In 1977, Radian Corporation (Radian) hired a group of engineers and established a Failure Analysis laboratory in Austin, Texas at the behest of their parent organization, Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company (HSB). The technical staff and laboratory, known as Mechanical & Materials Engineering, would meet the felt need of HSB to provide engineering support and assistance in claims investigations and loss prevention activities. After a decade of providing exclusive support for HSB, Mechanical & Materials Engineering broadened their client base to include commercial work.In 1998, HSB divested itself of Radian Corporation, but bought back Mechanical & Materials Engineering, setting it up as a division within HSB. Late in 2000, American International Group (AIG) acquired HSB and its subsidiary companies.