History of the company

The story of Senfit begins in the early seventies, in the Helsinki University of Technology's Radio Laboratory. Professor Martti Tiuri established there a research group focusing on industrial microwave sensors and the first steps towards applicable industrial measurement solutions were taken.

Pekka Jakkula, a young and enthusiastic engineer and later a cofounder of Senfit, was then working in the Radio Laboratory. He was developing microwave based methods to measure the thickness of sea ice, and the moisture content of peat soil, with helicopter-installed sensor systems.

From the very beginning, the focus was on developing methods that could be applied as continuous on-line measurements to measure different variables from various materials. The need for this arose as industrial production systems became faster and product quality requirements higher.

After university Mr. Jakkula worked for several companies, including his own enterprise PJ Microwave Ltd, developing microwave based instruments. His work includes many different solutions, from wood product moisture and quality measurements to an in-line moisture measurement for fertilizer slurry.

One of the success stories in his career is the Microwave Consistency Analyzer that a team led by Dr. Jakkula developed for Kajaani Electronics Ltd. (later Valmet Automation / Metso Automation). During his time with Valmet Automation, Mr. Jakkula completed his doctor's thesis on " Sensors for Consistency Measurements in the Pulp and Paper Industry". Up to date, about 3000 MCA measurement systems have been installed all over the world. Two members of the team, Jarmo Karhu and Markku Seppänen, are now R&D engineers at Senfit.

Markku Korhonen, the other cofounder of Senfit, has 25 years' experience of industrial sensor business. In 1992 he established his first own enterprise to develop on-line measurements for the wood industry. After 14 years of successful business he sold the company and began to seek new challenges.

In 2007, the two entrepreneurs, Mr. Korhonen and Mr. Jakkula decided to join their forces to acquire the business of Elektrobit Microwave Ltd. The acquisition covers the personnel, patents and all business rights of the Elektrobit Microwave Ltd. that will be transferred to Senfit Ltd.

The entire personnel of Elektrobit Microwave, now employed by Senfit, will continue their efforts to fulfill the high standards of the customer industries. This highly skilled and motivated team has years of experience in industrial sensor applications, with particular emphasis on microwave technology.