the SEM name.
The SEM Difference
No other company has the ability to provide as many complex data sanitization solutions as SEM. Our unparalleled capabilities include design, engineering, manufacturing, planning, logistics, service, and training. SEM is the only multi-discipline manufacturer with the ability to fully customize solutions internally. Need a wider feed opening? We can machine it. Looking for more horsepower? We can install it. Hoping to fit your solutions into a smaller space? We can engineer it. Trying to get a quick answer? Call us and talk to a live person. As a comprehensive US manufacturer employing hardworking Americans in the following categories, SEM can proudly claim to manufacture, assemble, and more — all in the USA.
Service
Our clients benefit not only from our decades of valuable expertise, but also from our commitment to responsiveness and accountability. By providing exceptional customer service and working as a trusted partner with our clients, we are able to forge robust, long-term relationships that are built on a foundation of knowledge, respect, and integrity.
Engineering and Design
Our experienced engineering staff uses the latest CAD technology to create custom systems optimized to client destruction needs, security levels, and space requirements. Whether designing a commercial, off-the-shelf solution for government or military use or a custom, proprietary system for a Fortune 500 company, our dedicated team has the creativity, experience, and aptitude to deliver solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
Complete Manufacturing Capabilities
Unlike most suppliers of information destruction equipment, SEM is a manufacturer, not just a reseller. Our manufacturing center is equipped with state-of-the-art factory automation equipment and staffed by industry leaders, allowing us to maintain the strictest quality control standards in the industry as well as the flexibility to modify equipment to best suit specific application needs. Our in-house manufacturing capabilities also allow us to react more quickly to customer demands than suppliers who rely on outside contract manufacturers.
Software Integration Expertise
SEM is an expert in software design and integration. From our LCD touchscreen control panels to on-board diagnostics and destruction verification reporting, we incorporate software-based technology as a means to upgrade machine performance and improve the overall operator experience.
Associations and Memberships
