The History of LayerZero

2024 - Expansion and Growth

With an era of unprecedented expansion and innovation, 2024 marks a pivotal year for LayerZero Power Systems. LayerZero’s Headquarters at the Danner Drive facility undergoes a significant expansion with the promise of boosting productionThis year sees three major changes:

Expansion at Danner Drive: LayerZero’s Headquarters at the Danner Drive facility undergoes a significant expansion with the promise of boosting production. This allows LayerZero to better meet the growing demand for reliable power solutions.

Shipment of INSIGHT IR: 2024 sees the launch of the groundbreaking INSIGHT IR® system. This system is a huge advancement for power quality monitoring technology. INSIGHT IR® allows users to remotely monitor the temperatures of critical connections in real-time, which enhances the reliability of critical power infrastructure and further solidifies LayerZero's competitive edge.

Acquisition of Philipp Parkway Building: LayerZero acquires a new facility at 10030 Philipp Parkway in Streetsboro, Ohio. This strategic acquisition increases manufacturing capacity and provides new job opportunities and contributes to the local economy.

This is a story of the unwavering dedication of LayerZero's people. Their innovative spirit, commitment to excellence, and relentless drive to power the future make 2024 a year of transformation. As LayerZero embarks on this new chapter, remember – it's not just about building power solutions; it's about building a more reliable future.

2023 - Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation and Transformation

In 2023, LayerZero Power Systems is poised to build on its success and continue to push the boundaries of innovation in the power infrastructure industry. With a talented and dedicated team, the company is well-positioned to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions to its customers, enabling them to operate more efficiently, reliably, and sustainably.

LayerZero Power Systems plans to leverage the latest advancements in technology to further improve the functionality and quality of its products. The company is investing in research and development to explore new applications for its technology with the goal of expanding its product line and providing customers with even more options to choose from.

To support its growth, LayerZero is also expanding its team by hiring additional employees across different departments. The company is looking for talented engineers, technicians, and support staff who share its passion for innovation, quality, and customer service. By expanding its team, LayerZero is not only able to better serve its customers but also contribute to the growth of the communities where it operates.

In addition to expanding its team and investing in R&D, LayerZero Power Systems is committed to expanding its global reach and forging new partnerships. The company is exploring new markets and opportunities to provide its products and services to customers worldwide.

With its unwavering commitment to excellence, LayerZero is set to have a prosperous and transformative year ahead.

The company's dedication to innovation, quality, and customer service has enabled it to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as a leader in the power infrastructure industry.

2022 - Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities

In 2022, LayerZero Power Systems continued to experience strong demand for its power infrastructure solutions, prompting the company to make significant investments in expanding its manufacturing and testing capabilities. To meet the growing demand, the company announced the opening of a new state-of-the-art assembly and testing facility located at 350 Harris Dr in Aurora, Ohio.

The new facility enabled LayerZero to increase production capacity and reduce lead times, providing customers with faster delivery and better service. In addition to the new facility, the company also expanded its workforce, hiring talented engineers and technicians to support the company's growth and ensure that customers receive top-quality products and services.

By investing in new facilities and expanding its team, LayerZero Power Systems has further solidified its position as a leader in the power infrastructure industry.

These investments demonstrate the company's commitment to delivering exceptional products and services that meet the needs of its customers.

With its expanded capabilities and talented team, LayerZero is poised to continue leading the way in the power infrastructure industry for years to come. The company's dedication to innovation and customer service has enabled it to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its position as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

2021 - A Year of Unprecedented Growth

In 2021, LayerZero Power Systems experienced a surge in demand for its high-quality power infrastructure solutions, which prompted the company to increase its manufacturing and testing capabilities. To meet the growing demand, the company invested in cutting-edge equipment and technology to improve production efficiency while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

Additionally, LayerZero Power Systems extended its testing facilities to ensure that every product met the company's rigorous standards for reliability and quality. By implementing these measures, the company was able to produce more products in a shorter time frame without compromising on quality.

LayerZero's ability to adapt to the changing market needs and expand its capabilities in response to customer demands has further cemented its position as a leading player in the power infrastructure industry. The company's unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality products has made it a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

With its investment in new technology, expansion of testing facilities, and increased production efficiency, LayerZero Power Systems has set a new standard for the power infrastructure industry. The company's dedication to meeting customer needs has allowed it to keep pace with the growing demand for high-quality power infrastructure solutions and further solidify its position as a market leader.

2020 - Unwavering Commitment to Innovation while Transitioning to Remote Work

In 2020, LayerZero Power Systems' software development team faced an unprecedented challenge as they transitioned to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the upheaval and hurdles, the team remained steadfast in their commitment to innovation and continued to make remarkable strides in enhancing the software that powers LayerZero's products.

During this time, the team developed INSIGHT IR® technology; an advanced infrared monitoring system that provides real-time temperature data for critical power infrastructure. The system is designed to detect potential failures before they occur, helping to prevent costly downtime and increase reliability.

The team's ability to swiftly adapt to the new remote work environment was a testament to their resilience, ingenuity, and perseverance.

Their dedication to delivering top-quality power infrastructure solutions to customers remained unwavering, allowing LayerZero to maintain its position as a leader in the industry.

By staying ahead of the curve and leveraging their technical expertise, LayerZero's software development team demonstrated their commitment to exceeding customer expectations and delivering cutting-edge power solutions that are unmatched in the market.

Through their unwavering dedication to excellence amid unprecedented circumstances, the team proved that they could overcome any challenge with their skills and expertise. They have set a high standard for the industry by demonstrating that with resilience, innovation, and teamwork, companies can continue to thrive and deliver exceptional solutions to their customers.

2019 - Breakthroughs in STS Technology

In 2019, LayerZero Power Systems achieved a major milestone by introducing a game-changing static transfer switch (STS) technology that offers unparalleled safety and reliability. The company's breakthrough STS technology provides seamless switching between power sources in the event of an outage, which ensures uninterrupted power supply to critical loads. This revolutionary STS technology gained immense popularity among data centers, where power reliability is of utmost importance, and LayerZero Power Systems quickly emerged as a leading player in the STS market. The company's commitment to innovation and developing cutting-edge technology has resulted in an STS solution that not only meets but exceeds customer expectations, which in turn, sets a new benchmark in the power distribution industry.

2018 - Pioneering Manufacturing Excellence

In 2018, manufacturing excellence was a top priority for many companies, including LayerZero Power Systems. The company continued to focus on implementing best practices and innovative techniques to improve their manufacturing processes. They recognized that achieving manufacturing excellence required a combination of quality materials, skilled workforce, efficient processes, and state-of-the-art equipment. As such, the company invested heavily in these areas and introduced new technologies and systems to enhance their production capabilities.

LayerZero also placed a great emphasis on continuous improvement and regularly evaluated their processes to identify areas for improvement. This allowed LayerZero Power Systems to streamline their production processes, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately provide their customers with higher quality products. By prioritizing manufacturing excellence, the company demonstrated their commitment to providing their customers with the best possible solutions and maintaining their position as a leader in the power distribution industry.

2017 - Advancements in Quality Product Designs

LayerZero Power Systems has been a pioneer in the field of power distribution solutions and has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. Even in 2017, the company continued to push the boundaries of technology and introduced new features in their products to enhance safety, reliability, connectivity, and monitoring. The company recognized the importance of these features in meeting the evolving needs of their customers and invested heavily in research and development to come up with cutting-edge solutions.

The focus on safety was particularly important given the potential risks associated with power distribution systems. The company also recognized the need for greater connectivity and monitoring capabilities, which allowed for real-time data analysis and more efficient management of power systems. By continuing to innovate in these areas, LayerZero Power Systems demonstrated their commitment to providing their customers with the best possible solutions to meet their power distribution needs.

2016 - Next Generation of Technology and Advancements

LayerZero Power Systems released its next generation of power quality monitoring systems.

LayerZero designs hardware and software systems that provide critical facilities workers with the capabilities to view all aspects of power distribution in real-time. LayerZero Power Systems has made improvements to the power quality monitoring system in an effort to provide state-of-the-art monitoring capabilities for the long-term.

Complete with local and remote connectivity options, Power Monitoring Solutions by LayerZero provide a highly capable vendor-neutral monitoring system.

In addition, the company increased development on the four-pole static transfer switch line.

2015 - New Technology Revealed

In 2015, LayerZero Power Systems refined manufacturing processes, incorporating automated material handling improvements to facilitate increased throughput. In addition, the company performed product updates.

In addition, the company made product updates across the Power Panels product line, providing higher levels of configurability. LayerZero Power Systems began to ship all SafePanel® products with our patented SafePanel® Shrouds as a standard feature.

Focusing on continual innovation with regards to operator safety, LayerZero® products have no exposed live parts.

All LayerZero® products have no exposed live parts.

2014 - Quantum Leaps in Quality

The company focused efforts in 2014 to allow for increased levels of configurability, while maximizing product quality and decreasing turnaround time. In addition, LayerZero has redesigned and expanded key product features in an effort to further increase product safety.

LayerZero Power Systems was awarded U.S. Patent #8,674,555, "Neutral Switching High-Speed AC Transfer Switch" in 2014, leading the way towards improved power reliability technologies.

Utilizing highly-advanced manufacturing technology, LayerZero Power Systems delivers uncompromising product quality and attention-to-detail.

Since the first LayerZero installation in 2001, LayerZero has grown to an installation base of thousands of units installed worldwide.

LayerZero has been an innovator in critical power distribution, delivering the only TMR Enabled Static Transfer Switch in the mission-critical industry and providing fully Selective Trip Coordinated power distribution systems. To become as successful as LayerZero has, the company has relied heavily on its team of outstanding engineers and professionals over the years. LayerZero is proud to celebrate this tremendous achievement.

Utilizing highly-advanced manufacturing technology, LayerZero Power Systems delivers uncompromising product quality and attention-to-detail.

LayerZero continues to lead the industry with premium products that are safe, reliable, information-centric, and highly connected. We offer a customer experience that is second to none: We listen, we internalize, and we act to serve your needs.

In 2014, LayerZero Power Systems was also awarded a Federal Trademark for the name "LayerZero". LayerZero refers to the physical layer of the data center power infrastructure. It encompasses the electrical and mechanical components that provide power to the IT equipment, including power distribution units (PDUs), static transfer switches (STS), and remote power panels (RPPs).

2013 - A New Era of LayerZero

In 2013, LayerZero Power Systems concentrated efforts on perfecting every detail of the product designs.

Determined to produce the highest quality power distribution products on the planet, the company updated designs for all product lines to make the most of enhanced manufacturing ability.

From increasing the mechanical ruggedness of the cabinets to making quantum improvements in operator safety, the LayerZero products produced in the Ohio-based facility are the finest in the world. LayerZero Power Systems' manufacturing facility is highly automated, utilizing advanced technologies that facilitate large-scale production.

Significant software updates in LayerZero Power Systems products include the release of the LZ-Modbus client application, and updates to the Graphical User Interface across all product lines.

LayerZero Power Systems' manufacturing facility is highly automated, utilizing advanced technologies that facilitate large-scale production.

The ePanel-1 design was also updated, allowing for a higher level of operator safety than previous designs.

2012 - High-Density Solutions

2012 was a year of exceptional growth for LayerZero Power Systems both in product development and expansion within the company.

The company announced the release of the 4000 A Series 70: eSTS Static Transfer Switch. LayerZero's 4000 A eSTS is designed to protect the power for large data center processing operations, and even entire buildings. The largest Static Transfer Switch offered by LayerZero, the 4000 A eSTS, utilizes a completely updated design.

In recognition of the progress made by LayerZero, the company was awarded a Weatherhead100 award for being one of the fastest-growing companies in Northeast Ohio.

LayerZero's 4000 A eSTS is designed to protect the power for large data center processing operations and even entire buildings.

In an effort to fulfill increasing demand for LayerZero Power Systems products, the company established a state-of-the-art world headquarters located in Aurora, Ohio, USA.

2011 - Expanding the Product Line

LayerZero celebrated ten years of operation in 2011.

In addition, two new products were added to the lineup, the Series 70 ePODs: Type-X and the Series 70: ePanel-HD.

The Series 70 ePODs Type-X is a web-enabled Power Distribution Unit with a transformer and SafePanel® distribution. The Type-X utilizes a touch-screen interface and has real-time power quality monitoring capabilities. The ePODs Type-X was the first Bluetooth-enabled PDU ever released to market.

The ePODs Type-X was the first Bluetooth-enabled PDU ever released to market.

The Series 70: ePanel-HD is a High-Density Wall-Mounted Remote Power Panel, designed to allow data center facilities to put distribution on the wall and be ready for ultra high-density distribution.

The space-saving wall-mounted design and ultra high-density capabilities have proven to be useful in high-density data centers.

2010 - Perfecting The Technology

2010 marked a year where LayerZero Power Systems focused on product improvements, perfecting technologies, and further expanding the product line on Remote Power Panels.

eBOSS capabilities were improved with the launch of the Configurator, a web-resource that allows customers to dynamically configure LayerZero products. In addition, the Configurator generates CSI-formatted specifications, helping to streamline the specification process.

In late 2010, the company announced the release of the Series 70: ePanel, a wall-mounted Remote Power Panel. Putting power distribution on the walls provides customers with the ability to make the most of available data center space.

The ePanel-1 was released with one 42-circuit panel board, and the ePanel-2 was released with two 42-circuit panel boards.

2009 - Redefining Connectivity

In 2009, the company focused on expanding and improving technologies used to better connect LayerZero products with users as well as refining convenience features such as Waveform Capture. The reputation of LayerZero was growing within the data center industry.

LayerZero Power Systems launched a Web-Enabled Back Office System Software also known as eBOSS. eBOSS is an indigenous web portal that was designed as a means for customers and LayerZero to effectively communicate.

eBOSS was launched with product documentation, order tracking, customer service tracking, software information, and critical board tracking capabilities.

In addition, the company released a wide range of enhanced software updates, including real-time waveform capture, SNMP Connectivity, and Bluetooth Connectivity for the Series 70: eRPP.

eBOSS is an indigenous web portal that was designed as a means for customers and LayerZero to effectively communicate.

The same year, LayerZero co-founder James Galm was awarded U.S. Patent #7,589,438 for the company's Dynamic Phase Compensation Transfer Technology.

2008 - A Year of Advancement

Building on the success of the 400 A SafePanel® panel board, LayerZero Power Systems designed, built, and launched the 1200 A SafePanel panel board. The 1200 A SafePanel® is a finger-safe (IP-20) panel board that is made for higher-power applications, such as distribution from off an STS/PDU.

In 2008, LayerZero Power Systems completed the 1200 A SafePanel® panel board short-circuit & withstand testing to ETL listing. In addition, the 1200 A SafePanel® ETL Listing to UL 67 was also finalized. The 1200 A SafePanel® panel board was designed to fit into all LayerZero ePODs Power Distribution Unit products.

The 1200 A SafePanel® panel board design was designed to fit into all LayerZero ePODs Power Distribution Unit products.

During the same year, the Series 70 eRPP panel board withstand testing was completed. In addition, the company obtained ETL listing to UL 60950 for the Series 70 eRPP.

Series 70 eRPP shipments commenced.

2007 - A Suite of Selective Trip Coordinated Solutions

2007 was the year in which LayerZero won landmark orders with two leading credit card companies: (56) 300kVA Type-P ePODs and (94) RPPs for one; and (25) 800A eSTS for another.

Focusing on improving power reliability, LayerZero Power Systems developed, tested, and launched a suite of Selective Trip Coordinated Solutions.

The Series 70: eRPP was launched, a web-enabled Remote Power Panel that featured the LayerZero designed Finger-Safe (IP-20) 400 A SafePanel® Panel Board. Inspired by NFPA-70E, the SafePanel® helped maximize data center operator safety.

The first finger-safe RPP ever designed, the eRPP, utilized high-speed, current limiting, and fast-acting circuit breakers to ensure selective trip coordination throughout the RPP. If a downstream breaker tripped, the eRPP was designed so that only the branch breaker is affected.

Focusing on improving power reliability, LayerZero Power Systems developed, tested, and launched a suite of Selective Trip Coordinated Solutions.

2006 - Redefining Safety

Setting the path for the future vision of the mission-critical industry, LayerZero released a collection of features that helped maximize operator safety in the data center as well as reliability improvements.

Early in 2006, LayerZero launched Source Adaptive Gateing (SAG) compensation technology. In addition, the company released the 1200 A, 3-Source OPTS Static Transfer Switch to manufacture.

First to launch in recognition of NFPA-70E recommendations was the Series 70: eSTS Static Transfer Switch, an STS that showcased a completely redesigned interior that permitted front-only installation and maintenance.

Utilizing a front-only design helps data centers utilize available space more effectively and helps make preventive maintenance easier.

The Series 70: eSTS utilized InSight IR® Portholes. These openings containing a mesh that allowed bolted connections to be safely thermal scanned. Utilizing a front-only design helps data centers utilize available space more effectively and helps make preventive maintenance easier.

Quickly following was the release to manufacture of the Series 70 ePODs: Type-S, the Series 70 ePODs: Type-N, and Series 70 ePODs: Dual Type-P. The same year LayerZero shipped the first eSTS rated 150kA @ 480V for use with rotary UPS systems.

2005 - Breakthrough Advancements

2005 was an exciting year for advancements at LayerZero, including the extension of the company's product offerings, improvements in convenience and connectivity, as well as significant progress in furthering the company's process transparency initiatives.

ePODs listing ETL to referenced UL and CSA standards was extended to 300kVA, further proving the company's design capabilities.

In addition, the 1200 A OPTS completed a High Fault Test at KEMA-PowerTest labs. The 1200 A OPTS was listed to ETL listing to referenced UL and CSA standards. The product was ready for market, and shortly after, the 1200 A OPTS was launched.

NTP helps improve post-event reconstruction when integrated lines of Static Transfer Switches, Power Distribution Units, and Power Panels are utilized.

This release of the 1200 A OPTS coincided with the announcement of OPTS Clock Synchronization using Network Time Protocol (NTP). NTP Synchronization was the foundation for the company's "Black Box Forensics" technology, permitting customers with the ability to view event history of past electrical events. NTP helps improve post-event reconstruction when integrated lines of Static Transfer Switches, Power Distribution Units, and Power Panels are utilized.

Finally, LayerZero announced the release of the ePODs: Dual Type-P Power Distribution Unit, a PDU with a primary-side Static Transfer Switch, two transformers, and dual distribution panels.

2004 - Redefining Reliability

Continuing to further develop the breadth of the company's product suite, LayerZero Power Systems designed and released the larger 800 A OPTS. The 800 A OPTS was tested at KEMA-Powertest labs and obtained ETL listing to referenced UL and CSA standards.

Shortly after, the OPTS listing was extended to 600V.

Aiming for improved process transparency and a more open relationship with its customers, LayerZero launched the CustomerWeb portal, a web-based resource for tracking projects with LayerZero products. CustomerWeb was a database-driven website that provided customers instant access to company information and processes. A web-based tracking resource was the blueprint for a comprehensive reliability program.

The CustomerWeb portal included real-time product testing documentation and an incident report tracking tool. Understanding the importance of critical board tracking, the company implemented a solution for serialized tracking of all critical components.

LayerZero hosted Customer Service Engineer training sessions throughout the year to further develop the service team.

A web-based tracking resource was the blueprint for a comprehensive reliability program.

2003 - Beliefs Start To Become a Reality

In 2003, LayerZero continued to build the product line and develop solid processes for maintaining the company's products.

In a move that would forever change the data center industry, the company developed the ePODs product line, web-enabled Power Distribution Units that were inspired by NFPA-70E. ePODs are designed with an emphasis on maximizing worker safety. ePODs utilized a slightly larger footprint than comparable products; however, they could be safely maintained without shutting down the critical load. ePODs had built-in MODBUS/TCP capabilities for ease-of-connectivity to power quality monitoring systems.

During this period, the company obtained ETL listing to referenced UL and CSA standards for ePODs.

ePODs are designed with an emphasis on maximizing worker safety.

The ePODs: Type-N, a Static Transfer Switch with a distribution panel built-in, was released to be manufactured. In addition, the company released the ePODs: Type-S, a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) with a secondary-side Static Transfer Switch, two transformers, with distribution. LayerZero also released the ePODs: Type-P, a PDU with a primary-side Static Transfer Switch, transformer, with distribution. Both products launched with an operator training program to help guide end-users on proper equipment usage.

During the same year, the Field Service Training Module was launched, a web-based resource for documenting customer service projects. In addition, the company successfully demonstrated a Dynamic Phase Compensated Transfer, technology that introduced an appropriate delay so that switching is completed at the optimal moment. This technology is patented under US Patent 7589438.

2002 - From Inspiration to Perspiration to Innovation

Within the first year of incorporation, the company had designed, built, and tested the OPTS Static Transfer Switch. During this period, LayerZero obtained ETL listing to referenced UL and CSA standards.

Equipped with an innovative design, LayerZero worked on building their vision of creating the best products in the industry. The company developed a manufacturing and field service alliance with Russelectric, the leading supplier of power control systems and equipment, to manufacture and service LayerZero equipment on a large scale.

The company's big break came when LayerZero Power Systems convinced a large US-based bank to invest in a set of the new OPTS Static Transfer Switches to boost the reliability of their data center processing center, systems that are still working strong today.

Simultaneously, the company launched a three-source OPTS, as well as a Single Modular Redundant OPTS.

Equipped with an innovative design, LayerZero worked on building their vision of creating the best products in the industry.

2001 - The Founding of LayerZero

All great companies have their story. The LayerZero story started with brilliant ideas, hard work, sheer determination, and self-belief.

In April 2001, at the beginning of the "dot boom" era, LayerZero Power Systems was founded by engineering graduates Milind Bhanoo and Jim Galm. Risking their life savings, the co-founders left secure positions with the idea of designing power quality products that were better - more reliable, safe to operate, well-connected, and with highly advanced power-quality monitoring capabilities.

Working out of the attic of a garage, the company diligently worked on designing and building the first LayerZero demo unit. The founders hired a mechanical engineer, an electrical engineer, and a software engineer to design the Optical Power Transfer Switch (OPTS), a Triple Modular Redundant Static Transfer Switch that was years ahead of its time.

Seeing success and potential, LayerZero's VP of sales, Anthony Pinkey, relocated from New York City to Cleveland, Ohio, to work on building the LayerZero name within the mission-critical industry.

The LayerZero story started with brilliant ideas, hard work, determination, and self-belief.

The LayerZero team understood that the overall product architecture, user interface, and mechanical design were drastically different from any power distribution solution ever conceived.

Innovations and industry-firsts included in the OPTS included a fault-tolerant design, redundant technologies, and usage of fiber optic controls. The decision to add convenience features such as the touch-screen interface, waveform capture, and TCP/IP access was forward-thinking and visionary. Safety features, such as front-only access for installation and maintenance, set the standard for data center equipment. The OPTS utilized a footprint that was very small.