Introduction
This is an article that outlines the journey of the FENIX Weight Control System, how the company names may have changed over the years but the people and product has largely remained the same.
Where it started
The FENIX Weight Control System was created by three UK engineers in the early 1990’s who had previously worked within the Tobacco industry for the US company AccuRay. They formed a company within the UK aptly called Accumen Technology predominantly servicing and maintaining the Accuray 7000M weight control system throughout the UK and Europe.
The Death of the Nucleonic Sensor
During the 1990’s legislation changed which meant the traditional method of measuring cigarette and cigar rod density with a nucleonic source sensor was to be phased out. The FENIX System at this time integrated with the standard nucleonic sensor but had the capability to change.
The Microwave Era
The new method of sensing chosen to measure density was low power microwave. In partnership with Tew Elektronik the FENIX System integrated directly with the Tews MW30xx online moisture and density measurement to directly replace the nucleonic sensing head.
Bringing Hardware & Software Together
During this same period of time the acquisition of Industrial Services a Dutch software company was bought into the business to help further develop the data collection section of the business. To simplify the business offering the board decided combine the businesses and rename to Isatec Ltd.
Conclusion
Since 1996 the FENIX System has been manufactured and sold through Isatec Ltd. As the tobacco market has changed over this period of time the data collection and monitoring side of the business has expanded into different sectors therefore the board decided to create Fenix Systems Ltd to ensure that the product remains visible to the tobacco industry.