TransTech Systems
TransTech Systems is a private US-based instrumentation manufacturer (founded 1994, HQ Latham, NY) that develops patented non-nuclear electromagnetic impedance density gauges (PQI for asphalt, SDG for soil) and the TransTech Connect data platform, selling to State DOTs, paving contractors, and military/research customers across 87 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersSchenectady, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What TransTech Systems does
TransTech Systems, Inc., founded in 1994 in Schenectady, NY and now headquartered in Latham, NY, is a privately held instrumentation company that develops, manufactures, and sells non-destructive evaluation products for the construction industry. Its core technology is patented electromagnetic impedance measurement, commercialized initially as the Pavement Quality Indicator (PQI) — the first non-nuclear asphalt density gauge (prototype 1996, patent filed 1997/awarded 1999). The current product line spans the sixth-generation PQI 380+ asphalt density gauge, the SDG 200 soil density gauge, the PTS 3000 pavement temperature sentry, NWJM/SWM screed attachments for joint and shoulder work, and the TransTech Connect cloud data platform with iOS/Android apps for QR-driven data transfer. TransTech makes money primarily through one-time hardware sales of these high-value, quote-based instruments (often paired with annual calibration/repair service contracts), distributed via 24 exclusive international distributors across 87 countries, multiple U.S. regional distributors, and a small direct sales function; 50-70% of revenue historically comes from exports.
In May 2024 the company acquired Ames Engineering (Iowa), broadening its position in asphalt / construction instrumentation, and in April 2025 it launched the PQI 380+ and TransTech Connect simultaneously, signaling an effort to layer recurring data-services revenue on top of the hardware base. The firm has roughly 11-50 employees and is founder/owner-operated, with David Apkarian as President/CEO. Compliance with ASTM D7113, AASHTO T 343, and ASTM D7830, plus AASHTO TP68 recognition (2004), anchors specification-driven pull from State DOTs, paving contractors, military, and research customers — its primary customer segments. Public awards include a NOVA Award (2003, PQI 301) and multiple Asphalt Contractor Top 30 Editor's Choice Awards (2014, 2015, 2019, 2026). The only disclosed revenue figure dates to August 2011, when revenues exceeded $3.5 million.
TransTech Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TransTech Systems
- Legal name
- TransTech Systems, Inc.
- Website
- https://transtechsys.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TransTech Systems is a private US-based instrumentation manufacturer (founded 1994, HQ Latham, NY) that develops patented non-nuclear electromagnetic impedance density gauges (PQI for asphalt, SDG for soil) and the TransTech Connect data platform, selling to State DOTs, paving contractors, and military/research customers across 87 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TransTech Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Construction Testing Instrumentation
- NAICS
- Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)
- SIC
- Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial-Grade Sensors & Transducer Components (Discrete sensing elements, transducers, MEMS sensors) (IMAGAJAO)
Keywords
Where TransTech Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Schenectady
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
TransTech Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Non-Nuclear Density Gauges: Sale of non-nuclear asphalt density gauges (PQI 380+, PQI 380) and soil density gauges (SDG 200). Products are high-value instrumentation with 1-year warranty. Annual calibration services recommended.
- Repair and Calibration Services: Annual calibration and repair services for gauges. Provides RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) process for service requests.
- Screed Attachments: Sale of NWJM (Notched Wedge Joint Maker) and SWM (Shoulder Wedge Maker) screed attachments for asphalt paving equipment.
- PTS 3000 Pavement Temperature Sentry: Temperature monitoring device for roller operators, mounted at roller station for continuous HMA mat temperature readings.
- Accessories and Replacement Parts: External battery chargers, replacement parts, and accessories for gauges.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | PQI 380+ Asphalt Density Gauge - Latest generation non-nuclear gauge |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | PQI 380 Asphalt Density Gauge - Flagship product |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | SDG 200 Soil Density Gauge - Non-nuclear soil measurement |
| Other | Annual | Annual Calibration Service |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Payment Processing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
TransTech Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TransTech Systems designs, manufactures, and sells non-nuclear density gauges and related instrumentation for the construction industry based on patented electromagnetic impedance technology. Its flagship products are the PQI 380+ asphalt density gauge and SDG 200 soil density gauge, supplemented by screed attachments (NWJM, SWM), a pavement temperature sentry (PTS 3000), and the TransTech Connect cloud data management platform. The company serves contractors, state DOTs, and government agencies worldwide through 24 exclusive international distributors and a U.S. distributor network.
Product overview
TransTech Systems is an instrument company that develops innovative non-destructive evaluation products for the construction industry based on patented electromagnetic impedance technology. The product portfolio centers on non-nuclear density gauges (PQI 380+, PQI 380 for asphalt; SDG 200 for soil) that replace hazardous nuclear gauges for pavement quality measurement. Supporting products include the PTS 3000 temperature monitoring system and screed attachments (NWJM, SWM) for joint shaping and safety. The TransTech Connect data management platform provides cloud connectivity and mobile apps for seamless field-to-office data workflows. The company operates a platform architecture with core measurement products supplemented by add-on modules, accessories, and the cloud-based TransTech Connect ecosystem. Legacy products include discontinued PQI models (301, 300, 200, 100) and older tools (Joint Maker, Edge Follower, Kicker Plates).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TransTech Connect: Smart measurement data management platform for contractors, site pavers, and project teams, featuring QR-enabled gauge integration, mobile app, and web portal for asphalt density measurement data.
Products and services
- PQI 380+ Asphalt Density Gauge 6th generation non-nuclear asphalt pavement density gauge using patented electromagnetic impedance technology. Provides asphalt density readings in 3 seconds, features touch screen, Windows 10 OS, QR-enabled cloud data transfer, mobile app integration, and OnStation connectivity. Conforms to ASTM D7113 and AASHTO T 343. Sold to paving contractors, state DOTs, and government agencies.
- PQI 380 Asphalt Density Gauge Non-nuclear asphalt pavement density gauge featuring full color VGA display, LED backlight, touch screen, Microsoft Windows CE operating system, and customizable project and mix entries. Conforms to ASTM D7113 and AASHTO T 343. Targeted at paving contractors and DOT quality assurance teams.
- SDG 200 Soil Density Gauge Second generation non-nuclear soil density gauge using electromagnetic impedance technology. Features touch screen interface, Windows CE OS, customizable material entries, and USB data download. Conforms to ASTM D7830. Used by civil engineering contractors, DOTs, and geotechnical firms for in-place soil density and water content measurement.
- PTS 3000 Pavement Temperature Sentry Continuous hot mix asphalt mat temperature monitoring device mounted at the roller operator station with bright red LED display. Compatible with new or used rollers for perpetual pavement compaction jobs. Sells to paving contractors performing temperature-critical compaction work.
- NWJM Notched Wedge Joint Maker Screed attachment for asphalt pavers that shapes the longitudinal joint as hot mix asphalt is spread, creating two vertical surfaces plus a tapered edge adjustable on the run. Improves lane interlock, decreases voids, and increases joint impermeability and durability. Sells to paving contractors.
- SWM Shoulder Wedge Maker Screed attachment that mounts on paver screed extensions to create a 30-degree beveled shoulder edge on asphalt roads, gradually transitioning vehicles off shoulderless road surfaces and reducing dangerous drop-offs. Sells to paving contractors and highway construction crews.
- TransTech Connect Data Management Platform Cloud-based measurement data management platform with QR-enabled gauge pairing, iOS and Android mobile apps, and web portal for contractors, site pavers, and project teams. Eliminates manual data entry, enables instant cloud data transfer from the field, and provides automated reporting and project visualization. Sold as a complement to PQI and SDG gauge purchases.
- Annual Calibration and Repair Services Factory annual calibration and repair services for PQI and SDG gauges via Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process. Repair cost thresholds available at $500, $750, and $1,000. Annual calibration is recommended for all gauges to maintain measurement accuracy and standards compliance. Sells to existing gauge owners.
- Ames Engineering (Acquired Product Line) Iowa-based engineering company acquired by TransTech Systems in May 2024. Provides asphalt industry equipment and technology offerings that complement TransTech's core density gauge portfolio. Sold through the Ames Engineering brand and channel.
Quantifiable outcome
- Asphalt density readings in under 3 seconds
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use TransTech Systems
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
TransTech Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability3 records
Feature5 records
TransTech Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Ames EngineeringcoreTransTech Systems acquired Ames Engineering in Iowa in May 2024. This acquisition represents TransTech's growth strategy and openness to pursuing additional acquisition deals according to the company's CEO.
- Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)minorTransTech is a partner member of AEM, participating in member directory and events.
- ASTM InternationalminorTransTech partners with ASTM International. Company representative Ronald Berube serves on ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and Construction Control Tests.
- National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)minorTransTech is a member of NAPA and participates in NAPA events and conferences including NAPA Midyear Meeting.
- International Distributors Network (24 distributors)coreExtensive network of 24 exclusive international distributors covering 87 countries. Key distributors include BAV Corporation (Russia/CIS), JR Technical Services UK Ltd, Taisei International (India), ABAS AS (Nordic countries), Atlantic Supply (U.S.), Solotest (Brazil), and others. Distributors provide sales, service, calibration, and support. Annual Distributor of the Year awards recognize outstanding performance.
- U.S. State DOTscoreTransTech products are specified and used by multiple U.S. state Departments of Transportation including Florida DOT, Illinois Toll Highway Authority, New York State DOT, and others for asphalt density acceptance testing.
- State and Academic Research InstitutionsminorTransTech partners with university and military researchers, government agencies, manufacturing companies and construction contractors to develop advanced technologies. Studies conducted with University of Arkansas, Iowa State, North Carolina State, University of Florida, Ohio State DOT, Idaho State DOT, Louisiana Transportation Research Center, and others.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
TransTech Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Troxler Electronic Laboratories: Troxler is the legacy market leader in nuclear density and moisture gauges used in construction quality control and the historical competitor to TransTech's non-nuclear alternative. Both companies target State DOTs, paving contractors, and labs with portable density measurement instruments.
- InstroTek, Inc. InstroTek manufactures both nuclear and non-nuclear gauges for asphalt, soil, and concrete density and moisture measurement. It directly competes with TransTech in the non-nuclear density gauge segment and serves overlapping customer types (DOTs, contractors, labs).
- Humboldt Mfg. Co. Humboldt manufactures construction materials testing equipment including density gauges, soil testing, and asphalt testing instruments. It sells into the same DOT, contractor, and lab customer segments with comparable field-portable and lab instruments.
- Gilson Company: Gilson provides construction materials testing equipment for asphalt, aggregate, soil, and concrete with a similar distribution and catalog model. It targets the same labs and field-testing customers as TransTech.
- Pavetest: Pavetest specializes in pavement and asphalt mixture performance testing systems used for QC/QA and research. Directly competes in the asphalt/pavement quality control measurement space with comparable customer base among DOTs, contractors, and research institutions.
- Forney LP: Forney manufactures materials testing equipment for concrete, asphalt, cement, and aggregates used by DOTs, contractors, and testing labs. Comparable niche industrial instrumentation business with overlapping customer segments to TransTech.
Regional players
- ELE International: ELE International manufactures construction materials testing equipment for soil, aggregate, cement, concrete, and asphalt testing globally with strong presence in Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Similar instrumentation portfolio and customer base as TransTech with broader geographic orientation.
- Controls Group S.r.l. Italian-headquartered manufacturer of construction materials testing equipment including asphalt, concrete, and soil testing instruments. Comparable niche product portfolio to TransTech with primary emphasis on European and emerging markets.
Broad incumbents
- Amphenol MTS (formerly MTS Systems): Amphenol MTS is a large industrial test and measurement systems provider serving materials testing, automotive, and aerospace with much broader scope than TransTech. Adjacent measurement instruments business with overlapping test method applications but significantly larger scale and broader portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TransTech Systems social profiles
Digital presenceTransTech Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
TransTech Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TransTech Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
TransTech Systems subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
TransTech Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TransTech Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TransTech Systems
What does TransTech Systems do?
TransTech Systems designs, manufactures, and sells non-nuclear density gauges and related instrumentation for the construction industry based on patented electromagnetic impedance technology. Its flagship products are the PQI 380+ asphalt density gauge and SDG 200 soil density gauge, supplemented by screed attachments (NWJM, SWM), a pavement temperature sentry (PTS 3000), and the TransTech Connect cloud data management platform. The company serves contractors, state DOTs, and government agencies worldwide through 24 exclusive international distributors and a U.S. distributor network.
Is TransTech Systems a public or private company?
TransTech Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was TransTech Systems founded?
TransTech Systems was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TransTech Systems based?
TransTech Systems is headquartered in Schenectady, United States, in the North America region.
How does TransTech Systems make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Non-Nuclear Density Gauges are the primary driver. The others are repair and Calibration Services, screed Attachments, PTS 3000 Pavement Temperature Sentry and accessories and Replacement Parts.
Who are TransTech Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Troxler Electronic Laboratories, InstroTek, Inc., Humboldt Mfg. Co., Gilson Company, Pavetest and Forney LP. Regional players are ELE International and Controls Group S.r.l.. Amphenol MTS (formerly MTS Systems) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does TransTech Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for TransTech Systems.
What industry is TransTech Systems in?
TransTech Systems's product category is Construction Testing Instrumentation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAJAO, Industrial-Grade Sensors & Transducer Components (Discrete sensing elements, transducers, MEMS sensors). Its NAICS code is 334515 and its SIC code is 3823.