Sensata Technologies began as General Plate Company, a business that was founded on April 24, 1916 by Rathbun Willard to provide "gold plate" for the nearby Rhode Island jewelry industry. The start–up was financed with a $50,000 loan from the principals of the Grinnell Company in Providence.

Manufacturing first took place in the cellar of the Bigney Building in Attleboro. Constrained by space, Willard decided to move the company and purchased over 200 acres of land in what was then known as Cat-O-Nine-Tail Swamp. 

Now Sensata devices are used in automotive, appliance, aircraft, industrial, military, heavy vehicle, heating, air conditioning, data, telecommunications, recreational vehicle and marine applications and help satisfy the world’s growing need for safety, energy efficiency and a clean environment.

From integrated manufacturing to state-of-the-art environmental practices and a full spectrum of technical and analytical services, Sensata Technologies remains committed to helping its customers find leading-edge technology solutions to meet today’s market needs.