About Us

Materials Evaluation and Engineering, Inc. (MEE) was founded in 1995 by current CEO and principal engineer, Larry Hanke, to fill a local need for an independent, high-quality, materials characterization laboratory for advanced materials and critical components. MEE rapidly developed into a leading material testing and failure analysis laboratory in the Upper Midwest. Referrals from satisfied customers have generated a steady growth of new projects and clients from across the country and internationally.

Our laboratory space has expanded four times since our inception with the latest expansion and remodel completed in early 2019. We are constantly evaluating and adding new testing equipment, procedures and laboratory space to provide the best service to our customers.

But it’s not just rooms of high-tech equipment that has fueled MEE’s growth. Our team of professional engineers, scientists and technicians add value to every project with advanced subject knowledge, technical expertise and a customer service driven approach to excellence. Partnership with the customer is essential and primary in MEE’s work as both parties bring perspectives to the table that are needed to achieve the best materials solutions.

Key benefits to partnering with MEE:

• Our partnership and dedication in solving clients challenges
• Our in-depth industry experience with a wide variety of metals and polymers
• Our fundamental understanding of materials behavior, including mechanical and corrosion failure mechanisms
• Our focused, expert analysis methods and detailed thorough reports
• Our state-of-the-art testing and analysis laboratories

Mission Statement:

“Our objective at MEE is to work in partnership with clients to develop practical, cost-effective solutions to materials-related problems. MEE achieves this by the innovative application of traditional and advanced analytical methods combined with sound engineering.”


Our clients appreciate the personable, knowledgeable and professional service they receive every time they call or come into our office.