IDEM Safety Switches
IDEM Safety Switches was created in 2003 by Medi Motasham, the former Head of Research and Development at EJA/Guardmaster. Over 18 years as Technical Director of EJA/Guardmaster, and later Rockwell Automation, he designed and developed the popular Guardmaster Brand Products that included Trojan, Titan, Cadet, Rotacam, Ferrogard, Spartan, Lifeline, Minotaur, etc. Now leading IDEM's team, currently with over 200 years' experience between them. He has set a new industry standard by offering the "Next Generation" of Machine Safety Interlocks and Devices. With higher reliability, increased features, and up to date durability to cope with the ever-increasing environmental demands placed on Machine Safety Devices..
Beginning in 1985, Medi got to work and in 1986 designed the Trojan, Atlas, Rotacam, and the LRS1 Rope Switches. From 1990-1996, Ferrogard and the LRS4 were added while Guardmaster gained popularity and in 1999, was acquired by Rockwell Automation. In 2003, Medi left Rockwell to create IDEM Safety Switches. With a vision to develop the “Next Generation” of Safety Switches while manufacturing in the United Kingdom. In 2006-2010, IDEM designed the Guardian Rope Pull, Kobra Tongue Switches, Idemag, and Idecode Non-Contacts switches. By 2011 IDEM purchased our purpose built factory back where it all started, the old Rockwell building. IDEM has since rehired a lot of the ex-Guardmaster/Rockwell employees as 80% of our personnel come from Medi’s time there. IDEM is constantly designing new products and improving current products by fostering innovation, ingenuity, and maintaining compliance with the latest Safety Standards.
The Odo J. Struger Automation Award is an honor bestowed annually on the engineer who has made the most outstanding contribution in the field of automation. The winner of the award for 2000 is Medi Motasham, Director of Research and Development at Guardmaster, UK in the Components and Packaging Group.
Medi, an employee of Rockwell Automation with the acquisition of EJA Ltd. in 1999, was honored for his contributions to the development of machine safety components.
Having been responsible for the initial set up of the Research and Development department of EJA, Medi initiated the design and invention of the majority of EJA's Safety Switches and was also responsible for the launch of Trojan, Titan, Atlas, LRS Rope Switches and various other Safety Products which are distributed on a worldwide basis.
His distinguished contribution to the Guardmaster line of safety products culminated in his increased responsibility for the design of Guardmaster, Sigma and Nelsa product lines.
IDEM's Journey
1985
Medi commences his employment at EJA Engineering, a small local distributor of electrical products based at Hindley Green, UK.1986
Medi creates the R&D Department and designs Trojan, Atlas, Rotacam and the LRS1 Rope Switches.1988
The Guardmaster brand is established and EJA becomes the top supplier of Safety Switches in the UK.1990-96
The Guardmaster brand becomes established worldwide with the popular product lines of Trojan, Titan, Ferrogard, and LRS4.1996
Medi is a member of the MBO team that acquires EJA Engineering Group (comprising of Guardmaster, Sigma Controls, Nelsa).1999
Rockwell Automation acquires the EJA Group and markets the safety switches as the AB Guardmaster brand globally.2003
Medi leaves Rockwell in order to create IDEM Safety Switches with a vision to develop the "Next Generation" of Safety Switches that will be designed and manufactured in the UK.2005
IDEM manufactures the first of the "Next Generation" products in a purpose built facility near Manchester in the UK.2006-10
IDEM becomes established as the leading developer of Next Generation Safety Interlocks. Specifically, specializing in products for the Food Industry, Explosion Proof applications, and Factory Automation. The new brands of Kobra Tongue, Guardian Rope, Idemag, Idecode, Euromag, Hygiemag, Hygiecode, Modus are sold globally.2011
Manufacturing ceases at the Rockwell Automation site at Hindley Green, UK. IDEM acquires the site with a vision to set up a World Class Centre of Excellence for the design and manufacture of Machine Safety Devices.2012
80% of IDEM personnel are ex-Guardmaster Rockwell Automation. IDEM's PEOPLE ARE NOW RIGHT BACK WHERE THE JOURNEY STARTED. IDEM Designs it’s first RFID Non Contact Switches and Gatebolt System2013
IDEM Safety Continues it’s expansion in RFID with the KLTM design and a full line of Medium and Heavy Duty Limit Switches2014
IDEM Designs a full line of Plastic and Stainless Steel housing Emergency Stop Switches and Stand Alone Safety Switches with a build in Safety Relay2015
IDEM Safety expands on it’s interlocks with the INCH 1 and 3 lines along with Hing Switches. IDEM also starts manufacturing it’s own Safety Relays2016
IDEM has a wonderful year of new designs as IDEM introduces its Trapped Key interlocks in 316 steel and die cast metal housings along with the MGL RFID Magnetic Locking Switches2017
IDEM introduces it’s Conveyor Belt Alignment switches and the innovative 316 Steel RFID Non Contact Safety Switch2018
IDEM expands on it’s RFID technology with the Z-Line Safety Switches. Solenoid locking and Non Contact versions are introduced and can maintain PLe in series to 1 Safety Relay.2019
IDEM Expands on the Z-Line with 18mm barrel versions and the LMZ2020
IDEM introduces it’s Network Protocol UGB-Net with Profi-Net and expands on it’s Hinge Switches including OSSD options2021
IDEM Safety expands on the UGB-Net with Ethernet options