The MTL Instruments Group plc is recognized as a world leader in the development and supply of intrinsic safety explosion protection devices and specializes in lightning protection, surge protection and gas analysis equipment. Many of the world's safety-critical processes are monitored, controlled or protected by MTL products and the Group is distinguished by its global network of sales and support centers and by its acknowledged position as thought leader in this high technology marketplace. The long established Hazardous Area Business Unit has built up an enviable reputation as a leading global provider of Intrinsic Safety interfaces, fieldbus components and systems for use process control applications. In May 2007 The MTL Group acquired ELPRO Technologies, a leader in the industrial wireless market and well known for its innovative and proprietary technologies, high-performance products and value-added technical support. ELPRO is a world specialist in radio telemetry technology - sending data and information by radio. The acquisition of Ocean Technical Systems in July 2007 has further added to MTL's broad offering of products and services. The company provides a large scale SCADA and DCS system integration capability to provide FPSO integrated control systems, pipeline monitoring systems, and metering systems including an innovative real time metering database. The Surge Business Unit offers solutions for mission critical applications in the Process, Data Network and Telecommunications markets which may be at risk of damage from lightning or other high-voltage surges. MTL's MOST Business Unit provides control components which are designed to be "snapped together" by their customers to build complete process control solutions. These control platforms consist of interoperable modular hardware and software components to which their customers are able to add their own application software. MTL Visualisation was created following the acquisition of GeCma Components GmbH in 2005; the Business Unit is responsible for the design, development and manufacturing of operator computer terminals used in hazardous areas. RTK Instruments, acquired in July 2007, is an international provider of alarm handling and annunciation equipment for the utilities and process control markets, with specific expertise in the application of alarm handling apparatus in hazardous and potentially flammable environments. Hitech Instruments manufacture gas analysis equipment for the food and packaging industries as well as for specialty gasses.