Headquartered in the UK, we have a long-established presence worldwide, through our extensive network of re-sellers and distributors in more than 30 countries, including; Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Italy, Singapore South Korea, South Africa, Sweden, and the USA.
Whether you need a standard torque measurement device, a custom engineered OEM product, or mid to high volume torque sensors, our business is based upon our customer’s.
We can work with you to develop a cost-effective, high-quality torque measurement solution, which integrates into your product line and within your existing machinery.
Research and development is a core part of our business and we continue to strive to remain at the forefront or torque and strain measurement technology.
With two successful patent applications achieved last year we continue to work in partnership with major OEM customers to developed solutions to integrate torque and strain sensing into their application.
We are located on the Isle of Wight, the home of the foil strain gauge developed by Saunders Roe who secured early patents for the foil gauges (later sold to Vishay Measurements) and the home of Robert Hooke who worked on the Law’s of Elasticity. He created “Hookes Law” upon which all strain sensors are based. The Isle of Wight has a deep technical history that includes: the first European satellite launch system, helicopters, high speed ship turbines, the first shaft power measurement system, the hovercraft, early jet fighter and flying boat technology and military radar systems. Many of the key employees of Datum are the sons and grandsons of those who worked on the projects listed above.
Over the last 30 years, we at Datum Electronics have focused on the design and manufacture of strain sensors and torque measurement products.
Our innovative strain gauge based technology has been successfully used for decades in many industries, product torque testing, drive system R&D, verification of shaft power levels for quality control and compliance, strain sensors for vehicle weighing and safety, vehicle drive shafts, ships shaft power system and numerous other application where the power transmitted through shafts is key to efficiency and safety.
Our Vision
Engineering value to our customers by supplying high accuracy Datum through innovation and quality
Our Mission
Our mission is to continue to develop high quality, British made sensing products and software solutions for the torque, strain and load markets. By continuing to perform research & development we aim to be at the forefront of in our industry in supplying key data to our customers all over the world in a profitably way. We create a ‘can do’ open culture by continuing to invest in our people, and we aim for 100% engagement of all employees to our vision. We ensure our delivered solutions use sustainably sourced raw materials and look to continuously improve our productivity employing lean manufacturing principles. We are flexible and embrace the challenge of customisation and thrive when we work both individually and in a team.
We do what we say we’re going to do. If something happens which may prevent that, we determine the new course of action and communicate quickly. We take ownership for the quality of our individual work but also take pride in what we deliver as a team.
We are passionate about the company and its success. We are committed to our customers, our teams, and to each other.
We achieve our goals without compromising on quality, we understand time constraints and plan effectively, delivering right first time products.
Clients trust us to build things that work and we take that seriously. Our team will overcome obstacles, find solutions and deliver exceptional results. We believe the teams willing to put in the extra effort, go the extra mile, and are accountable for their actions, will be the ones who see their visions and dreams realized.
We work smartly, take care of our team, and have fun in our workplace so as to ensure the sustainability and success of our organization.
Meet The Team
When I am in the building
As the MD I am responsible for all aspects of the Company, The vision, the mission, setting strategic goals and alignment of them with sustainable growth to the betterment of all. No two days are the same, innovation and continued improvements is a driving focus towards creating high quality products and services for our customers. Motivation is a big part of my day, ensuring engagement towards our strategic goals and ensuring the team are autonomous incorporating our values.
When I am out of the building
When out of the building, I am a Husband, Son, Father, Friend and Freemason. I enjoy spending time with my 3 boys, watching them grow and playing sports with them and teaching them to fish. I love food and drink (probably too much as per my waistline!) both sampling and cooking, especially barbecuing. Liverpool football club is another of my passions as is shooting, I enjoy game shooting, rough shooting as well as the odd clay day. My time is also spent walking our new puppy Digby. I love history, my favourite subject at the moment is Eastern Europe in the second world war.
The best thing(s) about working at Datum
I love the culture we have here, we have a fantastically motivated group of individuals who have come together to make a superb team. The interaction with the people and the group achievements and successes are a fantastic driver. The location if of course superb, (even when it does rain!), and love the innovation in our product range, the technology we are using / planning to use is absolutely at the forefront for our industry, it is a great journey to be on. Being part of a larger group now is also a huge positive, the knowledge sharing and self-development offered only drives to support our goals.
Interesting fact about me
I was used to hold the record for the youngest person to have climbed Mount Toubkal in Morroco (for a solid 3 weeks). I can also speak French.
When I am in the building
I have been with Datum for 17 years working within the Engineering Team from 2004-2017 as Systems Engineer. In October 2017 I entered my first commercial role as Marine Product Manager where my responsibilities were to increase sales of our Marine shaft power meter, increase brand awareness, product improvement, market analysis etc. In January 2020 I was promoted to my current role of Business Development Manager where I head up the Sales Team where I am working with our dynamic team and beating targets!!
When I am out of the building
Away from the office I am a Dad to 4 amazing kids and I love travelling, Golf & Beer!!
The best thing(s) about working at Datum
I really enjoy working with the Team at Datum & seeing the business grow year on year by continuous development of our products and identifying new opportunities in various market sectors. I like to take on new challenges and to hit targets.
Interesting fact about me
I used to be the Manager of an Ice Rink.
I started at Datum in January 2021 as Engineering Manager. It was strange to meet and work with the Datum team for the first couple of months over zoom due to the lockdown. I have over 30 years experience in strain measurement and load cell design.
I enjoy sailing my topaz dinghy and 18’ Expression yacht.
There is great team spirit at Datum, projects are diverse providing technical challenges which we work together to meet. I enjoy working for a forward-thinking business with focus on product evolution.
When I am in the building
Mike Palin, International Sales at Datum HQ. Mike joined the team in late 2020 and is responsible for international sales and revenue growth through supporting Datum’s well established global network of distributors and partners. Mike has a broad commercial background, bringing experience from Aerospace, Defence, Renewables and Load Monitoring sectors. Mike is a high energy people person, enjoys working hard and his biggest attribute is the grit-between-the-teeth approach he has towards overcoming a challenge where others couldn’t.
When I am out of the building
Besides enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Island with his wife Leanne and two boys Cameron and Ayrton, Mike is a keen cyclist, and has a huge passion for woodwork and joinery. If Mike is not on the phone to customers or with his family, he’ll be tucked away in his workshop producing anything he can out of wood …and trying his best to keep all his fingers intact!
The best thing(s) about working at Datum
“The energy, the fantastic people, and the backing from the organisation to support out-of-the-box thinking to bring about new innovative solutions for our customers”.
Interesting fact about me
With Mike’s passion for cycling and woodwork, and always being up for a challenge, he decided to put the two together to see if he could produce a wooden bike…. Mike now makes wooden bikes!
I started Datum Electronics in August 2018 as an Admin Apprentice, my role within the Company has evolved and I am now the Admin & Quality Team Leader. One of my main roles is to look after the Quality Management System within Datum Electronics as well as assisting with all aspects of Administration.
I enjoy all things active including walking my dog Max, running and completing home workouts. I also love to bake and cook meals, but enjoy eating them much more!!
One of the best things about working at Datum Electronics is the people- although we are all completely different and come from such different backgrounds we all get on really well like one big family.
Working at Datum is also very fast paced which I love as I enjoy being kept busy!
I can play the saxophone
I’m currently in my 11th year at Datum! I joined the team in the role of Strain Gauge Technician which I undertook for about 4 years before moving into the engineering department as Mechanical Systems Engineer. This is where I discovered CAD, specifically Solidworks, which Datum haven’t managed to peel me off of since! I now fill the role of Mechanical Engineering Technician/Draughtsman with current duties including, amongst others, procurement of all mechanical drawings and manufacturing plans. Given the fast pace environment we work in, I pride myself in ensuring a ‘right first time’ approach to my part in a team effort.
I gain a great deal of satisfaction from making and restoring stuff! One such project was a 1965 VW Beetle which was taken from scrap yard fodder through a full nut and bolt restoration. I’m also a very keen DIY enthusiast and am currently renovation a very 1980 bungalow! I really enjoy leaning new skills, be it brick laying, plastering, carpentry or carpet laying.
The people at Datum are what makes it a great place to work. We’re a relatively small team and we all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We’ve shown time and time again, when are backs are against the wall, we pull together and get the job done!
I keep bees! I have a small apiary with 6 hives at present. I love the husbandry aspect of bee keeping and the fact you discover something new about the fascinating creatures every time you open a hive!
My job here in Datum Electronics includes testing and development of intelligent engine diagnostics algorithms, aimed at high-power applications such as those found in ships and in the power generation industries. I do this primarily by being a project coordinator, combining the efforts of all partners in projects which most often include other companies as well as Universities, in addition to doing a lot of coding myself for our in-house algorithms. No day is every the same; one day I am developing a new features for our algorithms, next day I am talking to our clients, and another day I am on-site testing and commissioning.
Have always had a passion for sailing and the Isle of Wight is a prime spot for that. So I spend my weekends at the sailing club, and the weekdays in the gym (with an occasional outing at the pub 😊).
Working here means being part of a family. Flexibility, understanding and most importantly each other’s support make Datum the place that it is.
Extremely charismatic Jenga player
Field Service Engineer, Dave Bone, who spends most of his time out of office, having his hands full with the shaft power meter installations worldwide.
Dave joined us in 2014 as a contractor but with an increasing demand in Datum Shaft Power Meters, he moved onto a full-time role in 2018. He has successfully installed hundreds of solutions on vessels worldwide and carries a wealth of knowledge and experience in the installation of our high accuracy torque transducers, strain gauges and predictive maintenance solutions.
Travelling has been an integral part of Dave’s role, until recent events, but he likes challenges so with the help of several online video tools, Dave is working hard at assist with remote installations and providing training online customers across the world.
As an innovative engineering & manufacturing company, we are committed to helping our partners and customers improve efficiency of their operations, reduce their maintenance costs and keep their crew staff safe.
As a Field Service Engineer I help out where I’m needed when in the building; primarily in production or the store room.
In my downtime I like to get out on the water, or when further afield I really enjoy skiing.
No two days are the same, it keeps the days fresh and when I’m out on a field service, there’s an element of “problem solving” which I enjoy.
I was the under-21’s Hampshire fencing champion
I joined Datum just over three years ago.
My main job description is working in accounts, look after the field service team and general admin duties.
In my spare time I enjoy walking my little Jack Russell Ziva. I have over the past couple of years taught myself to crochet , even though I have been able to knit since I was 6. I own 2 Female Indian Runner Ducks, called Dixey and Eleanor.
My Colleagues, and the camaraderie that we have with each other.
My Husband has recently bought an American Truck, that we are able to use to sleep and eat in, so hope to start travelling around the UK in it.
I have worked at Datum for 10 years and in purchasing for about 20 years. My job is to procure products required to build the products we sell. I liaise with suppliers, manufacturers and the internal teams and ensure that we use the best quality products at the best possible price. I develop strategies to make sure cost saving and supplier targets are met.
My main aim has always been to get the best quality deal for the company in terms of price, delivery and customer service from our suppliers. I always believe this can be achieved by the strong relationships I build with suppliers. I communicate in a transparent fashion to ensure suppliers and my colleagues are kept in the loop every step of the process.
I really enjoy cooking for my family. I miss the food from back home so I tend to spend time perfecting cooking my favourite meals from Malaysia. I’m a real foodie and I get excited when I get to try new food, especially when it’s been cooked for me!
I like travelling to different places. I like experiencing different cultures and of course, different food.
The team I work with are brilliant. It’s really great to mingle between departments and talk to them about their part in the process of building and selling our products.
Technical things have always interested me; I really enjoy learning, and every day is a school day at Datum. I like seeing how what I buy is put together and get excited when bespoke items come through the door.
Even though I love cooking, i rarely use recipe books. This means every dish is different but it also means no one can ever ask me to give them a recipe! I also speak several languages: English, Mandarin, Behasa Malayu and several different Chinese languages – Cantonese, Hakka and Hokkien.
I joined Datum Electronics in July 2020 after moving to the Isalnd the same year – so I am a relatively new employee.
I have five grandchildren who are always a source of enjoyment, fun and entertainment. My hobbies are walking with our five month old puppy Mabel – an Old English Sheep dog. She has bought so much pleasure to our lives I cannot imagine our lives without her. I also have a great love of gardening. In my opinion there is nothing better than planting, pruning or just pottering around in the garden. There’s always room for an additional plant!
Since working at Datum I have met a good team of people all with the same goal – to see Datum develop and grow.
An interesting fact about me is I went to school with the Bradley Walsh, the comedian and TV presenter who was always playing the clown even back then!
I’m the Senior Strain Gauging Technician at Datum, I have been with Datum for 25 years this October. I had enjoyed my time and look forward to the future.
I belong to an Archery club which runs Island and national competition.
I like to get out camping when possible and to go out on kayaks.
I volunteer in scouting.
Love spending time with my family and friends enjoy movie nights, Festivals and chilling in the garden with a gin.
Is learning how to strain gauge and building the knowledge over the years to help out in other areas of production and it wouldn’t be the same without the people at datum that makes it a great, fun place to be part of a team.
I’m the Beaver leader at 1st East Cowes Scouts, i have an Archery permit.
I also have a RYA Powerboat level 1 licence.
Hi,I’m Pauline and I’ve worked as a production operative here at Datum for 14 years. For many years I mainly built PCBs but now I build a range of our products. I enjoy the work here and most of all like the way everyone gets on together and are always willing to help out – even out of work.
When I’m not at work I enjoy cycling, grandchildren and my little cockerpoo Gypsy. Nothing better than a summer mornings walk on the beach with my dog.
When I was younger I passed my full motorbike licence and loved nothing more than a ride along Military Road here on the Island.
I joined Datum Electronics in March 2020. My main role is a Production Operative and I help out in Calibration and Stores when needed. I have learnt many skills at Datum and my confidence has grown in trying new skills that I wouldn’t have attempted before.
When I’m not at work I like to always keep busy. My main passion is football which I play for a local team and also support Southampton. My other hobbies are going to the gym, walking my dog Max and playing Fifa.
I think the best thing about working at Datum is the variety of things that I get to do. I have learnt many skills that I have been able to take outside of work and use for things such as DIY at home.
I’m learning Dutch – Bedankt en tot ziens!
I have worked at datum electronics since November 2016, I started of as a production operative but quickly moved on to calibration technician.
My role as calibration technician is to ensure accuracy and repeatability of every transducer that leaves the building, any spare time I have I happily help with other roles including, product inspection, logistics, product repair and production.
When I am not at work, I like to spend my time rebuilding classic cars and classic bikes, I am currently rebuilding my Volkswagen MK2 scirocco, when I’m not covered oil I enjoy a relaxing day fishing, on a rainy day I like to work on projects such as building custom pc’s, I have recently built myself a water-cooled pc and a arcade machine.
The best thing about working at datum electronics is constantly learning new skills and building on my knowledge, I enjoy problem solving and fixing old and new products, I have gained a lot of skills and knowledge from work that has helped further my hobbies outside of work.
An interesting fact about me is I have a collection of cactus.
When I am in the building
Electronics design engineer joined the team recently in April 2021. Responsible for
development of products, seek advance technology for applications.
When I am out of the building
Enjoy family outdoor activities, cycling, coastal walking, water sports.
Cooking and experimenting new recipes.
Interests and spare time activities: Watch F1, As an aviation enthusiast- plane
watching, RC plane modelling and flight simulator activities.
Working on DIY electronics projects.
Gardening.
The best thing(s) about working at Datum
Advance technology applications, challenging in nature. Exciting projects with research and
development oriented. Great opportunity to self-develop and progress to be complete
engineer.
Interesting fact about me
Easily excited by science & technology. Possess broad engineering knowledge. Talented cook
who likes experimenting new recipe.
Enjoying family day out
When I am in the building
I started at Datum straight from high school and am now in my twenty second year here. During my tenure I have performed a variety of roles within the company from Production Technician to Field Service Engineer. Currently the Manufacturing Manager I organise and supervise the production team.
When I am out of the building
I enjoy riding my motorcycle.
The best thing(s) about working at Datum
The variety of tasks and jobs I have experienced and the team and people I have worked with.
Interesting fact about me
I have drowned twice (and been revived).
