What Fairbanks Scales does

Fairbanks Scales Inc. is a US-based, privately held manufacturer of industrial weighing equipment and provider of associated calibration and maintenance services. Founded in 1830 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont by Thaddeus and Erastus Fairbanks and now headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the company produces hardware ranging from 2-pound precision instruments to 150,000-pound truck scales, organized into product families including Talon, Titan, Tracker, Trident, Tundra, Type S, Aegis, QuickSilver, SilverBack, Ultegra, FC-i/Si, LSA/LMA/LMM livestock scales, 2000/A.A.R. railroad scales, IM6000 and FB9000 conveyor/belt scales, and WF fork-truck and 110/320 pallet-jack scales.

The portfolio is anchored by proprietary technologies: Intalogix, a digital signal architecture that delivers signals up to one million times stronger than analog with optical load cell isolation and lightning/surge protection; epoxy encapsulation of electronics rated for 20+ years in harsh environments; and an industry-first sanitary design line (Aegis Lift Deck, QuickSilver) meeting ten principles of the Sanitary Design Task Force. Supporting instruments (FB1200/2250/2255/2560/4000/7100/7200 series, NexWeigh, 3052 and FB2900 IS) and software (LabelBank, Datamaster Plus, PLU Manager, Interact QuickBooks Sync Module) extend the platform into data capture and accounting integration.

Fairbanks monetizes through hardware sales, calibration and service contracts, the Guardian Service Protection Program (fixed-price subscription maintenance), Contact-Free Calibration (managed remote service via secure web application), scale rentals, and one-time software licenses. Go-to-market combines direct field sales through 433+ service locations, a network of authorized distributors across all 50 states, and a National Account Program for multi-location enterprise customers. The company serves transportation and logistics, agriculture and agribusiness, food processing and pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing customers, and is family-controlled following F.A. "Bill" Norden's 1988 acquisition from Colt Industries; ownership currently rests with the Norden family through Bill Norden (Chairman) and Richard Norden (President and COO).

Name

Fairbanks Scales

Legal name

Fairbanks Scales Inc.

Website

https://fairbanks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1830

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Fairbanks Scales Inc. is a privately held, family-owned US manufacturer of industrial weighing equipment — from bench scales to 150,000-pound truck scales — serving transportation, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing customers via direct sales, distributors, and a nationwide calibration and service network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Weighing Equipment

NAICS

Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (3333)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Weighing & Force Measurement (Load cells, scales, torque, strain measurement) (IMAGAFAF)

Keywords

• Industrial weighing equipment
• Truck scales
• Scale calibration services
• Digital weight indicators
• Floor and bench scales

Headquarters

HQ city

Kansas City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Weighing Equipment Sales: Sale of industrial weighing equipment including truck scales, bench scales, floor scales, livestock scales, railroad track scales, and specialized weighing systems. Products range from precision 2-pound scales to 150,000-pound capacity truck scales.
2. Service and Calibration: Nation-wide network of over 300 service professionals providing certified weight calibration, preventive maintenance, emergency service repair, and overhaul work. Service is available for virtually all makes and models of industrial scales.
3. Service Agreements: Comprehensive calibration and maintenance options including calibration agreements with factory direct weight tests, Guardian Service Protection Program for fixed-price repairs, and product replacement agreements covering indicators and printers.
4. Software: Software products including Datamaster Plus data management software, LabelBank/DataBank bar code labeling systems, PLU Manager, FB4000 applications, and QuickBooks sync modules.
5. Contact-Free Calibration: Remote calibration and monitoring service through secure web application, allowing technicians to calibrate truck scales without entering scale houses, minimizing business disruption.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Fairbanks Scales manufactures industrial weighing equipment ranging from 2-pound precision bench scales to 150,000-pound truck scales, including truck scales, floor scales, bench scales, livestock scales, railroad track scales, conveyor scales, and fork truck scales. The company also produces digital weight indicators and instrumentation with proprietary Intalogix technology, supported by software products like LabelBank and a nationwide service network providing calibration, maintenance, and repair for all makes and models of industrial scales.

Product overview

Fairbanks Scales is a manufacturer of industrial weighing equipment with a comprehensive portfolio spanning multiple scale categories and supporting services. The core product line includes heavy-capacity truck scales (Talon, Titan, Tracker, Trident, Tundra, Type S series), vehicle axle weighing systems (AxleSurance, PALS), floor scales (Aegis, Yellow Jacket), bench and platform scales (QuickSilver, SilverBack, Ultegra), counting scales (FC-i, Omega), livestock scales (LSA, LMA, LMM series), railroad track scales (2000 series, A.A.R. combo), and specialized equipment (fork truck scales, pallet jack scales, monorail scales, conveyor scales). These are supported by a complementary instrumentation portfolio (FB2250/55, FB1200, FB2560, FB4000, FB7100/7200 series) featuring both analog and proprietary Intalogix digital technology variants. Software offerings include LabelBank for bar code labeling and data collection, and Interact QuickBooks Sync Module for accounting integration. The company differentiates through proprietary technologies including Intalogix (lightning protection and digital signal processing), sanitary design products (lift-deck mechanisms, IP69K-rated components), and epoxy-encapsulated electronics. Comprehensive services include nationwide calibration, maintenance, contact-free remote calibration via web application, and the Guardian fixed-price protection program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Intalogix® Technology: Proprietary digital technology developed by Fairbanks Scales providing enhanced accuracy, reliability, and surge protection for industrial weighing equipment through true digital signal and optical load cell isolation.
• Sanitary Design
• Encapsulated Electronics

Products and services

• Truck Scales (Talon, Titan, Tracker, Trident, Tundra, Type S, Diamondback Series) Full line of heavy-capacity vehicle scales including field pour concrete, steel deck, and low profile configurations for permanent installation applications, ranging from low-height designs for overhead filling equipment to traditional pit-type scales for high-traffic weighing. Used by transportation, logistics, and industrial customers for vehicle and load weighing.
• AxleSurance In-Motion Weigh System and PALS Portable Axle Load Scale Dynamic slow-speed in-motion vehicle weighing systems for checking axle loads and total weights prior to highway transport, eliminating overload fees and potential accidents due to uneven loads. PALS provides portable axle load weighing for temporary or mobile weighing at multiple locations. Used by agribusiness, dairy, aggregate, and farming operations.
• Aegis Floor Scales (Heavy Capacity, Lift Deck Food-Grade, Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Drum Scale, Yellow Jacket, Chlorine, Laundry Cart) High-capacity floor scales with heavy-duty construction for industrial environments, available in mild steel and stainless steel variants. Includes innovative sanitary floor scale with gas-charged spring lift mechanism for easy under-deck cleaning, and U-shaped Yellow Jacket design for forklift pallet weighing. Used in food processing, manufacturing, and warehouse operations.
• Bench and Platform Scales (QuickSilver, SilverBack, Ultegra Max, Ultegra Shipping) Bench scales including food-grade QuickSilver with sanitary design and IP69K-rated components, SilverBack mild steel industrial bench scale, and Ultegra shipping scales with flat top or roller top configurations for logistics, warehouse, and retail applications.
• Counting Scales (FC-i, FC-Si High Resolution, HC-i, Omega) Bench-style counting scales for inventory management using sample counting to determine quantities of uniform parts, with high-resolution and heavy-capacity variants. Omega counting scale includes PLU Manager software for storing and managing part weight databases. Used in warehouses, manufacturing, and distribution operations.
• Livestock Scales (LMA Series Multi-Animal, LMM Series Mobile, LSA Series Single-Animal) Livestock weighing systems including multi-animal scale for weighing groups simultaneously, portable mobile multi-animal weighing system, and single-animal scale with rate of gain tracking capability. Used in cattle operations, dairy farms, and livestock production facilities.
• Railroad Scales (2000 Series, A.A.R. Series Rail/Truck Combo) Railroad track scales for stationary or weigh-in-motion railcar weighing applications, plus pit-type combination scale for weighing both railroad cars and trucks on the same platform meeting AAR specifications. Used by rail operators and intermodal facilities.
• Fork Truck and Pallet Jack Scales (WF Fork Truck, 110 and 320 Series Pallet Jack) Forklift-mounted weighing scales for weighing loads during material handling operations, plus manual pallet jacks with integrated scales for weighing pallets and loads. Used in warehouses, distribution centers, and material handling operations.
• Conveyor Scales (IM6000 In-Motion, FB9000 Belt Scale, Roller Conveyor Scale) Conveyor scale systems including in-motion weighing for products on moving belts without stopping production, conveyor belt scales for continuous in-motion weighing of bulk materials, and manual roller conveyor weighing scales. Used in production lines, bulk material handling, and logistics operations.
• Specialty Scales (Monorail Scale, FB500/FB700 Livestock Instruments, Driver Assist Terminals FB2550/FB2560) Specialized scales including overhead rail-mounted monorail scales for meat processing facilities, livestock instruments with group animal weighing applications, and driver assist terminals with traffic light integration for guiding vehicle positioning at truck scales.
• Digital Weight Indicators and Instruments (FB2250, FB2255, FB1200, FB2560, FB4000, FB7100, FB7200, NexWeigh) Digital weight indicators and controllers available in multiple enclosure ratings (ABS, stainless steel, IP69K, NEMA 4/4X) for connecting to platform scales and transmitting weight data. Advanced models feature network connectivity, inbound/outbound and highway system applications, and both analog and proprietary Intalogix digital variants. Used to display and transmit weight data from platform scales across industrial applications.
• Intrinsically Safe Instruments (3052, FB2900 IS) Factory Mutual-approved instruments designed for hazardous area weighing operations in explosive atmospheres, with applications in chemical, fuel, and other explosive gas or dust environments.
• LabelBank Software Bar code labeling and data collection software for creating custom labels and managing transaction data from truck scales. Used by enterprises needing barcode labeling integrated with their weighing operations.
• Interact QuickBooks Sync Module Software module enabling data synchronization between Fairbanks truck scale transaction data and QuickBooks accounting software for accounting integration.
• Nationwide Service Network (Calibration, Maintenance, Repair) Over 300 service professionals across 433 locations providing certified weight calibration, preventive maintenance, emergency service repair, and overhaul work for all makes and models of industrial scales. Available nationwide with 49 states coverage.
• Contact-Free Calibration Service Remote calibration service using secure web application allowing technicians to calibrate truck scales without entering the scale house, minimizing business disruption and contact.
• Guardian Service Protection Program Fixed-price maintenance program covering all repairs with no additional out-of-pocket expenses for covered items, providing predictable maintenance costs for industrial scale customers.
• National Account Program Multi-location service program leveraging Fairbanks nationwide network for enterprise customers with distributed operations across multiple sites, providing centralized service coordination.

Quantifiable outcome

• Intalogix digital signal is up to one million times stronger than conventional analog signals
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Avery Weigh-Tronix: Provider of industrial weighing and weighing-in-motion solutions, including truck scales, bench/floor scales, and rail scales, with a North American and European service footprint. Direct competitor in commercial vehicle weighing and industrial scale products.
• Mettler-Toledo International: Largest global manufacturer of precision industrial and retail weighing instruments, offering truck scales, bench/floor scales, counting scales, load cells, and a broad software suite. Direct competitor across virtually every Fairbanks product category and customer segment, with materially larger global reach and R&D budget.
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems: US-based manufacturer and distributor of industrial weighing equipment, load cells, indicators, and force measurement products serving transportation, agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing customers. Direct overlap with Fairbanks in truck scales, bench/floor scales, and instrumentation.
• OHAUS Corporation: Manufacturer of industrial and laboratory weighing instruments, including bench scales, floor scales, counting scales, and indicators. Competes with Fairbanks in bench and counting scale categories and shares many of the same mid-market industrial and lab customers.
• Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Company: Privately held US manufacturer of truck scales, railroad scales, livestock scales, bench scales, and weighing instrumentation, with a national service network. Closest direct private competitor to Fairbanks in heavy-capacity truck and industrial weighing in North America.
• Detecto (Cardinal): US manufacturer of industrial, medical, and commercial scales (now part of Cardinal Scale). Overlaps with Fairbanks in bench/platform scales, floor scales, and weighing instruments used in food processing and industrial applications.

Emerging players

• CAS Corporation: Korean-based manufacturer of industrial, retail, and laboratory scales with growing North American distribution. Overlaps with Fairbanks in bench, counting, and floor scale categories but with less depth in heavy-capacity truck scales.
• A&D Company: Japanese manufacturer of industrial and laboratory weighing equipment, including platform scales, counting scales, and checkweighers. Competes with Fairbanks in bench/floor and industrial weighing categories, particularly in process and quality-control applications.

Broad incumbents

• Ametek Inc. Large diversified industrial manufacturer with measurement and weighing-related product lines serving process and industrial customers. Overlaps with Fairbanks in industrial weighing and process instrumentation through its electronic instruments and measurement segments.

Others

• HBM (Hottinger Brüel & Kjær): Global supplier of load cells, force sensors, and weighing components used across industrial weighing platforms. Comparable as the upstream sensing technology provider that feeds into truck, floor, and rail scale systems competing with Fairbanks' instrumentation and load cell designs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fairbanks-scales
• Xx.com/fairbanksscales

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fairbanks Scales