Our Story | Encoder Products Company

1969
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1969: EPC Is Founded

Encoder Products Company is founded by Bill Watts, an engineer who believed motion control could be smarter, more reliable, and more customizable. His focus was simple but bold: build encoders that solved real problems for real customers, and back them with unparalleled support.
1969: The Cube Encoder is Born

Original Cube Encoder
1972: Idaho Headquarters

EPC moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. Occupied space next to the Panida Theater.
1973: New Building

1973

Built green building at 1601A Highway 2 and moved in.
1979: New Building Pt. 2

1979

Built, moved into large building behind the green building. Currently the Forrest M. Bird Charter School.
1985: Sagle Headquarters

The initial section of the Westmond building in Sagle, containing the shop and cube production, was constructed and moved into.
1987: British Encoder Products

British Encoder Products Company was established in the United Kingdom.
1990: 755A

Model Release - 755A
1992: Model 725

Model Release - 725
1995: Model 770

Model Release - 770
1996: Models 702, 758, 775, 776

Model Release - 702, 758, 775, 776
1997: Model 260

Model Release - 260
1998: E-Cube

Model Release - E-Cube
2002: Model 225, 121

Model Release - 225, 121

In Fall 2002, EPC sold its one-millionth encoder, a Model 713-HD10 to Ground Force in Post Falls, Idaho.
2003: Model 15T/H/S

Model Release - 15T/H/S
2003: Building Additions

Completed additions to the original Westmond building, combining machine shop and all production lines under one roof, now known as the Sagle facility, EPC's headquarters.
2003: Model LCE

Model Release - LCE
2005: Model TR1

Model Release - TR1
2007: Model 25T/H

Model Release - 25T/H
2009: Model TR3

Model Release - TR3
2014: 2,000,000 Encoders

Late summer we sold our two-millionth encoder, a TR1 Tru-Trac to Label Vision Systems.
2014: Code-E the Encoder is Born

EPC's beloved mascot is developed in a sketch by salesman, Steve Dilts. While mostly used for internal marketing and events, the marketing team decided to bring him back and give him a modernized look and life! Jump to 2025 to see how Code-E has evolved and is used more today.
2015: Model 30M

Model Release - 30M
2016: Facility Modernization & New Manufacturing Equipment

EPC invests heavily in U.S.-based machining, electronics assembly, and quality control—strengthening reliability and lead times.
2017: Growth in Robotics, Packaging, and Material Handling Markets

As these industries scale, EPC becomes a go-to encoder partner for OEMs building high-precision motion systems.
2019: Redundant Encoder Solutions Introduced

Meeting the increasing demand for safety and reliability, EPC’s redundant encoders support critical applications in mobile equipment, cranes, elevators, and material handling.
2020: COVID-Era Responsiveness

Despite global supply chain disruptions, EPC maintains some of the fastest lead times in the industry thanks to U.S.-based manufacturing and strong supplier relationships.
2021: Enhanced Industrial Networking Encoders

EPC introduces IO-Link-ready encoders and advanced communication capabilities, helping customers future-proof their systems.
2024: Accommodating the Elevator Market

Product Launch - 25T with Terminal Block Connector
2024: Expansion into Safety & Mobile Equipment Markets

EPC strengthens offerings for mobile equipment, AGVs, AMRs, autonomous systems, and safety-rated applications.
2025: Model LP1 Accu-LaserPro™

A milestone product for EPC, the LP1 introduces laser-based, non-contact motion feedback

This innovation marks EPC’s entry into a new category of sensing technology.
2025: Strengthening Partnerships

While EPC has utilized Wachendorff technology in our encoders for a long time, an official partnership has now been established.

Partnering with TWK has brought in a new line of Safety Encoders to ensure the best quality in motion feedback in the mobile equipment market.
2025: Code-E Rebranding

Code-E has been reborn! With an updated design, the EPC marketing team has been utilizing Code-E throughout social media, eblasts, the website, and tradeshows.

Maybe you've seen him around or maybe you even have a Code-E sticker or a Code-E stress ball!
2026: Tru-D Tru-Trac

Tru-D was introduced in spring 2026 as a relative of Code-E. She is the main representative mascot of EPC's Tru-Trac encoders such as the TR1, TR2, TR3, and the programmable, TRP.

Looking Ahead — The Future of EPC

EPC continues to evolve with a clear purpose:

• Lead the industry in encoder innovation, including non-contact, redundant, and intelligent sensing technologies.

• Strengthen engineering partnerships, offering even more rapid custom solutions.

• Enhance the digital customer experience, meeting engineers wherever they search for answers.

• Maintain fast U.S. lead times, exceptional support, and long-term reliability.

EPC’s next chapter focuses on being the encoder partner that customers rely on—not just for products, but for insight, collaboration, and problem-solving.

What Makes EPC Special?

Encoder Experts

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USA Based Manufacturing

Custom Engineering

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Vertical Integration

Short Lead Times

EPC’s core philosophy is that each and every customer deserves quality products, superior customer service, and expert support. Adherence to these principals has enabled EPC to achieve its goal of maintaining long-lasting customer relationships.

We take pride in designing, manufacturing, assembling and supporting high-quality rotary encoders right here in Sagle, Idaho, USA. Through vertical integration, we oversee every step of the production process to ensure the highest level of precision, performance, and reliability.

EPC performs a substantial transformation of materials into finished, high-performance encoders. Our process includes:

Engineering Design: 16 full time engineers and staff not only design the product but develop the manufacturing and testing procedures to ensure a quality build.

Advanced Machining: Using CNC machines, we cut and mill all metal components, including housings, hubs, shafts and assemblies.

Electronics Manufacturing: Our surface-mount technology (SMT) lines, pick-and-place machines, wave soldering, and industrial ovens allow us to populate and assemble printed circuit boards (PCBs) with electronic components in-house.

Precision Assembly & Testing: Every Accu-Coder®, Accu-CoderPro®, Tru-Trac®, and Tru-TracPro® encoder is meticulously designed, built, tested, and shipped from our Idaho facility.