A few years ago, execs at the north-side Rockford company put their heads together to plan on ways to weather a potential economic crisis.

"Were looking at different options... one of the things we have been saying for a long time is we saw thunderclouds on the horizon and now were flying through a thunderstorm.. you have to be prudent and vigilant with your decisions but at the same time be opportunistic and take advantage in areas where we see we can exploit " says CFO Gregory Bubp.

Eclipse makes burners used in many different industries like glass... metal and food processing... and does a large amount of international exporting to 13 different countries.

"Because Eclipse has their hands in many different markets here and overseas.. they're leaning on this diversity to help them hang on during this wild economic ride".

"Automotive is not doing well alot of them are having problems financially but our service industry is going to help us recession proof our business."

Bubp is hanging his hopes on some international clients.....
"Toyota is doing well a company called British Plasterboard...these companies should help us". says Bubp.

And while we all concerned about what is yet to come....
"
My biggest concern is the seizing up of the credit markets and that would case alot of havoc in the U.S. But what that would actually mean I can't really tell you because we really don't know ."

Bubp say the key to beating this unknown... Is to do what you can to make sure you come out unscathed.

In Rockford Kristin Burke 23 News Right Now.