SOLA

What SOLA does

SOLA is an Austrian manufacturer of precision measuring and marking tools for the construction industry, founded in 1949 by engineer Guido Scheyer and headquartered in Götzis, Vorarlberg. Operating as a privately held family partnership (SOLA-Messwerkzeuge GmbH & Co KG) with approximately 200 employees, SOLA produces over 1,500 SKUs spanning analog and digital spirit levels, laser distance meters, tape measures, squares, line lasers, and marking tools. The company's core technology is built around its patented FOCUS vial, which delivers 4x higher contrast and +60% magnification versus conventional ring vials, alongside the Solatronic electronic inclinometer module with Bluetooth connectivity and a proprietary lateral neodymium magnet installation method. The flagship BIG RED series claims world-leading accuracy of 0.0003 in./in., and the FOCUS vial is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

SOLA's business model is one-time premium hardware sales, with spirit levels priced $40–$400 and laser/digital devices at higher tiers, marketed under a portfolio of sub-brands including BIG RED, BIG RED DIGITAL, BIG REDM, X PRO, METRON, GO! SMART, and PROTECT. The go-to-market is built on five wholly-owned European sales subsidiaries (Austria, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Switzerland), an exclusive distribution partnership with Keson LLC for USA/Canada, and a global retailer network reaching 80+ countries. End customers are primarily SMB tradespeople — carpenters, masons, woodworkers, metalworkers, and surveyors — with some enterprise construction use. The product ecosystem is unified by the SOLA Measures smartphone app (iOS/Android) and the SOLA Data Connector for PC, which connect Bluetooth-enabled devices for real-time data transfer, remote operation, and measurement documentation. Recent launches (METEC hybrid tape/laser device in October 2025, RCB motorized laser base in January 2026, METRON 60 BTI in August 2025, X2 GREEN line laser in October 2024) indicate a deliberate extension beyond the heritage spirit-level franchise into connected, higher-ASP digital and laser categories.

Name

SOLA

Legal name

SOLA-Messwerkzeuge GmbH & Co KG

Website

https://sola.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1949

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

SOLA is an Austrian family-owned manufacturer founded in 1949 that produces over 1,500 SKUs of precision spirit levels, laser distance meters, tape measures, and marking tools for construction tradespeople worldwide, distributed via European subsidiaries and an exclusive Keson LLC partnership across 80+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Götzis

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Spirit Levels: Primary revenue stream from manufacturing and selling premium spirit levels including BIG RED, BIG REDM, X PRO, and precision levels. Products sold as one-time purchases with various lengths and feature configurations. Prices range from approximately $40 to $400 depending on product type and size.
2. Hardware Sales - Laser Distance Meters: Sale of METRON laser distance meters including METRON 60 BT with Bluetooth connectivity, measuring up to 200 feet with ±1.5mm accuracy, and 9 measuring functions.
3. Hardware Sales - Measuring Accessories: Sale of complementary measuring tools including squares (WMDI digital angle finders, RSI rafter squares), pencils and markers (carpenter pencils, mechanical pencils, deep hole markers), spirit level accessories (bags, pads).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

SOLA manufactures and sells precision measuring and marking tools for the construction industry, with a portfolio of more than 1,500 SKUs centered on analog and digital spirit levels (BIG RED, X PRO, GO! SMART), laser distance meters (METRON series), squares, line lasers (X2 GREEN), tape measures, carpenter pencils and deep-hole markers. The company produces at two manufacturing sites in Vorarlberg, Austria, and distributes globally through wholly-owned sales offices in Austria, Germany, Italy, Hungary and Switzerland, plus the Keson LLC partnership in the USA and Canada. Bluetooth-enabled digital instruments connect to the free SOLA Measures smartphone app for remote reading, photo overlay, and time/location-stamped measurement documentation.

Product overview

SOLA manufactures precision measuring and marking tools for the construction industry, with a portfolio centered on spirit levels as the core product line. The main offerings include: analog box beam spirit levels (BIG RED, BIG REDM, X PRO, BIG RED MASON) known for industry-leading accuracy; digital spirit levels (BIG RED DIGITAL, BIG REDM DIGITAL, GO! SMART) with electronic inclinometer modules and Bluetooth connectivity; precision and die-cast spirit levels (HPL, LSTFM) for specialized applications; laser distance meters (METRON 60 BT, METRON 60 BTI); and digital angle/ruler tools (WMDI, RSI, SRA 300). The product ecosystem is unified through the SOLA Measures app which connects Bluetooth-enabled devices for real-time data transfer, remote control, and documentation. Supporting products include mechanical pencils (CPM), deep hole markers (TLM2, TLM3), tape measures (PROTECT DS, PRO-TMS), line lasers (X2 GREEN), laser alignment bases (RCB), and spirit level accessories (PAD MASON, BAG cases). All products are manufactured in Austria with the FOCUS vial technology as a key differentiator across the spirit level range.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BIG RED: Premium box profile spirit levels, the company's flagship product line known for highest measuring accuracy (0.0003 in./in.) and patented FOCUS vials.
• BIG RED DIGITAL
• BIG REDM
• X PRO
• GO! SMART
• METRON
• WMDI
• RSI
• FOCUS

Products and services

• BIG RED box beam spirit level SOLA's flagship box beam spirit level, claimed as the most accurate spirit level worldwide with tolerance of 0.0003 in./in. (0.30 mm/m) in standard position and 0.0005 in./in. (0.50 mm/m) inverted, featuring patented FOCUS vials with +60% magnification and break-resistant acrylic glass. Sold in lengths from 16 to 96 inches at prices from $68.66 to $296.32. Used by framing, masonry and general construction professionals.
• BIG REDM magnetic box beam spirit level Magnetic version of the BIG RED with laterally installed neodymium magnets that keep the measuring surface flat and seamless, providing high adhesive force on metal surfaces while maintaining BIG RED tolerances. Used by metalworkers, steel erectors and any trade needing hands-free leveling on ferrous surfaces.
• BIG RED DIGITAL electronic spirit level Digital box beam spirit level with integrated Solatronic electronic inclinometer (0.05° accuracy at 0° and 90°) and Bluetooth interface, IP65 protection, HOLD function and adjustable display in degrees/percent/mm/m/in/ft. Pairs with the SOLA Measures app for remote reading and documentation. Targeted at professional construction users needing digital documentation.
• BIG REDM DIGITAL magnetic digital spirit level Magnetic digital box beam spirit level combining the Solatronic module (0.05° tolerance at 0° and 90°) with laterally installed neodymium magnets, Bluetooth, IP65 protection and SOLA Measures app compatibility. Priced from $326.88 (24 inch) to $359.95 (48 inch).
• GO! SMART digital inclinometer Digital inclinometer combining spirit level, inclinometer and protractor functions with magnetic V-groove base, Bluetooth interface, Solatronic module at 0.05° tolerance and reversible display for inverted measurements. Used by installers, plumbers and metalworkers for angle and slope measurement.
• X PRO compact box beam spirit level Compact box beam spirit level with torsionally rigid aluminum profile at 0.42 lb/ft (630 g/m), measuring tolerance of 0.0005 in./in. standard and 0.00075 in./in. inverted. Sold in lengths from 10 inches ($40.54) to 72 inches ($126.53) for professional carpenters and installers needing a lighter level.
• BIG RED MASON mason-specific box level Heavy-duty box beam spirit level built for masons with extra strong aluminum profile, reinforcing ribs and two integrated strike zones to absorb mason trowel impacts, while delivering BIG RED-level precision of 0.0003 in./in. Sold individually or as a MASON SET ($271.95).
• HPL precision I-beam spirit levels High-precision I-beam spirit levels with tolerance of 0.0003 in./in. standard and 0.0005 in./in. inverted, large extra-strong aluminum I-beam and highly sensitive precision vials for metrology-grade applications.
• LSTFM die-cast spirit level Sturdy aluminum die-cast trapezoidal spirit level with milled measuring surface and V-groove for scaffolding/steel pipes, neodymium magnet, 45° vial and tolerance of 0.0005 in./in. standard, 0.00075 in./in. inverted.
• METRON 60 BT laser distance meter Laser distance meter measuring up to 200 feet (60 m) with ±1/16 inch (±1.5 mm) accuracy, 9 measuring functions, memory for 30 values, Bluetooth interface for the SOLA Measures app, IP54 protection and rechargeable battery rated at 5,000 measurements per charge.
• METEC hybrid digital tape and laser distance meter Hybrid device integrating a 5 m digital tape measure and a 20 m laser distance meter with illuminated LCD, Bluetooth to the SOLA Measures app and PC connectivity through the SOLA Data Connector for documentation of lengths, areas, volumes and indirect Pythagoras measurements.
• WMDI digital angle finder Electronic protractor/combination square measuring, transferring and marking internal and external angles with ±0.3° accuracy, LCD display, HOLD and zero functions, available in 7-inch and 19-inch lengths. Used by woodworkers, metalworkers and installers.
• RSI rafter squares Multifunction rafter squares with durable T-edge combining ruler, try square, miter square, angle meter, rafter measurer, scribing tool and saw guide functions, available in 7-inch and 12-inch lengths for carpenters and roof framers.
• SRA 300 carpenter's square 300 mm carpenter's square for woodworking and timber construction with extendable handle rest for workpiece grip, marking surfaces for 90° and 45° angles, and scribing notches in a 5 mm grid.
• R 100 pocket spirit level 4-inch pocket spirit level made of break-proof acrylic glass, water/heat/cold resistant and non-conductive, with horizontal and vertical vials at ±1 mm/m (0.057°) tolerance and printed ruler for quick on-site checks.
• X2 GREEN self-leveling line laser Self-leveling green line laser for interior construction projecting horizontal and vertical green laser lines with ±0.2 mm/m accuracy, large laser window enabling up to 170° line panorama and individual on/off control for each line, used for drywall, tiling and interior fit-out.
• RCB electronic laser alignment base Motorized electronic base that holds SOLA laser devices and adjusts horizontal and vertical laser lines via remote control from up to 30 m distance, enabling contactless precision alignment of laser lines for interior construction and installation work.
• PROTECT DS professional tape measure Professional tape measure with double-sided measuring scale (horizontal front for area/edge, vertical back for height/vertical), dual end hook for inner/outer dimensions and a durable nylon-coated steel blade for jobsite flexibility.
• PRO-TMS stainless steel tape measure 4-meter (13-foot) stainless steel tape measure with premium stainless steel blade for corrosion resistance and durability in damp and demanding jobsite environments such as masonry, concrete and outdoor construction.
• CPM mechanical construction pencil Mechanical construction pencil with reliable feed mechanism, broad rectangular cross-section lead for precise marking, easily replaceable leads in HB and 10H hardness grades, and rugged plastic housing built for construction sites.
• TLM2 deep hole marker Dual-function marker that works as a pencil with attachment or as a deep drill hole marker for depths up to 1.7 inches (45 mm), supplied with HB graphite lead and compatible with colored universal wax leads, for carpenters and installers.
• SOLA Measures companion app Free iOS and Android smartphone app that connects via Bluetooth to BIG RED DIGITAL, BIG REDM DIGITAL, GO! SMART, METRON 60 BT and METRON 60 BTI instruments, providing real-time value transfer, remote control, automatic data logging with date/time/location, photo overlay, notes/photos/videos attachment and sharing functions.
• PAD MASON level guard pads Level Guard pads that absorb trowel impacts on all SOLA BIG RED levels, with firm fit, high damping capacity and detachable design for easy cleaning, sold in 9-inch and 21-inch sizes and as a combo.
• BAG protective cases for spirit levels Synthetic fiber protective cases for SOLA spirit levels in sizes BAG 25 (25 cm), BAG 60 (60 cm), BAG 120 (120 cm) and BAG 200 (200 cm), with PLUS versions offering additional side pockets for measuring and marking accessories, used for transport and storage.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Keson LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSOLA's exclusive distribution partner for USA and Canada market. Keson LLC handles all distribution, sales, and customer service for SOLA products in North America from their Aurora, Illinois location. The partnership enables SOLA to serve the important US market with localized sales and support.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Makita: Global power-tools manufacturer with an expanding line-laser and measuring-tools range — competes with SOLA in professional construction measurement, anchored by a deep pro-trade distribution network.
• Hilti: Premium construction tools and measuring-instruments provider focused on professional trades — overlapping with SOLA in spirit levels and laser measuring for construction applications, with a much larger installed sales force.
• Stanley Black & Decker: Global tools conglomerate whose Stanley, DeWalt, and Craftsman brands sell spirit levels, laser distance meters, and tape measures at scale — competing with SOLA across price tiers and shelf space in retail channels.
• Milwaukee Tool (Techtronic Industries): Pro-trade power-tools and laser-measurement brand with growing measurement-tools category — competes with SOLA's laser distance meter and level portfolio via dominant North American pro-dealer relationships.
• Bosch Power Tools (Robert Bosch): Major power-tools and measuring-instruments division offering laser distance meters, line lasers, and levels under Bosch Professional — competing in the same construction end-market with much broader product depth.
• Leica Geosystems (Hexagon AB): Provider of higher-end surveying and laser measurement instruments (distos, line/point lasers) — competes with SOLA's METRON laser distance meters at the professional-surveying end of the market.
• Hultafors Group: Swedish professional tools group that owns Stabila and a portfolio of measurement, hand-tool, and PPE brands — a competing consolidated platform in precision measuring instruments for construction.

Direct peers

• Stabila: German manufacturer of premium spirit levels, laser distance meters, and measuring tools — the closest direct competitor to SOLA in premium spirit levels globally with similar positioning and accuracy claims.
• Empire Level: North American manufacturer of spirit levels, torpedo levels, and laser measuring tools — competing with SOLA in the US construction trades channel, particularly through home-center retail.
• Kapro: Israel-based manufacturer of levels, laser tools, and measuring instruments — a direct mid-tier competitor in spirit levels and laser distance meters with overlapping construction trade customers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@sola-at

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries5 records

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 SOLA