About us – The company KERN & SOHN
PROFESSIONAL MEASURING since 1844
For more than 180 years, KERN & SOHN has stood for precise measurement and reliable measuring technology. As a family-owned company based in Balingen, southern Germany, we develop solutions for professional applications in laboratories, industry, medical technology and research – and are now active in more than 90 countries worldwide. Our portfolio comprises more than 5,000 products in the fields of weighing technology, optical systems and measuring instruments, as well as specialized software solutions. This offering is complemented by DAkkS-accredited calibrations, conformity assessments, customized system solutions and expert consultation tailored specifically to the requirements of distributors and professional users. Precision you can rely on.
Our roots – a history with weight
The history of KERN & SOHN began long before the company was officially founded. In 1769, Jakob Sauter I and the inventor Philipp Matthäus Hahn manufactured one of the first iron inclination balances – a milestone in the early development of precision mechanics. Gottlieb Kern continued this tradition and, in 1844, developed precision balances in Ebingen that quickly gained recognition beyond the region. This marked the birth of the KERN brand, which has been continuously developed over eight generations. Since then, one guiding principle has shaped the company: to continuously improve measuring instruments.
Measuring solutions for every application
The KERN and SAUTER brands offer a broad range of professional measuring and analysis instruments:
✔ KERN weighing technology for laboratory, industrial and medical applications, complemented by test weights, accessories and individually configurable weighing solutions (CUSOS).
✔ Optical instruments – microscopes, digital microscopes, refractometers and polarimeters – provide additional possibilities for research, education and quality assurance.
✔ SAUTER expands the portfolio with measuring instruments for material and environmental testing, including coating thickness, hardness, force, sound, light and humidity.
Reliability is achieved when quality commitments are demonstrably fulfilled. External audits, accredited processes and international standards confirm measurable quality. KERN & SOHN is certified by independent bodies:
✔ DAkkS-accredited calibration laboratory
(DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025)
✔ Certified quality management system
(DIN EN ISO 9001)
✔ Conformity assessment according to NAWID
(Directive 2014/31/EU)
✔ Medical device certification
(DIN EN ISO 13485, Regulation (EU) 2017/745)
✔ Since 2025: MDR approval for all medical scales
(EU Regulation 2017/745)
Laboratory balances – precision for research & analytics
Laboratory balances have always been one of the core competencies of KERN & SOHN. They form the basis for precise analytical work in research, quality control, pharmaceuticals, chemistry and industrial laboratory environments.
The product range includes high-resolution analytical balances, versatile precision balances and robust standard laboratory balances, all designed for stability, reproducibility and efficient workflows. Modern features such as internal adjustment, formulation management, GLP/ISO-compliant documentation and flexible interfaces (RS-232, USB, Bluetooth, WLAN or Ethernet via KUP) support reliable measuring processes in everyday laboratory work.
Complemented by specialized instruments such as moisture analyzers based on the thermogravimetric measuring principle, as well as software solutions like BalanceConnection or EasyTouch, KERN laboratory balances can be seamlessly integrated into digital laboratory and quality assurance systems.
Calibration, testing and services from a single source
The DAkkS-accredited KERN calibration laboratory has been an integral part of our quality assurance since 1994. Using state-of-the-art measuring technology and a high degree of automation, we calibrate scales, test weights, force measuring devices as well as temperature and humidity measuring instruments – precisely, in compliance with standards and, on request, around the clock.
All DAkkS calibrations are carried out in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and are documented with internationally recognized calibration certificates. In addition, KERN & SOHN offers conformity assessment of scales in accordance with EU Directive 2014/31/EU (NAWI) as well as the re-verification of scales and test weights. Furthermore, we carry out factory calibrations for additional measuring instruments and devices. These are performed outside the DAkkS-accredited scope, are based on internal test procedures and serve functional and quality-related verification in industrial applications.
This enables customers worldwide to obtain measuring technology and services from a single source – reliable, efficient and fully documented.
Industrial scales & process measurement technology
Industrial scales from KERN are designed to meet the requirements of modern production, logistics and retail processes.
The range extends from compact bench scales, platform scales, floor scales and pallet scales to mobile solutions such as pallet truck scales or crane scales. Specialized systems such as counting scales for inventory control and component-based counting processes are also among our strengths – engineered for harsh operating conditions, reliable measurement results and intuitive operation, depending on the model with protection classes such as IP65, IP67, IP68 or IP69K for dust-tight, water-resistant and high-pressure washdown applications.
With optional functions such as piece counting, tolerance weighing (checkweighing) and digital interfaces, KERN industrial scales can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows and data structures, supporting efficient, transparent and standards-compliant process chains.
Software and digital solutions
Connected processes for laboratory & industry
With our software solutions, we support the efficient connection, control and documentation of measurement processes. Applications such as BalanceConnection and EasyTouch enable the secure capture, transfer and analysis of measurement data and can be flexibly integrated into existing laboratory, testing and production systems.
Whether for automated workflows, digital order documentation or integration with LIMS, ERP or quality management systems via standardized data formats and interfaces, our software creates transparency, reduces manual process steps and ensures traceable measurement results. In combination with IoT-enabled devices, end-to-end Industry 4.0-ready measurement solutions are created, providing future-proof support for laboratory and production environments.
Medical scales for hospitals, clinics and care facilities
Medical scales from KERN are developed for professional use in healthcare – from daily routines in hospitals and medical practices to nursing and long-term care.
Our portfolio includes personal scales, chair scales, wheelchair scales and baby scales. Depending on the model, they are approved in accordance with NAWI 2014/31/EU (Class III) and MDR 2017/745, thus meeting all legal requirements for regulated medical use. Functions such as hold, BMI, motion-compensated stabilisation and digital interfaces support reliable documentation and efficient clinical workflows.
The Premium Line medical scales feature advanced IoT connectivity for direct and secure transmission of measurement data into practice management, documentation and hospital systems. This streamlines processes, reduces sources of error and supports digital healthcare workflows. In addition, Premium models are SFDA-approved for use in Saudi Arabia.
The range is complemented by further healthcare-related measurement and diagnostic solutions such as hand dynamometers and height rods.
Optical instruments for laboratory, industry & education
KERN OPTICS offers a versatile portfolio of optical instruments for research, industry, universities and education.
The range includes compound microscopes, stereo microscopes, video microscopes and digital microscope sets as well as refractometers and polarimeters. In addition, we offer software solutions for image analysis and documentation that support precise results and secure data management.
The instruments combine high-quality optics with modern, user-friendly operation and support both detailed structural analysis and routine applications. Complementary accessories such as microscope cameras, flexible illumination systems and powerful software tools for image analysis and documentation expand application possibilities and create reliable conditions for research, quality control, materials analysis, teaching and training – wherever visual analysis is essential.
SAUTER measurement technology for industry, construction & occupational safety
Under the SAUTER brand, KERN offers a broad range of measuring instruments, test stands and complete systems for professional applications in industry, construction, research and occupational safety. The portfolio includes solutions for force and torque measurement, such as force gauges, torque measuring devices and force test stands, as well as hardness testers for metals or hardness testers for plastics, coating thickness gauges and length measuring devices. The range is complemented by instruments for measuring sound, light and temperature, such as sound level meters, lux meters and infrared thermometers.
SAUTER systems are designed for precise data acquisition, robust construction and intuitive operation, supporting users in quality control, materials testing, safety-related inspections and mobile measurement tasks. Whether spring balances, test stands or complete force testing sets: SAUTER delivers reliable measurement technology for laboratories, production, construction and technical services.
Thanks to digital interfaces, optional software and modular system concepts, flexible measurement solutions are created that can be seamlessly integrated into industrial and technical processes.
CUSOS custom solutions
With CUSOS – Customized Solution Service, KERN develops tailor-made weighing systems and measurement solutions for applications that cannot be realised with standard equipment. In close coordination with users and engineers on the customer side, the CUSOS team analyses the specific requirements of each application. Based on this, customer-specific platform and floor scales as well as fully integrated measuring stations are developed, precisely adapted to spatial, technical and organisational conditions. Whether individual dimensions, specialised software or robust special constructions – every solution is designed to fit seamlessly into existing process chains. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t exist.
The fields of application are diverse, ranging from industrial production and logistics processes to food and agricultural applications, as well as specialised solutions for animal husbandry, such as horse scales or group animal scales. In addition, customised systems are developed for conveyor lines, packing stations and other integrated industrial processes.
Precision for the Next Generation
Over the decades, KERN & SOHN has built an international network of specialist dealers and sales partners that reliably supports users across a wide range of industries. In addition to our extensive product portfolio, we also offer comprehensive services such as repairs, spare parts and training, ensuring long-term, sustainable use of our products through professional support.
With annual investments of around 5% of revenue in research and development, KERN & SOHN sends a clear signal for innovation and future readiness. Industrial and medical applications benefit just as much as laboratories, schools, universities and training institutions worldwide. Regulatory milestones – including full MDR compliance for all medical scales and international approvals for selected product lines – underline this commitment to quality.
In this way, KERN will continue to contribute to reliable and traceable measurement processes through experience, innovation and durable products.