Manchester-based Stream Sensing Limited (Stream), a spin-out of Industrial Tomography Systems (ITS), has appointed Rob Travis as Director of Business Development, following the successful launch of the Stream Line Rheometer™ in 2021. This unique technology enables automated, in-line rheology measurement for fluid process optimisation and is designed to help improve process efficiency in the personal care, household cleaning, food, pharma, speciality chemical and oil and gas sectors.
Since its launch in 2021, the Stream Line Rheometer has been installed in several factories of blue chip FMCG manufacturers in Europe and North America, where trials are nearing completion ahead of expected global roll-outs. The patented instrument was developed by experts at ITS based on the latest electrical resistance sensing technology and provides a continuous measurement that does not interfere with the process and eliminates the need for sampling or time-consuming lab-based testing. The technology has been proven to provide an accuracy of 98% compared with offline rheology measurements[i].
To meet growing demand for the new technology, Rob Travis will lead the sales effort and brings a wealth of global experience in key account management, commercial marketing, project management, solution selling and SaaS. His most recent role was with Videojet Technologies (part of Danaher Corp.), where he was Head of UK&I Strategic Accounts and delivered growth and developed value propositions for clients. During this time, he was also the winner of the 2020 Elite Award ‘Sales Engineer of the Year’.
Prior to this, Rob was a Global Commercial Marketing Manager within Videojet’s Strategic Accounts team, and before that, a Global Account Manager with responsibility for Mondeléz International and Heineken. He also previously worked for Schneider Electric Ltd in various roles. Rob is a Certified Energy Management Professional and Certified Solution Sales Master.
In 2021, Stream Sensing secured a six-figure investment from NPIF Maven Equity Finance, managed by Maven Capital Partners (“Maven”) and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), allowing the business to fully commercialise the technology and support its planned growth. Dean Cox, Maven Capital Partners, commented: “We’re delighted to see Stream Sensing’s technology taking off, which is a testament to Ken and the team. The key appointment of Rob Travis will ensure that the vast market opportunity for the technology is leveraged, and we look forward to seeing the business scale further in the coming months.”
Commenting on his appointment, Rob Travis added: “I’m excited to be joining Stream Sensing at such a pivotal time. Digital manufacturing and innovation are key drivers in any global FMCG or Food & Beverage business and the team has developed a unique solution – the stunning process control advantages of the technology really speak for themselves. Rolling it out with the accounts we are already engaged with, plus other global household names can propel Stream Sensing into a unique space with a very viable business. With the system already being trialled with major players, we are confident that the next months and years will see this technology becoming a critical part of many process plants across a variety of sectors.”
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project, which is designed to boost SME growth in the North of England, is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.
[i] Machin, T.D., et al. 2018. In-pipe rheology and mixing characterisation using electrical resistance sensing, Chemical Engineering Science
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