Jeffrey Wisniewski, owner and president of MTI Industries, has died at the age of 55 after a long illness.
MTI Industries Inc, headquartered in Florida, manufactures marine gas fumes, fire and bilge alarms as well as RV carbon monoxide, propane and smoke detectors under the Safe T Alert brand.
Jeff began working for MTI Industries in 1991 handling warranties at the company.
Over the years, Jeff climbed the company ladder, working as production manager, general manager, vice president and finally, president in 2009 when his parents, Tom and Sandi Wisniewski, retired.
His proudest achievement was MTI’s patent for its RV dual carbon monoxide and propane detector.
The company applied for the patent in 2004 and it was granted three years later.
Though MTI’s first product was a security alarm, the company was founded in 1980 in Illinois by Tom Wisniewski to serve the marine industry in monitoring carbon monoxide levels on boats with sleeping accommodations.
“We found out boats can create the station wagon effect,” said Jeff Wisniewski a few years ago. “The effect occurs if a boat operates at a certain angle in the water, causing carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin or cockpit.”
Recommended practice
It became recommended practice to have carbon monoxide detectors on boats in 1989 and MTI Industries created the first UL Standard carbon monoxide detector in 1993, another highlight for Jeff.
In a statement, MTI Industries said the organisation would greatly miss Jeff and his leadership.
The statement continued: “Business partners can understand that company operations will continue without disruption with Kelly Wisniewski [Jeff’s wife of 32 years] as the new president.
“Our new manufacturing facility is fully operational, and a team has been put in place to assure a smooth transition, while keeping Jeff’s values and vision for MTI moving forward.” Jeff is survived by Kelly (nee Lewis) Wisniewski and sons, Zach, Andrew and Josh.
