Our History

Our founder's vision and dedication have shaped Dytran into the innovative leader it is today. Discover our journey from the beginning and see how we continue to drive groundbreaking sensor technology advancements, setting the standard for others to follow.

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Tenacity, customer orientation and 'can-do' attitude

Nicholas D. Change founded Dytran in September 1980. With this founding, Nick became one of the most prolific piezoelectric transducer designers of his day. The company now employs over 170 talented individuals and operates from a 45,000-square-foot facility in Chatsworth, California, USA.

Nick's tenacity, inventiveness, customer-oriented approach, and 'can-do' attitude have shaped Dytran the company it is today. Our people, products and policies reflect this tradition and we look forward to continuing to serve you!

A word about our founder

Dytran's Founder and Chairman, Nicholas D. Change, began his long technical career in 1950 as a draftsman at Bell Aircraft Co. in Wheatfield, New York. His career at Bell was briefly interrupted when he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. After completing his military service, Nick returned to Bell until 1961, when he joined Kistler Instrument Corp. in Clarence, New York, as a manufacturing product line manager. It was at Kistler that Nick began his pioneering work in piezoelectric transducer design. 

Balancing full-time work with night school, Nick earned his BSEE degree at the University of Buffalo in 1965. In 1970, he joined PCB Piezotronics in Depew, NY, as Technical Director and later served as its President before re-joining Kistler in 1979 as President. Driven by a passion for innovation, Nick founded Dytran in West Seneca, NY, a suburb of Buffalo in September 1980. In 1983, Dytran relocated to Los Angeles, California, to better serve its growing customer base in the aircraft and aerospace industries.

4400B1 Vibration Transducer

With the founding of Dytran, Nick became one of the most prolific designers of piezoelectric transducers of his time. He developed a wide range of products including accelerometers, force sensors, impulse hammers, pressure sensors, current source power units, vibration meters, charge amplifiers, cables, and numerous accessory items, all in rapid succession.

A holder of multiple patents, Nick was the sole design engineer at Dytran for the first 20 years of the business. Many of his legacy designs remain among Dytran's most popular products today.

Dytran today

In 2022, HBK acquired Dytran, allowing HBK to increase market penetration and build sales in North America. At the same time, HBK’s global presence extends the reach of Dytran products and support worldwide.

HBK was born from the 2019 merger of two industry giants: HBM and Brüel & Kjær. These companies have a legacy of delivering market-leading solutions in test and measurement technology across sectors like aerospace & defence, automotive, energy, manufacturing, and robotics.

The integration of Dytran has broadened HBK’s comprehensive sensor offering of vibration, force, pressure, and smart sensors, and advanced its ability to design and deliver custom sensing solutions with a fast turnaround.

Discover more about HBK