Without the portable, powerful generators produced at Power Systems International's Natural Bridge factory, Base-X shelters would be little more than gigantic -- and very dark -- tents.

Like the shelters they're paired with, PSI's generators are designed to work in some of the world's most inhospitable environments.

"About 80 percent of our products go right to Base-X," said PSI President Rob Hodges.

PSI was originally a vendor for its fellow Rockbridge County company. Now both companies are owned by Hunter Defense Technologies, the Solon, Ohio, company that purchased Base-X in March 2005 and PSI a year later.

Hodges said having the same owner has allowed the two companies to operate in a much more coordinated fashion.

"Essentially Base-X is our sales force," Hodges said. "They have an agent in Australia who sells shelters and air conditioners to the Australian military. So we support them as subject experts and help provide training and expertise."

And like Base-X, Hodges said growth is a key mandate for PSI.

Hodges said one key is expanding the product lines PSI offers. He said the ultra-sturdy units needed by the military for places such as Iraq are often overkill for a state emergency management department or industrial client. But sometimes, such as when generators and air conditioners purchased by Sweden ended up supporting humanitarian work in Chad, having the military-grade equipment comes in handy.

Hodges said increasing international sales will help the two companies weather any reductions in American military spending.

-- Jacob Geiger