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Continuous growth, from component manufacturer to comprehensive solution provider
The family-owned company, the Kistler Group, has evolved from a pure component manufacturer into a provider of comprehensive measurement technology solutions in every field and into a reliable development partner for industry and research. Strategic acquisitions have played a substantial role as well: new applications such as optical test automation, thermoacoustics and fastening technology, amongst others, have been added. Over 500 patents granted in more than 60 years stand for our strong innovative drive.
Our company's history begins in 1944: Walter P. Kistler und Hans Conrad Sonderegger, young engineers at the Swiss Locomotive and Machine works in Winterthur (CH) work on developing measuring systems for engines. The foundation of the later sensor technology has been laid.
1950s – starting out as a component manufacturer
Walter P. Kistler und Hans Conrad Sonderegger achieve a breakthrough with the development of the first charge amplifier.
1960s to 1990s – on the way to becoming a global leader in dynamic measurement technology
Kistler launches the world's first quartz force sensor.
2000s and 2010s – Kistler continues to extend its competences and evolves into a provider of systems and solutions
Rolf Sonderegger acquires Walter P. Kistler's share, takes over the management of the family company and drives further growth through targeted acquisitions.
Takeover of the engineering company IGeL Ingenineursgesellschaft für Leichtbau.
This is the first of a series of acquisitions.
The digital transformation gains momentum – further expansion of knowhow through further strategic acquisitions and new product developments – from sensor to cloud
The world's first digital charge amplifier 5074A from Kistler sets new standards: now users can integrate any desired piezoelectric sensors into the control environment.
With Kistler's new KiDAQ data acquisition system, users benefit from one single source for the entire measuring chain and a unique data transparency. This enables a significant reduction of measurement uncertainty.
2020s – the digital transformation is in full swing – Kistler becomes an information provider – focus is "on information-as-a-service", IoT, Big Test Data, Cloud Services, etc.
Kistler unveils KiTraffic Digital: the first fully digital Weigh In Motion (WIM) system. Based on an entirely new sensor and an accuracy of +/- two percent, it is the most advanced WIM system to date.
Only two years later, the KiTraffic Digital WIM system is awarded the class F5 OIML certificate confirming it as the most accurate Weigh In Motion system worldwide.
Kistler presents the world's first miniature charge amplifier with IO-Link technology.