New ReMA Member Spotlight: Viper Imaging

Based in Birmingham, AL, ReMA member Viper Imaging specializes in infrared temperature monitoring solutions for critical assets and industrial processes. Their technology helps prevent disasters and reduce the costs associated with equipment failures and other catastrophic events.

The company's expertise extends across a wide range of industrial environments, including metals, energy production and distribution, oil and gas, wood products, and industrial automation.

ReMA News spoke with Aliesha Hansen and Maggie Baxter of Viper's marketing team about the company, what they bring to the recycled materials industry, and what led them to join ReMA.

Tell me about your role in the company.

Aliesha Hansen: I'm the marketing director for Viper Imaging and have been with the company since 2016. Over the years, I've learned so much about the industries we serve and enjoy the challenge of sharing how Viper's innovative, proven solutions can make operations safer and more efficient.

Maggie Baxter: I'm the marketing coordinator for Viper Imaging, and I joined the team about a year and a half ago. I was eager to be part of an industry that blends technology and real-world problem-solving. Developing creative ways to communicate our message and impact is incredibly rewarding.

Tell me about the company.

Aliesha: Viper Imaging was founded in 2014 by Andy Beck and Rich Shannon, who brought extensive experience in thermal imaging systems and industrial process monitoring from their previous careers. They wanted to become industry leaders in the design and integration of thermal imaging systems and to provide a software suite compatible with most industrial control platforms.

As experts in infrared temperature measurement, Andy and Rich recognized a growing need for faster, more meaningful data from thermal cameras. While camera prices were dropping, the demand for advanced data analytics and proactive monitoring was increasing rapidly.

In 2023, Viper Imaging was acquired by Systems With Intelligence (SWI), a company headquartered in Ontario, Canada, that specializes in monitoring solutions for electric utilities. SWI's systems collect and analyze data to help utilities improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Because of the strength and reputation of the Viper Imaging brand, the decision was made to maintain the name.

Today, our Birmingham headquarters serves as SWI's hub for heavy industrial markets across North America. On a global scale, Viper continues to focus on sales, service, and integration of thermal imaging cameras and ViperVision software, helping customers enhance safety and operational insight every day.

What are some of your offerings for the recycled materials industry?

Aliesha: Many warehouses and storage facilities rely on fire alarms and suppression systems that only activate once a fire has already started. Our thermal imaging solutions provide an earlier line of defense-detecting heat buildup before a fire ignites, allowing for preventive action.

Our Viper Predator System continuously monitors for hot spots and other heat-related risks, even through steam or smoke. It helps identify combustible materials such as batteries or other hazardous items that might otherwise go unnoticed. The system operates around the clock, sending instant alerts by email, text, or phone when it detects unusual heat activity. It can even be configured to notify local fire departments automatically.

We take pride in partnering with customers to implement solutions that best fit their specific operations and safety needs.

How did you hear about ReMA and how did you decide to join the association?

Aliesha: A few years ago, a ReMA member invited one of our founders to attend the association's annual convention. We decided to exhibit there for two consecutive years and made valuable connections through the experience.

Maggie: We saw a strong return on investment from those events, which made joining ReMA the natural next step. Becoming members allows us to build deeper relationships, stay connected, and fully engage with the industry we want to support and grow alongside.

Aliesha: Facility fires remain a serious concern in the recycling industry-especially with the increasing presence of lithium-ion batteries. Our technology can help address that risk directly. We're excited to connect with other ReMA members, share our expertise, and explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Photo courtesy of Viper Imaging.