
In the modern industrial landscape, "connectivity" is more than just a buzzword; it is the lifeline of critical infrastructure. From remote oil fields and sprawling agricultural sites to emergency response vehicles, the need for reliable, high-speed networking in harsh environments has never been greater. Westward Sales, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Buena Vista, Colorado, has emerged as a leader in this space. While they are a premier distributor for world-class manufacturers, their true value lies in the specialized, ruggedized products they assemble—solutions designed to bridge the gap between complex industrial needs and the unforgiving realities of the field.
Westward Sales was founded by Kelvin Aist, an engineer with decades of experience in communications at companies such as Boeing and General Electric. This technical pedigree defines the company's approach to product assembly. They do not merely "sell boxes"; they design and integrate "solutions." Every kit or bundled product that leaves their facility is the result of a "for engineers, by engineers" philosophy, ensuring that the components—from cellular routers to directional antennas—are perfectly matched for peak performance and durability.
While Westward Sales distributes networking and communication equipment, it also manufactures its own line of "Westward"-branded hotspots and gateways that solve specific industry pain points.
1. Rugged Outdoor Wi-Fi Hotspots: One of their primary categories of assembled products is the series of fixed outdoor hotspots, the WSE1 and WSPC Series. These units are built to provide internet access in locations where traditional infrastructure is nonexistent.
2. Portable "Network-in-a-Box" Solutions: For mobile professionals—such as first responders, search and rescue teams, and remote construction managers—Westward Sales assembles highly sophisticated portable hotspots. These are essentially mobile command centers housed in ruggedized carrying cases.
3. Application-Specific Kits: The Hydrawise Irrigation Solution: A prime example of Westward's ability to solve niche problems is their specialized cellular gateway for Hunter Hydrawise irrigation controllers. Many commercial landscaping projects fail because the Wi-Fi signal from a main building cannot reach a remote irrigation clock. Westward assembles a kit that includes a cellular router, omnidirectional antennas, and mounting hardware. With high-gain directional antennas, the WSTK-HU gateway can connect an irrigation controller over half a mile away to the cloud.
Beyond their self-branded hardware, Westward Sales builds value through "Value-Added Bundles." These are pre-configured sets that take the guesswork out of industrial networking.
The products that Westward Sales assembles are the "glue" that holds modern industrial IoT together. In Public Safety, their portable cases provide the data links needed for real-time situational awareness. In Transportation, their rugged vehicle gateways ensure that buses and rail systems stay connected for GPS and passenger Wi-Fi. In Manufacturing, they assemble media converters and industrial switches that allow legacy serial machines to communicate with modern Ethernet networks.
Despite their high-tech focus, Westward Sales operates with a "country store" heart. This family-operated business prioritizes long-term relationships, offering free expert support and pre-configuration services to ensure their customers' success. Furthermore, their success fuels a mission of giving; a portion of every sale supports charities like Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross. In summary, Westward Sales doesn't just provide parts; they build bridges that connect the industrial world. Whether it's a customized 5G portable hotspot or a weatherproof outdoor gateway, Westward's assembled products are engineered to ensure the network remains at its best, even in the worst conditions.