In 2024, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Polimaster, Inc. and look back with pride at the pioneering spirit and innovative breakthroughs that have characterized our journey. Join us as we continue to explore and celebrate the milestones that have shaped our path.
Part 1. The birth of Polimaster, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Polimaster, Inc., was established to promote its groundbreaking products, already well-known in Europe, for the North and South America markets. This step was taken after two successful years of selling the flagship PM1703 series devices in the United States under a partner brand. Creating a new U.S. company within the Polimaster Group marked the start of a new chapter in our story.
A Response to Global Security Needs
The development of the PM1703 devices was inspired by projects like the Illicit Trafficking Radiation Detection Assessment Program (ITRAP) and a project that assessed border radiation control systems, conducted in collaboration with the IAEA and the Austrian Nuclear Center Seibersdorf laboratories conducted from 1997 to 2000. These projects revealed a significant gap in the radiation detection products market: the scarcity of compact, belt-worn radiation detectors, or "pocket-type" devices. At that time, there were only four such devices on the market and Polimaster manufactured two of them. Moreover, all those devices were designed exclusively for detecting gamma radiation. In contrast, there were numerous large hand-held devices capable of detecting both gamma and neutron radiation.
Pioneering the Gamma-Neutron Pager Detector
Seeing an opportunity, in 2001 Polimaster set out to develop a first-of-its-kind gamma-neutron detector that could fit in a pocket—a tool none of our competitors offered. This innovation quickly caught the attention of the scientific community. Then, in 2002, the Los Alamos laboratory requested the PM1703GN devices for testing and provided us with test reports. Later in 2003, when the ANSI 42.32 standard was introduced, we were pleased to find out that our 2002 device testing had been conducted using the same methods as outlined in the new standard. This validation of our device compliance significantly boosted the start of PM1703GN device sales through Polimaster partners across America.
Establishing a U.S.-based company Polimaster, Inc.
From 2003 to 2004, PM1703GN devices were distributed in the United States by other companies under various rebranded names. By mid-2004, Polimaster had decided to submit a direct proposal for the emerging U.S. Coast Guard solicitation to secure firsthand high-quality professional support of the USCG customers and fulfill their demands with no delay. Thus, to launch local manufacturing and 24/7 maintenance of the PM1703GN devices in the United States, on September 21, 2004, Polimaster established a new company Polimaster, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia. Eventually, participation in that important solicitation laid a solid foundation for our further growth and success.
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Polimaster, Inc. in 2024, we reflect on a journey marked by pioneering innovations and strong partnerships. We look forward to continuing our commitment to excellence and advancing radiation detection technology. We thank all our partners and customers for playing a significant role in Polimaster’s story. Here is to future innovations and many more years of success!
Stay tuned for weekly updates if you are curious to learn what happens next in our exciting journey.
