Optical Experts Manufacturing (OEM) was founded in March, 2000, entering the rapidly growing industry for optical media, including DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, CD-Audio and CD-ROM. Optical Experts Manufacturing (OEM) was built from the ground up in order to be the most cutting-edge provider of replication and mastering services for Compact Discs (CDs) and Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs) for the consumer, business-to-business, and entertainment software markets

OEM is an independent, private company located in a state-of-art 70,000 square-foot facility in Charlotte, North Carolina. OEM was founded in March, 2000 by Max Harris and Ray Zerrusen, who previously held senior level positions at World Color, a $2.4 billion commercial printing company.

Harris and Zerrusen built the OEM team by hiring some of the best engineering and management talent from the industry. Under Harris and Zerrusen, OEM grew to over 400 clients, 125 employees and a 24 hours a day, seven days a week manufacturing operation. Recognizing a shift in client demand toward more of a supply chain management offering, including component procurement, printing, custom assembly and distribution, OEM purchased Mirus Solutions in December of 2004. This was the company’s first acquisition and strengthened OEM’s ability to provide clients with a more complete “end to end” solution. In addition, the Mirus acquisition added several high profile clients to the company’s client base and gave OEM key industry personnel to help fuel future growth and strategy. Kris Peavy and Marty Efird, former owners of Mirus Solutions joined OEM’s senior management team as Executive Vice Presidents in charge of Sales and Client Services.

In September of 2005, OEM completed the sale of its stock to key management and new equity sponsors Harbert Management Corporation and Prism Capital. The new equity partners jointly invested in preferred equity and subordinated debt. In response to the close of this deal Ray Zerrusen commented “This transaction provides liquidity to the selling shareholders, while allowing the management team to participate in the continued success of the company. With new ownership and all the positive momentum we are very excited about the future and the growth opportunities in front of OEM.”