Brunson Instrument Company
Brunson Instrument Company is a US manufacturer, founded in 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri, producing precision optical metrology and 3D measurement instruments (SMR target holders, heavy-duty metrology stands, alignment telescopes, precision levels, optical scales, and KinAiry laser tracker field-test solutions) for industrial manufacturers, metrology service providers, and aerospace/defense metrology departments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1927
- HeadquartersKansas City, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Brunson Instrument Company does
Brunson Instrument Company is a privately-held US manufacturer of precision optical metrology instruments and 3D measurement equipment, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri and operating continuously since 1927. The company's product portfolio centers on laser-tracker targeting accessories (SMR target holders in 1.5", 0.875", and 0.5" reflector sizes with ±0.0005" centering tolerance), heavy-duty metrology stands (the patent-pending Rock Steady line with air-cushioned telescoping tubes plus the BIG stand series), optical tooling instruments (alignment telescopes, precision sight levels, transits, collimators), optical tooling scales, and the KinAiry laser tracker field test solution (bar artifact, stands, and software). Core technology relies on stainless steel, bronze, brass, and fine optics manufactured to arcsecond-level tolerances, including a coincidence-type level vial system achieving ±1 arcsecond precision and ±0.001" elevation accuracy. The company's competitive positioning rests on nearly a century of accumulated optical-tooling expertise rather than on volume scale.
Brunson Instrument Company firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Brunson Instrument Company
- Legal name
- Brunson Instrument Company
- Website
- https://brunson.us
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1927
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Brunson Instrument Company is a US manufacturer, founded in 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri, producing precision optical metrology and 3D measurement instruments (SMR target holders, heavy-duty metrology stands, alignment telescopes, precision levels, optical scales, and KinAiry laser tracker field-test solutions) for industrial manufacturers, metrology service providers, and aerospace/defense metrology departments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Brunson Instrument Company industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Precision Metrology Instruments
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (811210)
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness) (IMAGAFAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging) (IMAHADAK), Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB), Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services) (IMAGAFAH)
Keywords
Where Brunson Instrument Company is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kansas City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Brunson Instrument Company business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Precision Instrument Sales: Sale of metrology instruments including alignment telescopes, precision levels, transits, collimators, laser tracker target holders, metrology stands, optical scales, and accessories. Products range from SMR target holders to heavy-duty stands. One-time hardware purchase model.
- Calibration and Repair Services: On-site calibration, adjustment, and repair services for metrology instruments. Training courses offered including optical tooling theory and applications, calibration and adjustment, and field calibration. Services support the installed base of precision measurement equipment.
- Rental Services: Equipment rental services available for metrology instruments and stands, allowing customers to rent equipment rather than purchase for short-term needs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | — | Custom quote-based pricing for precision instruments and metrology equipment |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Brunson Instrument Company product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Brunson Instrument Company manufactures and sells precision optical metrology instruments and 3D measurement equipment, including alignment telescopes, precision levels, transits, collimators, SMR target holders for laser trackers, the patent-pending Rock Steady heavy-duty metrology stands, BIG metrology stands, KinAiry laser tracker field test solutions, optical tooling scales, and motorized vertical tooling bars. The company also offers calibration, repair, training, and custom/OEM manufacturing services, with products built in the USA using stainless steel, bronze, brass, and fine optics held to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 inches.
Product overview
Brunson Instrument Company is a precision measurement hardware manufacturer offering a portfolio of optical tooling and 3D metrology products since 1927. The product line centers on SMR Target Holders (magnetic adapters for laser trackers in 1.5", 0.875", and 0.5" sizes), the Rock Steady™ heavy-duty metrology stand line (RS-230 through RS-233 series with air-cushioned telescoping tubes), BIG Metrology Stands, and KinAiry laser tracker field test solutions. Supporting products include Precision Sight Levels (545 Series), Optical Tooling Scales in English and metric, Alignment Telescopes, Transits, and Collimators. The company also offers calibration and repair services, training courses, and custom/OEM solutions. Products are designed for use with laser trackers, portable CMM arms, laser scanners, theodolites, and total stations in industrial metrology applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Rock Steady RS-233 Medium Heavy-Duty Stand Heavy-duty metrology stand with air-cushioned telescoping tube, 5-inch dual wheel casters for unimpeded mobility over thresholds and uneven surfaces, and tool-less precision leveling adjusters. Supports laser trackers, portable CMM arms, laser scanners, laser radars, theodolites, and optical tooling instruments.
- SMR Target Holders Magnetic adapters that mount SMR (Spherical Mounting Retroreflector) targets in precision measurement holes. Available for 1.5-inch, 0.875-inch, and 0.5-inch reflector sizes with various shank diameters for laser tracker applications, with ±0.0005 inch centering tolerance.
- KinAiry Laser Tracker Field Test Solution Objective, traceable laser tracker field test solution including Bar Artifact, stands, and software for validating laser tracker performance in the field.
- BIG Metrology Stands Large-format metrology stands for supporting measurement instrumentation in industrial and precision measurement applications.
- Optical Instruments & Accessories Precision optical alignment instruments including Alignment Telescopes, Precision Levels (545 Series), Transits, and Collimators for establishing reference lines of sight in metrology applications.
- Optical Tooling Scales Hardened tool steel scales with matte white surface and glare-reducing topcoat for optical measurement. Available in English (3", 5", 10", 20", 40") and metric units with paired-line graduations read using optical micrometers to 0.001" or 0.02mm resolution.
- Precision Sight Levels (545 Series) Precision optical levels (545 Series) made in the USA with stainless steel, bronze, brass, and fine optics. Provides precision elevation measurement to ±0.001" with line of sight dead level within ±1 arcsecond. Features coincidence-type level vial system with 2½X magnification and autocollimation capabilities.
- Motorized Vertical Tooling Bar (MVTB) Motorized vertical tooling bar for positioning measurement instruments in metrology applications.
- ArmBar: 250 Scale bar system for portable CMM arm verification and calibration.
- 0.5THV Vector Target Adapter Vector target adapter using two target points to define a line for laser trackers. Configurable low offset (0.3125"-0.625" or 8-16mm) and high offset (0.750"-2.875" or 25-73mm) options with various shank diameters. Made of stainless steel with ±0.0005" offset tolerance.
- 1.5THLE Large Edge Adapter Magnetic adapter for locating 1.5" diameter SMR directly over outside corner of two intersecting surfaces within ±0.0005". Holds centerpoint 1.000" or 25mm above the surface with 3-point conical land seat for hands-free use.
- 1.5TH SMR Target Holder Magnetic adapter providing SMR nest for holes with 1/8"-5/8" or 4-15mm diameter. Holds centerpoint of 1.5" diameter SMR 1.000" or 25mm above surface on centerline to ±0.0005" tolerance with 3-point conical land.
- Calibration & Repair Services Professional calibration and repair services for metrology instruments including on-site services and training courses covering Theory & Applications, Calibration & Adjustment, and Field Calibration & Adjustment.
- Custom Solutions Custom product manufacturing for specialty or OEM requirements in precision measurement applications.
Quantifiable outcome
- Line of sight leveling precision: dead level within ±1 arcsecond
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Brunson Instrument Company
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Brunson Instrument Company technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Brunson Instrument Company partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators1 record
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Brunson Instrument Company competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence: Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division is the global leader in industrial metrology, offering laser trackers, portable CMM arms, and optical measurement systems. Highly comparable to Brunson as the dominant full-stack player against which Brunson's specialty accessories and stands compete.
- Renishaw: Renishaw is a global precision measurement and motion control company with encoder, probe, and calibration products used in CMMs and machine tools. Comparable as a broader measurement incumbent whose end users overlap with Brunson's industrial manufacturing customer base.
- Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology: Zeiss Industrial Metrology produces CMMs, optical measuring systems, and CT scanning solutions for precision manufacturing. Overlaps with Brunson in serving aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturers with high-precision dimensional measurement.
- Mitutoyo: Mitutoyo is one of the largest precision measurement instrument manufacturers globally, offering hand tools, optical comparators, CMMs, and vision measurement systems. Comparable as a broad incumbent in precision metrology with overlapping customer segments.
- Nikon Metrology: Nikon Metrology offers CMMs, laser scanners, X-ray CT, and optical metrology solutions for industrial customers. Comparable as a broader metrology incumbent with overlapping product categories and customer base in aerospace and precision manufacturing.
- Leica Geosystems (Hexagon): Leica produces surveying, laser scanning, and geospatial measurement instruments including total stations and laser trackers. Comparable in serving precision measurement customers in surveying, construction, and industrial metrology with overlapping instrument categories.
Direct peers
- FARO Technologies: FARO produces laser trackers, laser scanners, and portable CMM arms — directly overlapping Brunson's customer base of metrology service providers. Brunson's SMR target holders and metrology stands are often sold alongside FARO instruments, making it a tightly coupled channel-adjacent peer.
- API Metrology (Automated Precision Inc.): API manufactures laser trackers, laser interferometers, and precision measurement instruments — a direct specialty competitor to Brunson's optical tooling and laser tracker accessory portfolio. Both companies target industrial precision alignment and 3D measurement applications.
- Taylor Hobson (Ametek): Taylor Hobson manufactures ultra-precision optical and contact measurement instruments including autocolimators, levels, and surface profilers — a tight functional match to Brunson's optical tooling instruments, alignment telescopes, and precision levels.
- Optical Gaging Products (OGP): OGP specializes in optical comparators, video measurement systems, and multisensor dimensional metrology. Comparable as a specialty optical metrology peer serving precision manufacturing customers with overlapping use cases.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Brunson Instrument Company social profiles
Digital presenceBrunson Instrument Company financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Brunson Instrument Company leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Brunson Instrument Company funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Brunson Instrument Company M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Brunson Instrument Company
What does Brunson Instrument Company do?
Brunson Instrument Company manufactures and sells precision optical metrology instruments and 3D measurement equipment, including alignment telescopes, precision levels, transits, collimators, SMR target holders for laser trackers, the patent-pending Rock Steady heavy-duty metrology stands, BIG metrology stands, KinAiry laser tracker field test solutions, optical tooling scales, and motorized vertical tooling bars. The company also offers calibration, repair, training, and custom/OEM manufacturing services, with products built in the USA using stainless steel, bronze, brass, and fine optics held to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 inches.
Is Brunson Instrument Company a public or private company?
Brunson Instrument Company is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Brunson Instrument Company founded?
Brunson Instrument Company was founded in 1927. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Brunson Instrument Company based?
Brunson Instrument Company is headquartered in Kansas City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Brunson Instrument Company make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Precision Instrument Sales are the primary driver. The others are calibration and Repair Services and rental Services.
Who are Brunson Instrument Company's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Renishaw, Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology, Mitutoyo, Nikon Metrology and Leica Geosystems (Hexagon). Direct peers are FARO Technologies, API Metrology (Automated Precision Inc.), Taylor Hobson (Ametek) and Optical Gaging Products (OGP).
Does Brunson Instrument Company have an API?
No public API is recorded for Brunson Instrument Company.
What industry is Brunson Instrument Company in?
Brunson Instrument Company's product category is Precision Metrology Instruments. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAFAD, Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness), with a secondary code of IMAHADAK, Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging). Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3827.