What S.J. Electro Systems does

S.J. Electro Systems (SJE Inc.) is a 50-year-old, 100% employee-owned manufacturer of control systems, liquid level sensors, alarm systems, and SCADA/telemetry solutions for the water and wastewater industry. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, the company operates through two primary divisions: the Controls and Level Sensing Technology (CLT) division and the Cloud Connected Solutions (CCS) division, the latter created from the 2025 acquisition of AMI Global. Its product portfolio spans from basic float switches to advanced IIoT-enabled web-hosted SCADA platforms (icontrol), serving municipal water/wastewater utilities, commercial and residential builders/contractors, and industrial customers primarily across the United States, Canada, and select global markets, with 251-500 employees across eight locations in the U.S. and Asia.

SJE's technology stack includes off-the-shelf and custom-engineered control panels, float switches, level sensors, and alarm systems (e.g., the CSA-certified Xpert Alert indoor alarm), organized under multiple retained brands including SJE Rhombus, CSI Controls, PRIMEX, OEC, Anchor Scientific, Horlick, and L.W. Allen. Technology differentiation centers on the icontrol web-hosted SCADA platform, which integrates water control devices with SCADA/HMI servers via open-architecture PLC controls and existing local telemetry, and the CCS division's end-to-end cloud-connected monitoring stack combining hardware, SaaS, and software for water and industrial infrastructure. The company also offers the Build-A-Panel PLUS custom-panel configurator and non-invasive IoT condition-monitoring devices for wastewater lift stations and pump systems.

SJE generates revenue primarily from hardware sales (control panels, sensors, alarms) with a growing recurring component from SCADA and IIoT/SaaS subscriptions under the CCS division. The company distributes through direct enterprise field sales, regional sales managers, and a network of manufacturer representative agencies (HTA, StreamKey, Watermark) covering specific U.S. territories, supplemented by industry association engagement (Rural Water, Ground Water, National Trade Associations). Since 2021, SJE has executed eight acquisitions to expand its product portfolio and technical capabilities, including Ohio Electric Control (2021), Revere Control Systems (2024), AMI Global (2025), LangeTech (2025), and Anchor Scientific (2026). The company was named the 2017 Employee Owned Company of the Year by the Minnesota Council on Employee Ownership and operates 100% employee-owned with no external venture or private equity backing indicated.

Name

S.J. Electro Systems

Legal name

S. J. Electro Systems, Inc.

Website

https://sjeinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

S.J. Electro Systems is a 100% employee-owned manufacturer of control panels, liquid level sensors, alarm systems, and IIoT/SCADA remote monitoring solutions for the water and wastewater industry. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, it serves municipal utilities, contractors, and industrial customers across North America through its CLT and CCS divisions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water and Wastewater Control Systems

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Monitoring, Sensors & Instrumentation (SCADA-integrated analyzers, probes, samplers) (EUANAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

SCADA & Telemetry Software (Control Center) (EUADAEAD), Control Room HMI/Visualization, Alarm & Event Management (EUADAEAJ), Distribution Automation & SCADA / DMS Field Integration (EUAEACAD)

Keywords

• Water control panels
• Liquid level sensors
• Wastewater control systems
• SCADA telemetry solutions
• IIoT remote monitoring

Headquarters

HQ city

Detroit Lakes

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Control Panels and Sensor Hardware: SJE generates the majority of its revenue from the sale of off-the-shelf and custom-built control panels, liquid level sensors, alarm systems, and related products for water and wastewater applications.
2. SCADA and IoT Software/SaaS: Revenue from web-hosted SCADA solutions (icontrol) and cloud-connected IoT platforms offered as part of the Cloud Connected Solutions division, including hardware, SaaS subscriptions, and software.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

S.J. Electro Systems (SJE) manufactures and sells control panels (off-the-shelf and custom), liquid level sensors, alarm systems, and remote monitoring/SCADA/telemetry solutions for the water and wastewater industry. The company serves residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial customers through its Controls and Level Sensing Technology (CLT) division and Cloud Connected Solutions (CCS) division, offering an end-to-end portfolio from basic float switches to advanced IIoT-connected SCADA systems.

Product overview

SJE Inc. is a leading controls technology company offering a diverse portfolio of well-known brands and products spanning control panels, liquid level sensors, alarm systems, and remote monitoring solutions primarily for the water and wastewater industry. The company's offerings include multiple sub-brands (SJE Rhombus, CSI Controls, PRIMEX, OEC, W. Allen, Horlick) plus acquired brands (Anchor Scientific, AMI Global). Core products include control panels (both off-the-shelf and custom/engineered), liquid level sensors, alarm systems, SCADA solutions (icontrol web-hosted platform), and IIoT/cloud-connected monitoring solutions. Products are organized into divisions including Controls and Level Sensing Technology (CLT) and Cloud Connected Solutions (CCS). The company serves residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial markets throughout the United States, Canada, and global markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SJE Rhombus: Pump controls and liquid level sensors for residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial water/wastewater applications.
• CSI Controls
• PRIMEX
• SJE Rhombus Embedded Controls
• Cloud Connected Solutions (CCS)
• Anchor Scientific
• OEC
• HORLICK
• L.W. ALLEN

Products and services

• icontrol Web-Hosted SCADA Solution A full-featured web-hosted SCADA solution that integrates water control devices with SCADA/HMI servers using appropriate communication systems. Utilizes existing local telemetry and open-architecture PLC controls for lift/booster stations, elevated tanks, flow, pressure, and temperature monitoring. Used by water companies and smart cities.
• SJE Rhombus Control Panels and Sensors Pump control solutions including off-the-shelf and custom control panels, float switches, level sensors, and alarm systems for residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial water and wastewater applications. Features 5-year limited warranty.
• CSI Controls Pump Control Products Pump control products and panels for residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial water and wastewater applications. Features 5-year limited warranty.
• PRIMEX Control Solutions Web-based SCADA systems and industrial control solutions for water and wastewater applications, including the icontrol web-hosted SCADA platform. 2-year warranty.
• OEC (Ohio Electric Controls) Engineered Control Panels Engineered control panels for water and wastewater applications. Acquired brand offering custom-engineered control solutions with one-year plus 30-day warranty.
• Horlick and L.W. Allen Control Equipment Industrial control solutions and pump controls for water and wastewater applications. Horlick offers 12-month warranty from first service or 18 months from shipment; L.W. Allen offers 18 months from shipment or 12 months from startup.
• Xpert Alert Indoor Alarm System CSA-certified indoor alarm system protecting homes from flooding, pump failure, or freezing pipes. Features dual sensor inputs, temperature monitoring, and LED indicators. Targeted at residential and homeowner use.
• Cloud Connected Solutions (CCS) Platform End-to-end cloud-connected remote monitoring solution for industrial equipment including water infrastructure. Includes embedded or bolt-on gateway hardware, SaaS subscriptions, and software for IIoT connectivity. Created as a new division following the AMI Global acquisition.
• Anchor Scientific Float Switches and Controllers Float switches, controllers, and related products for the water and wastewater industry. Serves municipal, commercial, and residential markets. Manufacturer and distributor of switches and liquid level floats.
• Systems Integration and Engineering Services Engineering services and systems integration for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including custom control panel design, integration of monitoring systems, and supporting complex industrial control requirements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Real-time monitoring and alerts of pump systems including wastewater lift stations, accessible through non-invasive IoT devices
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hart, Travers & Associates, Inc. (HTA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 December 2025HTA is SJE Rhombus's new manufacturers' representative agency for Northern Illinois (north of Route 72) and Indiana counties of Lake and Porter. Celebrating 70 years in business, HTA is a full-service plumbing organization supporting engineers, contractors, builders, architects, developers, distributors, and bath showrooms. HTA strengthens SJE Rhombus' representative network and enhances local access to product expertise and coordinated support.
• StreamKey, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 December 2025StreamKey is SJE Rhombus's new manufacturers' representative agency for Indiana (excluding Lake and Porter Counties), Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1993, StreamKey provides custom-engineered water and wastewater systems in partnership with high-quality manufacturers. The firm brings deep application knowledge through engineers, sales professionals, field technicians, and customer support.
• Watermark Engineered Product SalescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 July 2018Watermark Engineered Product Sales is CSI Controls' manufacturers' representative for Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, West Virginia, and Western Pennsylvania. Based in Noblesville, Indiana, Watermark specializes in lift station and storm water management, municipal infrastructure, and onsite septic systems. The partnership expanded CSI Controls' distribution network into previously unrepresented territories.
• C.M. Architecture (CMA)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 6 June 2018CMA served as architect of record for the new SJE manufacturing facility in Ashland, Ohio, designing a 51,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility with manufacturing production areas on one level for optimum efficiency and future growth.
• Simonson Construction ServicesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 6 June 2018Simonson Construction Services was the general contractor selected to build SJE's new 51,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Ashland, Ohio. SCS is a leading construction management firm in Ohio serving manufacturing, commercial, healthcare, institutional, and municipal clients.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Xylem: Xylem is a global leader in water technology, offering smart metering, networked analytics, and pump/control solutions for water and wastewater utilities. Comparable to SJE as a much larger incumbent serving the same municipal water and wastewater end markets with overlapping smart-water and monitoring capabilities.
• Mueller Water Products: Mueller Water Products manufactures water infrastructure products including valves, hydrants, and intelligent water technology for utilities. Comparable to SJE in serving municipal water customers with both physical infrastructure and increasingly connected/smart-water solutions, though at substantially larger scale.
• Itron: Itron provides smart metering, sensing, and network communications for water, gas, and electric utilities, including AMI platforms and analytics. Comparable to SJE through its smart-water portfolio (Itron Analytics, Temetra) that competes for the same municipal digital transformation budgets as SJE's icontrol SCADA and CCS division.
• Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric is a global industrial automation and energy management company whose EcoStruxure platform and SCADA software (AVEVA/legacy Citect) are widely used by water utilities. Comparable to SJE as a broad incumbent offering the SCADA, HMI, and control layer that competes with icontrol for large municipal deployments.
• ABB: ABB provides electrification, automation, and digital solutions for utilities, including SCADA/ADMS platforms and instrumentation for water/wastewater networks. Comparable to SJE as a broad incumbent offering the higher-end automation, protection, and control systems that overlap with SJE's SCADA and substation-adjacent work.

Direct peers

• Badger Meter: Badger Meter manufactures flow measurement, control, and connectivity solutions primarily for water and wastewater utilities. Comparable to SJE as a similarly focused mid-market supplier of measurement and control instrumentation for municipal water infrastructure, with overlapping SCADA/telemetry and AMI exposure.
• Watts Water Technologies: Watts Water Technologies designs and manufactures water safety, conservation, and flow control products for residential, commercial, and institutional markets. Comparable to SJE in supplying level/control devices, backflow preventers, and water management hardware through plumbing wholesale and OEM channels.
• Franklin Electric: Franklin Electric manufactures water pumping systems, motors, and fueling systems, including controls and monitoring for residential, commercial, and agricultural water applications. Comparable to SJE in supplying pumping controls, level sensors, and packaged systems for the same contractor and installer channels serving water and wastewater end users.
• Mission Communications: Mission Communications (Mission Control) provides web-based SCADA and remote monitoring specifically for water and wastewater lift stations and treatment plants. Comparable to SJE as a direct competitor in web-hosted SCADA for municipal water/wastewater with a similar subscription/connectivity business model to icontrol.

Emerging players

• High Tide Technologies: High Tide Technologies offers cloud-based SCADA and remote monitoring for water/wastewater utilities. Comparable to SJE as a smaller specialist in the same web-hosted SCADA and lift-station monitoring niche that icontrol serves, competing for the same small/mid-municipality RFPs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A8 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about S.J. Electro Systems