About RDS Instruments & Electronics
We spent decades inside the "mothership." We saw exactly how the corporate sausage was made—and we didn't like the taste.
The RDS Story: A Clean Break from Corporate Neglect
Refugees from the "Big OEM"
RDS wasn't founded in a boardroom with a "synergy" slide deck. It was founded in field service vans and lab benches by people who were tired of watching Malvern Panalytical trade actual engineering for flashy PowerPoints and shareholder dividends. We all served our time there. We saw the shift from solving customer problems to optimizing "service metrics" and hitting quarterly bonus targets.
We watched as experienced technicians were replaced by script-readers, and as perfectly functional instruments were given "Letters of Death" simply because the sales department wanted to hit a new quota. We knew there was a better way—a way that prioritized uptime over upsells and precision over PowerPoints.
Built to be the Antithesis of the Corporate Model
We built RDS to be exactly what the "Big OEM" isn't: nimble, honest, and obsessively focused on your success. Our work begins long after the initial sale is complete. We don't care about "Smart Manager" cloud surveillance or forced software locks. We care about your goniometer being aligned, your HT generator being stable, and your lab staying operational.
When you partner with RDS, you talk to people who have actually touched a goniometer and spent years in the field. You get the 200+ years of combined Malvern Panalytical and Philips Analytical expertise that the corporate world is currently busy downsizing.
Our Only Metric is Your Uptime
Our mission is simple: to provide the professional, responsive, and customer-centric support that we saw disappearing from the industry. We are here to listen, to fix, and to ensure your X-ray systems—from legacy workhorses to modern instruments—perform at their peak. That is the RDS promise. No theater, just engineering.
Where Our "Mothership Refugees" are Based
We have a strong presence across the United States, with expert field engineers based in the following states to provide prompt and reliable service wherever you are:
- California
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Texas
Meet the RDS Experts (Former MP Insiders)
Our team is comprised exclusively of industry veterans with deep, multi-decade experience inside Malvern Panalytical and Philips Analytical. We didn't just learn about these systems from a manual; we helped support them from the inside.
Robert Clayton
President and Owner
Illinois
With over 40 years of experience, Robert leads RDS with a vision of customer satisfaction first. Certified RSO. Envisionary. Factory-trained.
Cara Bass
National Service Director
Illinois
As the central point for our marketing, sales, and operations, Cara is dedicated to ensuring a seamless client journey. She expertly manages every detail, from initial contact and proposals to vendor relations and scheduling, guaranteeing an exceptional and consistent service experience.
Marcus Crews
Director of XRF Field Service
Tennessee
U.S. Army, Retired. 20 years analytical X-ray experience, specializing in XRF. Certified RSO. Factory-trained.
Dennis Hendon
Senior XRD Service Specialist
Texas
Bringing over 35 years of experience, Dennis is our dedicated XRD Service Specialist in the South. Certified RSO. Factory-trained.
Sam Tylner
Senior Field Service Engineer
California
With over 35 years of experience, Sam specialized in everything. Retired from Malvern/Philips. Factory-trained.
David Reed
Senior National XRF Specialist
Maryland
With over 35 years of experience, Dave specializes in XRF repair and formerly managed the East before retiring from the grind. Factory-trained.
Josh Fisher
West Region Service Manager
California
With 25 years of experience, Josh specializes in XRF, former Factory trained XRF trainer. Factory Trained.
Ready for Real Support?
Stop waiting for a "Solution Consultant" to call you back. Contact our team today for the expert X-ray service, repair, and parts you actually need.
Talk to a Real Technician