OUR
STORY

Sensor Technology has come from humble beginnings.

Sensor Technology began its journey as an R&D diversification of Blue Mountain Pottery. The commercial pottery company decided to expand into piezoelectric ceramics, and BM Hi-Tech was born in 1983. Founders Eswar and Shashi Prasad had immigrated from India in the late 1970s with degrees in Physics (Piezoelectric ceramics) and Economics and moved to Collingwood to head up the high-tech piezo materials program.

Sensor Technology and BM HiTech were incorporated into a wholly owned subsidiary. Through intensive development work, in-house formulations were perfected and offered to meet stringent Navy Standards. These proprietary powders have been the backbone of the company and have allowed us to become a global leader in piezo-based acoustic tools.

Growth involved taking the next logical stage of development, and in the 1990’s work to develop hydrophones began. This then led to the need for high volume, repeatable processes, taking the company into new territory but always based on its origins: piezo.

Twenty years after founding, Eswar and Shashi considered retirement and began a succession plan. In 2007 the process to changeover to new ownership began, and in 2011 their daughter Niru Somayajula made the transition from Operations Manager to Owner. With partners, she has forged into even new territories, markets and geographical locations. Her plans for growth, diversification and expansion have no signs of slowing down.

Sensor Technology remains a proud Canadian company with the family values instilled over four decades ago. We celebrate our 40th Anniversary and look towards the future with confidence and expectation.

Decade 1

FORMULATIONS

The transition begins from our humble beginnings as an R&D startup to create world-class piezo ceramic powders.

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Decade 2

PRODUCTION GROWTH

Challenge accepted to expand our offerings and manufacture bespoke hydrophones using our own piezo ceramics.

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Decade 3

CAPABILITY EXPANSION

A decade of discovery to perfect and implement all of the processes and capital expansion necessary to increase thruput.

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Decade 4

COMPANY EXPANSION

Decade of expansion: both an additional facility in Collingwood, but a few years later two locations in Borden, NS.

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President's Message

It is particularly fulfilling to celebrate our 40th Anniversary as the second generation at the helm of a company that I’m so passionate about. I grew up watching my immigrant parents work side-by-side, with a common goal for our family: to continuously improve and grow the business. Without really knowing or understanding it, I was always part of the business. I spent after-schools in the office learning how to use the typewriter to do invoices or answer phones from a very early age. Understanding the importance of personal bonds was instilled from a young age as we often entertained clients at home, getting to know people on a personal level and fostering true connections.

As with any small business, wearing multiple hats was simply a fact of life. Dad was ‘product development and sales.’ From time to time, I would go on sales trips with him to visit customers, navigating with a map on my knees as he drove – it was these experiences that shaped my love of travel.

Growing up, I didn’t envision myself with a future career within the organization. I left university and spent internships in Europe, discovering the world for myself. A few years later I came back on board as Operations Manager to help oversee the sale of the company. As luck would have it, the deal fell through, as I had begun to fall in love with the business.

My mom handled the production side of the operation and oversaw the finances. As I was getting ready to buy the company, she offered me a sage piece of advice as I was trying to determine where I would best serve the organization, “The one who controls the money controls the business.” I took her sage advice and found my fit within the business – a little bit of Mom and a little bit of Dad. I needed to find a way to carve out my own path: it took some time to find my voice and discover what that meant. I made it a point to surround myself with people smarter than myself and this was invaluable as I transitioned from employee to employer.

Because life is always full of surprises, being able to adapt (quickly) has helped me immensely. As a single mother of two young girls, balancing motherhood and a big career made for an interesting challenge – every decision and challenge were opportunities for growth. The culture and ethos of the family business still rings as true today as it did four decades ago. Commitment to our clients and employee’s well-being have always been at our core. To all our past and present employees, customers, stakeholders and friends – I want to thank you for your continued commitment to Sensor Technology. We hope to be able to continue to build on the relationships we have formed, and I look forward to the next 40 years! #thefutureisbright

Driven by the market's need to make timely, informed decisions, our mission is to develop and manufacture acoustic sensors to facilitate a safer planet for all living things.

MISSION STATEMENT

PRODUCTS

Transducers, Hydrophones & Ceramics

OUR TEAM

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Niru

CEO

Strategic planning, Business Development, Growth and leadership, New Product development. Niru is an avid cyclist, runner, swimmer and amateur gourmet chef! 

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Drew

Accountant

Drew is responsible for accounts payables and supports our suppliers and contractors. Drew is a father to two young kiddos and an avid cyclist.

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Deena

Head of Operations

Deena is responsible for the overall operation of the company. She makes sure processes, safety and compliances are up to date. Deena has a love for fast sports cars!

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Shannon

Business Development Assistant

Shannon assists in all aspect of business development, including researching new products and markets. Shannon is the proud doggo mom to Sally.

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Mindy

Head of Sales

Mindy is our sales champion. She is responsible for quoting and maintaining customer relations. Mindy is an accomplished home renovator with some impressive carpentry skills.