History

In 1945, a Swiss engineer named Dr. Erhard Mettler started a precision mechanics company in Küsnacht, Switzerland. He invented the substitution principle with a single-pan balance, capable of being produced in series. Analytical balances with a single weighing pan gradually replaced conventional two-pan balances in the laboratory.

During the 1950s, measurement of up to one ten-millionth of a gram became possible. "The Mettler Balance" proved to be a catchphrase in the laboratory.

In 1973, the company known as Mettler Instrumente AG introduced the first-ever fully electronic precision balance, the PT1200. This model was the first electronic balance in the world to be awarded official certification in the highest class of accuracy (Class 1). It marked the beginning of the electronic age.

Consequently, with the advancement of microprocessor technology, various new applications broadened our field of activity. Successive innovations led to a wide range of products for the laboratory, like automated titrators and thermal analyzers, and also to various products for customers in the manufacturing industries. Simultaneously, our sales and service network was further expanded on a global basis.

During the 1980s, a third pillar - after laboratory and industrial - was created: the retail business. Technological progress had made it possible to advance retail scales to instruments for the management of perishable goods.

In 1980, Dr. Mettler sold his business to Ciba-Geigy AG. In 1989, METTLER acquired TOLEDO Scale Corporation, the largest US manufacturer of industrial and retail scales based in Columbus, Ohio. Its founder, Henry Theobald, had launched an innovative store scale with an automatic weight and price display in 1901, and through continued innovation, TOLEDO established its leadership thereafter. The combination of these two industry leaders was the birth of METTLER TOLEDO.

In October 1996, METTLER TOLEDO was sold by Ciba-Geigy AG to the New York-based AEA Investors Inc., in preparation for a subsequent initial public offering. On November 14, 1997, we completed our initial public offering and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol MTD. We have grown both organically and through the acquisition of several companies to our current size of more than 10,000 employees and revenues of USD 1.48 billion (2005).