January 2023 marked Opticom’s 50th anniversary. 50 years in business is a milestone for any company but especially for one in a technological industry where things change so fast. 

Opticom was founded by Richard “David” Boyd in 1973. Boyd passed away in 2021, but his legacy continues. He was a proponent of CCTV monitoring long before adoption ramped up after 9/11 and the security concerns the terrorist attacks brought forward.

In working with industrial facilities, Boyd noticed that cameras and their sensitive electrical components couldn’t withstand the harsh environments, especially in sawmills. In certain mills, conditions were so extreme that cameras then on the market would fail after only a few months.

Boyd became passionate about designing cameras that could continue working through high vibrations, dust, temperature changes, and even direct hits. Thus was born the CC02 camera line. 

The CC02 could soon be found in dozens of sawmills across Canada, replacing security-style off-the-shelf cameras and lasting for years instead of months.

“We do our best to respond to our customers’ needs, and this is a perfect example of a unique camera developed for a very challenging application,” Boyd said in a 2017 International Forest Industries article. 

That passion continues today with sawmills, mines, food processing plants, and other industrial facilities using Opticom cameras and video monitoring equipment to keep an eye on their operations. 

Building Business in a Burgeoning Market

Steve Oakley joined Opticom in 1997, right around when the CC02 was being developed. 

“Dave was a pioneer in the video business,” Oakley said of Boyd. “He was well connected in North America and overseas, which he used to grow a small video company via distribution through electrical wholesalers.”

The first few years of selling video equipment was strong. “Business exploded and the phone kept ringing,” said Oakley. “We were selling to business, individuals, and it was really fast paced.”

But as components became cheaper and more competition moved into the market, margins dropped on consumer and commercial applications. You could buy a camera just about anywhere. 

However, it wasn’t everywhere that you could find a camera to stand up to what sawmills and other industrial facilities needed. Video monitoring in sawmills is vital to operations—the cameras have to be able to stay up and running. An operator monitoring the line can see everything in real time, so if he sees a log coming down cambered, he can hit a kill switch, preventing downtime and expensive repairs. 

“The video tech (e.g, resolution) wasn’t any better, but Opticom’s durability was—by a long shot,” said Oakley. “These cameras can take a lot of punishment, which is what sawmills need. They care about durability, not resolution, and Opticom offered, and still offers, unrivaled durability.”

Making It to 50 Years

For any company to survive 50 years, it must be doing something right. 

“Reaching 50 years is a testament to David’s vision,” reflects Oakley. “He focused on one specific problem—process monitoring for industrial facilities—and built a business that does it really well.”

Technology changes fast, and video technology is no exception. But Opticom’s focus has kept us from chasing bright-and-shiny technological advances that our industrial customers don’t need or want. We do rugged, vibration-resistance cameras and equipment really well, and that’s what sets us up for longevity. 

Customer Service Sets Us Apart

Before video monitoring partners like Opticom came along, sawmills and other industrial facilities—usually the electrical department—had to figure out the whole system: cameras, networking, storage, power, etc. Now, Opticom can help put together the entire system—one that’s fully integrated and meets a facility’s needs without being too much.

“Our differentiator is our personal approach,” said Oakley. “We take the time to get to know the people we’re working with, understand their goals, and provide solutions.” 

Opticom customers can pick up the phone and call a human to get the help they need. 

What Customers Have to Say

We’re grateful we get to work with amazing distributors and customers. Here’s what just some of them had to say.

“We have been doing business with Opticom since 2018 and they always give us excellent service, they are very professional. It’s a pleasure doing business with them.”

Michèle  Bergeron
Bid Group

“Opticom has been a responsive and innovative driving force in the industrial arena over the years and their continued success will surely last for another 50 years in the making…

Thank you for always making my job easier….

Happy 50th Opticom!”

Scott Agen
Rexel U.S.A.

“Opticom’s product and service align perfectly with EB Horsman’s needs for our customers.

We are proud to have Opticom as a supplier for our customers in Western Canada.”

Dave Stanton
E.B. Horsman & Son

“I have been working with the Opticom team for over 15 years and have really enjoyed the experience with both the products and working with their people. They have worked hard to bring a different level of product durability that many of my industrial customers need. Both myself and my customers trust that when a CC02 or CC04 is installed it will hold up. Years of working with these products has given me that confidence.

The Opticom team is what adds another level to the experience. Not only do they have great products but they also have a great team and culture that is always able to help me find the best way to handle a difficult application. 50 years of hard work by Opticom has made a great company with enjoyable people and incredible products. Looking forward to the next project I get to use their products on.”

Todd  Richardt
Platt Electric Supply