- Measurex
-
Measurex Corp. Former type Corporation Fate Acquired Successor Honeywell Founded 1969 Defunct 1997 Headquarters Cupertino, CA Key people Dave Bossen, Founder Products MX1000, MX2000, MX2001, MX 2002, MXVision MXOpen Measurex was an American company based in Cupertino, California. Measurex was one of the first companies developing computer control systems for industry, primarily the paper-making industry. The development of the control systems included the development of control software, and development of scanning sensors to measure different properties of paper. The company was acquired by Honeywell in March 1997[1][2], at a price tag of almost $600 million.[2][3] At the acquisition, Measurex had 2,250 employees in 30 countries and a revenue of $254 million.[4]
Contents
History
Early years
Measurex was founded in 1969 by Dave Bossen, a former sales manager at Industrial Nucleonics. It was first a garage setup based on paper industry experiences (circa 1966) at 330 Matthew Street in Santa Clara, but later moved to Cupertino to an old cannery property.[5] The user of mini-computers was a part of the business plan, and Measurex initially used the Hewlett Packard 2116B mini-computer in the MX1000 and MX2000 systems. Later on, with the MX2001 systems, Measurex used the 21MX mini-computer.
Starting with the MX2002 systems, Measurex started to use the DEC LSI 11. Intel based system was introduced with the MX2002 Vision systems (using Intel 8086[5]), but still with the LSI 11 as a Scanner Support Processor (SSP). The reason for keeping the older LSI 11 in the architecture, was the computer's ability of near real-time processing of gauge data and also the LSI 11's support for hardware interrupts.[citation needed]
Acquisition of Devron
Measurex acquired the North Vancouver firm Devron-Hercules Inc. in 1991[6]. Devron was a company specializing in solutions for Cross Directional optimization of the paper sheet in paper machines.
Acquisition of Roibox
In April 1993, Measurex acquired the Finnish company Roibox Oy, for approximately $1.7 million.[7]
Honeywell-Measurex
Honeywell kept the name Measurex for a number of years after the acquisition, giving the subsidiary the name Honeywell-Measurex.
Development of Sensors
Early sensors were almost exclusively based on continuous process pulp and paper making, beginning with basis weight, moisture, caliper and whiteness. Later sensors were developed for new industries, including tire calendaring, cigarette fill, aluminum rolling mill gage thickness and others. Some of the early sensors were based on emissions from radioactive source materials it would probably be difficult - or impossible - for a similar firm to use today in the same way.
The company's influence on industrial control systems
Service
Measurex had a service business that was 40% of the annual revenue[4]. Most of the mills at the time could not support computer control system, and at the same time get an up-time of 99% or better. Measurex provided dedicated, on-site service for this, since it was a very expensive investment for a mill to train a technician.
Customers of Measurex systems reported that the dedication and expertise of the service organization that was a considerable factor in creating the customer confidence that resulted in sales growth, especially the repeat sales that fueled the remarkable growth during the 25 years leading up to the acquisition by Honeywell. As founder Dave Bossen often told service personnel: "Our results are far greater with a superior field service organization working with average systems, compared to manufacturing superior systems, but installed and maintained by an average field service organization". Of course, he was also quite emphatic about having manufacturing produce superior systems as well, resulting in their standing as a lead supplier of quality and control systems for the paper industry.
Results Guarantee
One business strategy for Measurex was the Result Guarantee, which allowed the customer to return the Measurex system. This allowed customers to gain confidence in the systems.[4] In 1975 a company wide competition was held for employees to name the new street upon which the new Measurex facilities were built. None of the employee submittals was selected and Dave Bossen chose "1 Results Way" to amplify the company's commitment to results.
References
- ^ http://www.tradevibes.com/company/profile/measurex
- ^ a b http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3636/is_199703/ai_n8751982?tag=rbxcra.2.a.1
- ^ http://www.linksv.com/companySummary.aspx?co_idURl=3107
- ^ a b c http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3636/is_199406/ai_n8710576
- ^ a b http://ed-thelen.org/Measurex.html
- ^ http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/ica-lic.nsf/en/lk-39109e.html
- ^ http://sec.edgar-online.com/1994/02/25/00/0000950109-94-000311/Section31.asp
External links
Categories:- Companies based in California
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
