TALLASSEE, AL, June 20, 2012 – The Neptune Technology Group is celebrating its 120th anniversary of service to the water utility industry.
“We’re proud to have reached such a milestone,” said Neptune President Chuck DiLaura. “We’ve accomplished quite a bit in 120 years in the midst of an ever-evolving industry. We’re pleased that many of the products and systems we’ve introduced have become today’s industry standard, and we’re dedicated to maintaining that position of leadership in our efforts to be our customers’ most valued partner.”
Since the production of its first Trident® meter in 1892, Neptune has amassed a number of industry firsts, including the first compound meter in 1909; the first fire service meter (the PROTECTUS®) in 1915; and the first absolute encoder register in 1964, which provided accurate meter data for both visual and remote readings, making Neptune the first supplier of both measurement products and data collection products to the waterworks industry. Four years later the company introduced the original Automatic Reading and Billing System, ARB®.
In 1972, Neptune was one of the first large-scale manufacturing operations to relocate to Alabama for industry expansion, having moved its headquarters from Long Island City, New York. The following year, Neptune added a foundry to its facilities.
Over the next four decades, the company has continued to expand its scope, moving from the manufacturing of mechanical water meters to the design and production of sophisticated automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems based on radio frequency (RF) technology. During this time, Neptune has employed and trained an increasingly skilled local workforce that includes mechanical, electrical, and software engineers and programmers.
Neptune initiated a series of initiatives as the company entered the 21st century. In 2001, Neptune became the first manufacturer in North America to convert its foundry to a 100 percent lead free bronze alloy operation. In 2003, Neptune introduced the E-Coder®, the first solid state absolute encoder with 8-digit registration, allowing for advanced leak, tamper, and reverse flow detection.
The E-Coder®)R900i™ debuted in 2008 as the industry's first integrated combination of solid-state absolute encoder and RF transmitter. That same year, Neptune unveiled its R450™ System, whose two-way communications support time-synchronized meter readings, priority alarms for leak and reverse flow conditions, and monthly, daily, or hourly customer usage data.
Reflecting its continuing commitment to innovation, in April 2010 Neptune made a significant investment in the 19,000-square-foot Donald J. Kullmann Engineering Center, a state-of-the-art research and development facility. In 2011, Neptune was recognized by the community with the River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Large Business Award, for its engagement in volunteerism and community service, efforts toward employee health and safety, company diversity, training, and education, and adherence to high ethical standards.
This year, Neptune introduces its cloud-based N_SIGHT™ IQ™, an intelligent data management and analytics system designed to store and analyze vast amounts of meter usage data, providing utilities advanced analytics without investing in new infrastructure, and offering utility customers the ability to manage their water usage directly, improving customer service and supporting utility conservation programs.
“It’s an exciting time of innovation for us,” said DiLaura. “But then, that’s the Neptune legacy.”
