Milestones

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

In 1950, Kistler und Sonderegger achieve a breakthrough with the development and patenting of the first charge amplifier

In 1955, Kistler opens its first production site for electronics and accessories in Tonawanda, near Buffalo, USA.

Kistler introduced the first miniature pressure sensor in 1958.

Foundation of the Kistler Instrumente AG – 1959

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

In 1961, Kistler launches the world’s first quartz force sensor.

The Group’s largest sales company, the Kistler Instrumente GmbH, is founded in 1963 in Ostfildern, Germany.

In 1983, Kistler brings the world’s first rotating quartz wheel force dynamometer to market.

Kistler establishes its subsidiaries in Japan and China in the years 1986 to 1996.

From 1998, Kistler grows its PiezoStar crystals featuring a very high sensitivity and temperature stability.

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

In 2002, Rolf Sonderegger takes over the management of the family company, with new strategies for growth.

In 2003, Kistler becomes an allround supplier of wheel force measurement technology.

In 2004, Kistler presents the world’s first combined pressure and temperature sensor with a diameter of 2.5 mm.

With the acquisition of Dr. Staiger Mohilo & Co. GmbH in 2006, Kistler includes joining systems in its portfolio.

In 2009, Kistler launches the KiBox, an innovative system for combustion pressure analysis.

The process monitoring system maXYmos from Kistler supports customers in assuring quality in production.

The Kistler Meerane production is switched to cable manufacturing for the Group’s entire sensor technology. in 2015.

With the acquisition of Schatz AG in 2016, Kistler includes advanced fastening technology in its portfolio.

With the acquisition of Vester Elektronik GmbH in 2017, Kistler includes new solutions using optical measurement technology.

Rolf Sonderegger acquires Walter P. Kistler’s shares, 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

In 2018, Kistler introduces the KiDAQ data acquisition system.

In 2018, Kistler brings the most advanced, anthropomorphic test device and NHTSA-certified dummy THOR on the market.

Kistler achieves a breakthrough in the aerospace industry market in 2018.

With three acquisitions in 2018, Kistler can offer new products to support the engine development and manufacturing sectors.

2017
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.

2018
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.

In 2020, Kistler unveils KiTraffic Digital. It is the first fully digital Weigh In Motion (WIM) system.

The process monitoring system maXYmos TL ML which is designed for the manufacturing of medical products, is launched in 2020.

In 2021, Kistler establishes the Innovation Lab to work with customers and R&D partners and develop data-based services.

Kistler brings the world’s smallest, piezoresistive, media-isolated pressure sensor (4017A) to the market.

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.