True measure of success

Twenty one years is a long time for any business to survive and, indeed, prosper. Among key factors, success depends on consistent core values and underlying strengths. This is true in publishing, where IP&E has for the last 21 years demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards in editorial integrity, while simultaneously embracing changes in print and digital technology. It is equally true in manufacturing, where Gems Sensors and Controls has for many decades combined a pioneering approach to product development in the field of level, pressure and flow measurement, with an unyielding determination to deliver the highest standard  of quality and customer service.

Components manufactured by Gems are used for the precision measurement of flow, level and pressure, especially in low and high volume customised OEM applications. Our products are used in markets ranging from transport and offhighway, to oil and gas, renewable energy,  marine, semi-conductor and medical.

In each case we provide extensive research and development, prototyping and dedicated production facilities to our OEM customers around the world, helping them create effective fluid sensor solutions that deliver optimum benefits, both technically and  commercially.

Over the last 50 years we’ve consistently been at the forefront of technology. This began in 1955 with the introduction of an unusual but effective Aspirin based switch, and continued in 1959 with our first patented bilge switches for the marine sector, that even then set new standards for quality and reliability. In the following years we launched many new and often innovative products, including visual level and flow indicators, leak detection devices, electro-optic and ultra-sonic switches, piston, paddle and shuttle flow switches, and solenoid valves.

In the field of pressure measurement we pioneered the development of sputtered thin film and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) technologies. These were – and continue to be – combined with advanced micro-electronics to create products that set the benchmark for accuracy, stability and hysteresis, under the most demanding operating conditions.

The underlying goal throughout our history has been to work closely with customers from the outset of a new project, with our engineers partnering with OEMs’ design and production teams. This collaborative process brings many dividends, including faster time to market, improved component or system performance, functionality and reliability, and reductions in inventory and through-life costs.

Most recently, this approach has resulted in the introduction of a new generation of intrinsically safe pressure transmitters, which offer exceptional long-term stability, with just 0.2% full scale drift per year and accuracy of just 0.25% full scale deflection, together with high levels of resistance to shock and vibration. Ongoing developments include advanced level switches that will enable OEMs to make significant improvements in the reliability and performance of coolant systems in large industrial generators, off-highway and commercial vehicles and support equipment for wind and wave turbines.

Looking towards the future, the demand for custom engineered fluidic solutions is continuing to grow, as the global economy recovers and as OEMs search for new ways to add further value to their products and systems. In particular, the advantages for OEMs in outsourcing key technical elements of system design and build to dedicated suppliers with specialised knowledge and resources, are driving the development of new and ever more innovative technologies.

For example, in flow, level and pressure, we’re already witnessing a move towards component miniaturisation and elimination of all moving parts from sensors and switches.

The last 21 years has been a fascinating period, both for publications such as IP&E and specialist manufacturers such as Gems.

The recent advent of digital technology is now driving rapid change across all business sectors, causing disruption but also creating a host of exciting challenges. Although predicting what will happen in the next 21 years is difficult, one thing is for certain: it will be the companies with a history of success that are best placed to react to change and to forge, build and exploit new opportunities.

For more information visit www.gemssensors.com