Resonance Technology International Inc., winner of the 2003 Bank of Montreal first prize, has sold two of its revolutionary resonant hammers, with expectations to sell four more this year and twice as many next year. The resonant hammer uses sonic vibrations to drive foundation pilings into the earth quickly, with no ground vibration.
It has been a long journey to refine the technology and deal with market acceptance issues, but president Matthew Janes says a new trend towards legislation demanding zero ground vibration during pile driving will help his company to move forward.
The poor economy, particularly in the construction sector, initially put a damper on expectations for 2009 but Janes reports that the company has had several promising inquiries this year and is currently working on designs for two European clients.
Resonance currently has three full-time and two half-time employees, and uses B.C. subcontractors to manufacture the resonant hammer.