Industrial Scientific Corporation
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gas detection, Safety equipment, Software |
| Predecessor | Research Division of National Mine Service Company (NMS) |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Kenton McElhattan |
| Headquarters | Robinson Township, Pennsylvania , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Intrinsically safe gas detection instruments, Predictive Solutions software platform |
| Owner | Fortive |
| Parent | Fortive |
| Website | www |
Industrial Scientific Corporation is an American enterprise headquartered in Pittsburgh specializing in the design and production of gas detection devices that safeguard workers worldwide. Its primary sectors of operation encompass utilities, chemical manufacturing, oil and gas, steel and coke production, paper manufacturing, fire services, construction, military applications, insurance, food service, and various industrial fields.
History
Originating in 1976 as the Research Division within the National Mine Service Company (NMS), Industrial Scientific's initial emphasis was on methane gas detection technology. In 1985, founder Kenton McElhattan acquired this division from NMS, transforming Industrial Scientific into an independent private entity. This separation arose from a disagreement involving a $600 microscope with NMS's majority owner based in Scotland.
By 2015, the company centralized its operations into a newly constructed 200,000-square-foot headquarters located in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, combining previously dispersed facilities situated in Oakdale and Findlay Township.
In 2017, Industrial Scientific became part of Fortive, a diversified industrial technology conglomerate that also owns brands such as Fluke Corporation and Tektronix.
Acquisitions
Industrial Scientific expanded its capabilities in 2006 by acquiring Oldham S.A., a French manufacturer specializing in fixed gas detection systems based in Arras.
In 2008, the company further broadened its technological reach by purchasing DBO2, known for developing data mining software aimed at forecasting and preventing safety hazards primarily within the construction industry.
The firm's software offerings were enhanced in 2019 through the acquisition of Intelex Technologies, a Toronto-based developer focusing on environmental, health and safety, as well as quality management software solutions.
Products
The company produces intrinsically safe gas detection instruments designed for both personal protective use and area monitoring. Additionally, Industrial Scientific provides a software-as-a-service platform named Predictive Solutions, which leverages data analytics to improve safety management processes.