Where German Engineering Excellence Meets American Manufacturing Muscle
Since 1980, KOBOLD has been the measurement solution partner that industrial professionals trust when precision matters most. What started as one engineer's vision in Germany has grown into a global leader offering one of the industry's most comprehensive lines of sensors, switches, and transmitters—all backed by our own state-of-the-art facilities in Pittsburgh and Germany. We don't just sell instruments; we solve the measurement challenges that keep other engineers awake at night.
Built on Values, Powered by Partnership—and We Actually Have Fun Doing It
At KOBOLD, we believe people want to buy from people, not faceless corporations. Our success comes from true partnerships built on accountability, transparency, and bringing our professional best to every interaction. But we're more than just business—we're a team that volunteers together at local food banks, supports STEM education in our community, and genuinely cares about each other and the future we're building. With approximately half our products manufactured right here in Pittsburgh, we combine the reliability of American manufacturing with decades of German engineering innovation. From free engineering consultations to BABA-compliant solutions, we're not just your vendor—we're your long-term measurement partner who believes in lifting up our community while delivering exceptional results.
Our Story
The Kobold Story: Where German Engineering Meets American Grit
From One Engineer's Vision to Global Excellence
In 1980, Klaus J. Kobold had a simple but ambitious idea: create measurement instruments that actually work when it matters most. Starting in Germany with nothing but engineering expertise and an obsession with quality, he built KOBOLD Messring GmbH from the ground up. His patented innovations didn't just enter the market, they changed it
By 1989, demand for KOBOLD's precision instruments had grown so strong that we established KOBOLD Instruments Inc. in the United States. What started as one engineer's vision had become a global network of companies, all still guided today by Klaus J. Kobold's original principles: engineering excellence, uncompromising quality, and service that goes the extra mile.
The World's Most Comprehensive Toolkit for Tough Jobs
When other companies say "that's impossible to measure," we say "hold our coffee." KOBOLD offers one of the broadest lines of sensors, switches, and transmitters on the planet—solutions that handle everything from gentle pharmaceutical processes to the most punishing industrial environments imaginable. Excessive pressure? Corrosive chemicals? Extreme temperatures? Bring it on. We've built our reputation solving the measurement problems that make other engineers lose sleep.
German Engineering precision. American Manufacturing Muscle. Built to Outlast the Competition.
Every KOBOLD product comes from one of our own facilities—our state-of-the-art Pittsburgh plant or our German facilities in Hofheim and Sindelfingen. We don't outsource quality to the lowest bidder. We control every step because your applications depend on it.
Most of our products are still crafted by hand, not churned out by faceless assembly lines. This attention to detail shows in our industry-leading low return rates. Sure, we could mass-produce cheaper alternatives, but that's not the KOBOLD way. We build instruments that work reliably for years to decades.
Research & Development: Solving Tomorrow's Problems Today
Our development team doesn't just create products—they solve puzzles that keep other engineers awake at night. Working directly with customers who face impossible measurement challenges, our experienced engineers turn "can't be done" into "problem solved."
Every innovation comes from our own laboratories, manufacturing plants, and test facilities. Our numerous patents aren't just legal documents—they're proof that we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in measurement technology.
What Makes Us Different: 45+ Years of Partnership, Not Just Sales
For over four decades, KOBOLD has been the value-driven leader that industrial professionals turn to when measurement matters. We offer one of the industry's most comprehensive lines of sensors, switches, and transmitters, backed by three key differentiators:
Products That Actually Work
With our extensive product line, we never force a square peg into a round hole. We find the right solution at the right price, cutting your project timeline by being your single source for instrumentation needs.
People Who Care
From seasoned engineers to customer service experts who actually answer the phone, our team brings decades of real-world experience and genuine commitment to solving your unique challenges. We're problem-solvers, not order-takers.
Process That Makes Sense
Because we design, manufacture, sell, and support our products under one roof, you get a uniquely streamlined experience centered around your needs, not our convenience.
Our Old-School Approach to Modern Problems
We're not just interested in selling you instrumentation, you're our priority. Navigating measurement technologies can be overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. We partner with you, providing free advice from in-house engineering experts with decades of collective experience.
We're old-fashioned in our business beliefs: someone still answers our phone and quickly connects you with the right person. We deliver true value, not subpar quick-fixes that become expensive headaches later. We build our products like we build our relationships—for the long haul.
Who We Are
We believe in and have shaped our customer journey based on the principle that people want to buy from people, not faceless corporations. We not only want to get to know you in your search for the right solution, we want you to know who we are.
So who are we? We are Fun!
At KOBOLD, we believe that great teams are built on shared experiences and genuine connections. That's why we make it a priority to step away from our desks and enjoy time together as colleagues and friends.
When the weather permits, you'll find us exploring Pittsburgh together on team outings and seasonal activities that showcase our city's character.
Back at the office, we love themed days that let everyone's personality shine. Whether it's holiday celebrations, spirit days, or just finding reasons to laugh together, these moments create joy that carries us through the workday.
When people feel comfortable being authentic it creates a workplace where creativity and collaboration flourish naturally.
We care about our Community
At KOBOLD, we measure success not just in precision instruments, but in community impact. That's why we created "Level Up"—our employee-driven initiative where we gauge success by the difference we make in the community.
You'll find our team volunteering at food banks, participating in 5K fundraisers, and supporting local charities year-round. Whether we're packing meals, crossing finish lines for a cause, or pooling resources for community organizations, we believe in showing up and getting involved.
At KOBOLD, we're proud to Level Up our positive impact on the community around us.
We care about the future generations
At KOBOLD, we're passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers and problem-solvers through hands-on learning experiences.
We've partnered with local schools on STEM projects like "What is So Cool About Manufacturing," helping students discover the innovation behind modern industrial processes. We also welcome college students into our warehouse for collaborative projects that support our operations while providing valuable real-world experience.
These partnerships help students gain practical skills and industry insight, while we benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
By opening our doors to students at every level, we're cultivating the engineers and innovators who will drive tomorrow's technological breakthroughs. At KOBOLD, supporting education is an investment in the future of manufacturing excellence.
We care for our team
At KOBOLD, we foster a supportive workplace culture where colleagues stand together through both challenges and achievements.
When a team member faced breast cancer, we demonstrated unwavering solidarity by wearing pink every Wednesday and participating in a 5K to support cancer research. During our most difficult moments, including when we lost a beloved colleague, we came together to support one another through grief and remembrance. We also celebrate our successes, recognizing excellence by honoring our women in manufacturing during Women's History Month.
Our six core values drive our workplace culture: adaptable, interdependent, transparent communication, initiative, bring your best, and accountable. These values shape how we support colleagues during difficult times and celebrate shared successes.
At KOBOLD, investing in our people means creating an environment where our values translate into meaningful action and genuine care for one another's wellbeing.
We want you to be part of our community too!
Stay connected with us and be part of our journey! Follow our social media platforms to get the latest updates on innovative products, behind-the-scenes content, team celebrations, and industry insights.
Join our growing community of engineers, manufacturers, and industry professionals who are shaping the future of precision measurement and control.
Our Values
At Kobold, we form true partnerships built on mutual support, adapting our flexible solutions to your evolving needs. We stand firmly behind every promise with accountability and communicate with unwavering honesty to set clear expectations. Through every interaction, we bring our professional best, taking proactive initiative to anticipate your needs and advance your goals. Your success drives everything we do.
Our Core Values
- Interdependent
- Adaptable
- Accountable
- Transparent Communication
- Bring Your Best
- Initiative
Interdependent
True Partnership at Every Step
We believe great relationships are built on mutual support. We're committed to working alongside you as true partners by sharing information, solving problems together, and taking complete ownership of your experience with us. When you reach out with any concern, we respond as one united team dedicated to your success.
Adaptable
Flexible Solutions That Evolve with You
Your unique challenges deserve personalized attention. We pride ourselves on our ability to pivot quickly, customize our approach to your specific needs, and optimize our offerings based on your feedback. Our diverse product line and agile team allow us to match your pace of change and grow alongside your evolving requirements.
Accountable
Standing Behind Every Promise
When we make a commitment, we deliver. If challenges arise, we communicate proactively and transparently. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and take full responsibility for our actions and outcomes, ensuring you receive exceptional products and trustworthy service.
Transparent Communication
Honest Conversations, Clear Expectations
We believe in straightforward communication that builds lasting relationships. We'll always be honest about our capabilities, provide realistic timelines, and ensure you have all the information needed for informed decisions. Our engineering consultation process minimizes errors and maximizes efficiency through open and streamlined dialogue.
Bring Your Best
Excellence in Every Interaction
You deserve our best every day. We commit to professional, courteous, and attentive service in every interaction. Our team approaches each opportunity with creativity and dedication, finding innovative solutions to your challenges and demonstrating our commitment to your success.
Initiative
Proactively Advancing Your Goals
We don't wait for problems to find solutions. Our team anticipates needs, follows through on details, and takes ownership of your experience from start to finish. Our proactive processes are designed to identify and remove obstacles before they affect your timeline or objectives.
American Manufacturing
Our Pittsburgh Manufacturing Legacy
Kobold has been committed to American manufacturing for years, with our established production facility in Pittsburgh serving as the cornerstone of our domestic operations. This longstanding dedication to U.S. production reflects our belief in the quality, reliability, and strategic advantages of manufacturing close to our customers.
Extensive Domestic Production Capabilities
Approximately half of our product catalog is manufactured right here in the United States at our Pittsburgh facility. Our domestic manufacturing covers a comprehensive range of measurement solutions for:
- Flow measurement systems
- Level monitoring equipment
- Pressure measurement devices
- Temperature control solutions
BABA Compliance and Government Solutions
Our commitment to American manufacturing ensures we can provide BABA (Build America, Buy America) compliant products for government and infrastructure projects. These domestically produced solutions meet strict federal requirements while delivering the precision and reliability Kobold is known for worldwide.
Strategic Manufacturing Advantages
Rapid Response and Flexibility
Our Pittsburgh facility can quickly adjust production priorities and respond to changing market demands more efficiently than larger, less agile competitors.
Supply Chain Resilience
Years of reshoring initiatives have created a robust domestic supply chain that reduces vulnerability to international disruptions and provides greater stability for our customers.
Quality Control
Direct oversight of our manufacturing processes ensures consistent product quality and allows for immediate adjustments when needed.
Ongoing Expansion and Investment
Kobold continues to accelerate our reshoring initiatives and expand our Pittsburgh manufacturing capabilities. We're strategically increasing domestic production of key components and optimizing our operations to serve growing demand for American-made measurement solutions.
This commitment to domestic manufacturing has proven especially valuable during recent market uncertainties, allowing us to maintain stable pricing and consistent availability while many competitors face disruptions from changing trade conditions.
Your Reliable American Manufacturing Partner
When you choose Kobold's American-manufactured products, you're partnering with a company that combines:
- Decades of measurement expertise
- Proven domestic manufacturing capabilities
- BABA compliance for government projects
- Stable, reliable supply chains
- Responsive customer service and technical support
Our Pittsburgh facility stands ready to meet your flow, level, pressure, and temperature measurement needs with the quality and consistency that only comes from experienced American manufacturing.
