Who We Are
ZTR Control Systems is a Canadian success story and is leading the way into the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT). We are always searching for innovators and because we want them to stay, we work hard to ensure our company culture is unparalleled.
What We Stand For
We operate on the basic principles of honesty, trust and superior customer service with the understanding that our employees are the key to our success.
Core products & services
Railway Division
Locomotive Modernization Experts that provide intelligent locomotive solutions to improve the performance and reliability of aging locomotives.
- Intelligent Starting Technology™ & Fuel Measurement
- Locomotive Control Systems & Tractive Effort
- Communication, Diagnostics & Information Management
- Other Modernization Services & Systems
Industrial IoT Division
ZTR provides intelligent remote equipment monitoring (telematics and software) for Construction, Rental, OEM, Oil & Gas, Engines, Railway, and Power Generation.
ZTR is the business gateway into the IoT and allows for data exchange between owners, operators and maintenance providers to reduce operating costs and increase revenue opportunities. ZTR software solutions offer one place for remote monitoring of a mixed fleet of equipment, integration of business systems and with the business intelligence collected, provides the information for proactive maintenance decisions, reducing downtime and better utilizing equipment. This allows businesses to run more efficiently and to better serve customers.
Our tech people work on
- CSS, JavaScript (including jQuery), HTML5, .NET, MVC, AngularJS
- Mobile Apps (iOS, Android)
- RESTful APIs for proprietary and industry standard protocols
- SQL and NoSQL database technologies
- Data warehousing and analytics
- Debugging Concepts, Cross Compiling
- Design Patterns
- Main stream development tools (ex. Eclipse, SVN)
- C/C++
- Linux Operating Systems (ex. Gentoo, Ubuntu, Fedora)
Key Personnel
Sam Hassan President
Sam Hassan, B.Sc. in Computer Science
Sam Hassan is the President of ZTR Control Systems and is responsible for all aspects of ZTR including corporate strategy, finance, processes, and operations.
Mr. Hassan started as lead architect, designer and developer of software systems for ZTR.
Prior to joining ZTR, Mr. Hassan worked as a software developer, business systems analyst, and managed software development teams with both General Motor (EMD facility) and Electronic Data Systems (EDS).
Mr. Hassan served on the board for the London Health Sciences Centre for four years and served six years on the board of the United Way of London, Ontario.
Mr. Hassan has a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Western University.
Derek Shipley VP of Engineering
DEREK SHIPLEY, Ba.S.C. of Electrical Engineering
Derek Shipley is the Vice President of Engineering at ZTR Control Systems and is responsible for engineering development. He is the principle designer behind SmartStart®, BOA™, NEXSYS™ and the first remote monitoring solutions for landfills and generator sets. Mr. Shipley continues to help the company grow as both an owner and partner.
Prior to joining ZTR, Mr. Shipley worked in control systems, robotics, computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies at Electro-Motive Division (EMD).
Mr. Shipley is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, AAR Railway Electronics Task Force, and the AAR Wireless Communication Committee.
Mr. Shipley has an Electrical Engineering Degree from the University of Waterloo
Matt Scott GM Railway Division
MATTHEW SCOTT, P. Eng., M.B.A., C.P.A.
Matthew Scott is the General Manager of the Railway division at ZTR Control Systems and is responsible for global sales, strategic planning, and business development. Mr. Scott joined ZTR in 2003 as Director of Operations and has risen rapidly to his present position.
Prior to joining ZTR, Mr. Scott worked in Network Engineering at a major Canadian communications company, and at the Canadian plant of a major automobile manufacturer. Mr. Scott also founded and operated a computer sales and service company.
Mr. Scott has an Executive M.B.A. from Queen’s University, as well as Engineering and Computer Science degrees from Western University. Mr. Scott is a Professional Engineer in Ontario, and a Certified Professional Accountant.
Mr. Scott is a project advisor to the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
Gordon Niznik Director of Finance and Operations
GORDON NIZNIK, B.Sc., B.E.Sc., M.B.A., P.Eng., CPA, CMA
Gordon Niznik is the Director of Finance and Operations at ZTR Control Systems and is responsible for strategic and operational leadership in the areas of Finance, Information Technology, Quality, and Manufacturing. Mr. Niznik joined ZTR in 2009.
Prior to joining ZTR, Mr. Niznik worked in various senior management and financial controlling roles in the automotive industry, and as a management consultant in the areas of process and performance improvement. Mr. Niznik is currently on the Board of Directors of the Oxford Small Business Support Centre.
Mr. Niznik is a Professional Engineer and a Chartered Professional Accountant. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Honors Biophysics (Western University), a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (Western University) and a Master of Business Administration (Wilfrid Laurier University).
Did you know…
ZTR has been working on Industrial Internet of Things concepts for over a decade.