About Machine Safeguarding

We provide expert machine risk and safety assessments to help businesses create safer, more compliant workplaces. From identifying hazards to implementing tailored safeguarding solutions, our team ensures your machines meets the highest safety standards—protecting both your employees and operations.

About machine safeguarding Safeguarding Your Workforce with Expert Solutions

We specialize in comprehensive machine risk and safety assessments, helping businesses create safer, more compliant workplaces. Our expert team provides tailored solutions to identify hazards, implement effective safeguards, and ensure ongoing compliance.

Risk & Safety Assessments
Identifying potential hazards and developing strategic risk reduction plans.

Custom Engineering Solutions
Factory-direct, tailored safety systems designed for your unique needs.

Expert Technical Support
Guidance throughout the safeguarding process to maximize compliance and effectiveness.

Factory-Direct Installation
Professional implementation of safety solutions for optimal protection

Training & Education Programs
Learn the principles of machine safeguarding to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.

With a commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance, we provide the expertise and solutions needed to protect both employees and operations.

“Rockford Systems transformed our approach to workplace safety. Their expertise and reliable products have made a measurable difference in protecting our team and ensuring compliance. Partnering with them has been invaluable to our success.”

About Machine safeguarding Our Senior Staff

Joe Nitiss

Chief Executive Officer
Joe Nitiss

Chief Executive Officer

Joe Nitiss is a proven leader driving double-digit growth with an emphasis on strong execution and operational efficiency.

He drives the mission to reduce risk and workplace injuries by becoming our customer’s trusted advisor and source for machine safeguarding, training, assessment services, and provider of turnkey engineered safeguarding solutions.

Joe served as General Manager of the North American business unit of Elster. Mr. Nitiss also spearheaded major strategy and technical shifts as President North America of Emerson’s Chloride Group and during his tenure overseeing Genesis Cable (now Honeywell Cable) as General Manager.

Prior to those positions, Mr. Nitiss was Vice President of Marketing & Business Development for Honeywell International and Vice President of Marketing for Emerson.

Joe holds an BA in Economics and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from The University of Chicago.
John Norris

Chief Financial Officer
Matt Brenner, CMSE

Vice President & General Manager – Machine Safeguarding
Matt Brenner, CMSE

Vice President & General Manager – Machine Safeguarding

Matt Brenner has served in a variety of leadership roles for Rockford Systems.

With over 20 years of experience at Rockford Systems, Matt has broad experience with risk reduction techniques for industrial equipment across a wide variety of different industries including some of the largest and most complex businesses in North America.

Matt is an acknowledged expert, an author and a speaker on the topic of industrial safety standards and regulations and proper application of safety equipment.

Matt serves as an Alternate on the ANSI B11 series Standards Development Committee.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Brian Boes, LMSS

Vice President of Application Engineering and Service Department
B11 Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist – Certification #AA311265377
Brian Boes, LMSS

Vice President of Application Engineering and Service Department
B11 Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist – Certification #AA311265377

Brian Boes leads the Application Engineering and Service Department at Rockford Systems.

He brings over 25 years of expertise in safety integration for controls and machinery.

Brian develops new products, supports field applications, and advances industry safety standards.

He serves as a voting member of the ANSI B11 Standards Development Committee.

Contributes to the B11.1 and B11.2 subcommittees for mechanical and hydraulic punch press standards as a delegate.

He holds an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from Rock Valley College.

Holds a B11 LMSS (Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist) certification, demonstrating expertise in risk assessment, functional safety, and hazardous energy control.

Enhances Rockford Systems’ commitment to industrial safety excellence through leadership and innovation.
Phillip Reuter, LMSS

Director of Machine Safeguarding Services
Phillip Reuter, LMSS

Director of Machine Safeguarding Services

Phil Reuter has more than 15 years of combined experience at Rockford Systems.

He began his career as a Machine Safeguarding Installation Lead Technician, then advanced to Regional Sales Manager/Machine Safeguarding Specialist, and is currently leading the company’s Installation and Account Management departments.

Phil has worked in aviation, and industrial maintenance positions prior to his tenure with Rockford Systems.

Phil holds an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Southwestern Illinois College.

He is an ANSI B11 Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist (LMSS), with a certificate of his knowledge of U.S. machinery safety standards and his understanding of the risk assessment process, application of risk reduction measures, and appropriate choices for the design of safety functions. His certificate was issued by B11 Standards, Inc, the ANSI-accredited Standards Developing (ASD) organization.
Matthew Clutter

Director of Training
Matthew Clutter

Director of Training

Matthew Clutter is a seasoned professional with over 33 years of of experience in the safety and security fields, over 20 of those years being dedicated service at Rockford Systems. Throughout his tenure, he has held increasingly responsible roles, leading to his current position as Director of Training.

Matthew brings extensive experience in hazard reduction, machine safeguarding, asset protection, loss prevention, loss control, bulk hazardous chemical process safety and storage, process safety, and safety training. His comprehensive approach to safety and security is informed by his background as a United States Marine, and he continues to leverage his unique experiences to enhance training programs at Rockford Systems. His unique background includes clearance-required national security operations on Naval and Marine Corps installations, where he excelled in USMC guard and reaction force supervision and training.

Matthew is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and also serves as an alternate on the ANSI B11 series Standards Development Committee.

Matthew has completed multiple United States Marine Corps leadership courses, TRSA/UTSA Production Management Institute Coursework, and has attended both Rock Valley College and Western Illinois University.
Kari Larson

Director of Marketing
Kari Larson

Director of Marketing

Kari Larson is the Director of Marketing; responsible for Market Insights, Inbound Marketing, Data Analytics, Project/Product/Brand Management and Strategic Planning.

Kari began her career performing market research in the media/communication industry, and has spent the past 20+ years accomplishing roles with increasing responsibility in companies specializing in Hardware, Packaging, Bearing, Paint/Craft/Hobby, Adhesives, Capital Equipment, Solenoid Valve, Heat Treat and Chemical Industries.

Kari’s ’s work experiences include product lifecycle management, project management, process improvement, brand management, Partners in Leadership trainer, LEAN leadership certified, public relations, trade show management, channel management, competitive market intelligence, marketing automation, content creation, voice of the customer, and P&L responsibilities for product lines ranging from $5 million to $500 million.

Kari holds a Bachelor Degree in Marketing from Bradley University and an MBA.
Emily Scheel

Human Resources Manager

Emily Scheel

Human Resources Manager

Emily Scheel is an experienced and people-focused HR professional with a strong background in employee relations, strategic planning, and full-cycle HR management. As the HR Manager at Rockford Systems, she draws on her knowledge to foster a positive workplace culture, streamline HR processes, and help drive the company’s growth through effective talent management.

Emily began her HR career at Target as an FMLA Specialist, where she supported payroll, onboarding, and best practices. She is passionate about developing processes that make life easier for teams, improve company culture, and attract top talent. A member of SHRM, Emily brings a thoughtful, solutions-driven approach to every challenge and is known for supporting both employees and leadership with empathy, efficiency, and integrity.

Let’s Talk Safety Schedule a consultation with our experts and take the first step toward a safer facility.

Contact us today for more information on how Rockford Systems can help your organization reduce risk and improve employee safety.

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Our Process

Products

By Machine Type

Die Safety Blocks

Emergency Stop Buttons

Custom Guards

Interlock Switches

Machine Control Systems

Motor Controls

Presence Sensing Devices

Replacement Parts

Safeguarding Accessories

Safety Shields

Status Indication Lighting

Stop Time Measurement Device

Tools

Training

Courses

Services

Resources

Our Process

Software

Products

Training

Courses

Services

Resources

Our Process

Products

Training

Courses

Services

Resources

About Machine Safeguarding

About machine safeguarding Safeguarding Your Workforce with Expert Solutions

About Machine safeguarding Our Senior Staff

Joe Nitiss

John Norris

Matt Brenner, CMSE

Brian Boes, LMSS

Phillip Reuter, LMSS

Matthew Clutter

Kari Larson

Emily Scheel

Let’s Talk Safety Schedule a consultation with our experts and take the first step toward a safer facility.

Our Process

Products

By Machine Type

Die Safety Blocks

Emergency Stop Buttons

Custom Guards

Interlock Switches

Machine Control Systems

Motor Controls

Presence Sensing Devices

Replacement Parts

Safeguarding Accessories

Safety Shields

Status Indication Lighting

Stop Time Measurement Device

Tools

Training

Courses

Services

Resources

Our Process

Software

Products

Training

Courses

Services

Resources

Our Process

Products

Training

Courses

Services

Resources