With the help of the Dexter Research Center Inc., soldiers in combat on the front lines may soon be able to remotely detect a biological attack - and exactly what chemical to protect themselves against - with the help of a portable sensor system.

Dexter's infrared sensors are used in a variety of applications: gas analysis, fire suppression, security systems, environmental monitoring and space exploration, to name a few.

Launched in 1977, Dexter evolved from defense research at the University of Michigan. For many years the company held a monopoly on infrared thermopile detectors and didn't need to promote itself. Yet industry changes brought new competitors and pressure from customers to reduce prices, resulting in flat sales from 2002 to 2004.

Under the leadership of President Robert S. Toth, Jr., Dexter Research Center enjoyed record growth and increased market share in 2005 as it met the challenge of global competitors and new and competitive priced products manufactured offshore.

Thanks to new products—including the world’s smallest infrared thermopile detector—aggressive marketing and industry-leading customer service, Dexter Research added 62 new customers from around the world and grew its revenue 22 per cent.