What Trimod'Besta does

Trimod'Besta is the level-measurement technology brand of Swiss industrial firm Bachofen AG, manufacturing modular float-based level switches at its headquarters in Uster, Switzerland, continuously since 1966. The company employs 51-100 people and produces a comprehensive product range organized around its proprietary 3-modular concept, which decouples the switching module, flange module, and float module to enable virtually limitless configuration combinations from a standardized component set. The portfolio spans the Standard, Industrial (including high-temperature up to 400°C and cryogenic down to -196°C), Plastic (PP and PTFE for aggressive media), Special, and Explosion-Proof (Ex) ranges of level switches, complemented by bilge switches, single- and multi-level universal float switches, pendant float switches, and a newer family of continuous 4-20 mA level transmitters. All units carry an extensive certification stack covering ATEX, IECEx, UKCA-Ex, SIL 1/SIL 2, PED 2014/68/EU, ISO 9001:2015, and type approvals from all major maritime classification societies (ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register, BV, RINA, ClassNK, RMRS). Reference installations include naval fleets (US Navy, Australian Navy), offshore platforms (Saipem 7000, BW Pioneer FPSO, BP Bruce), petrochemical and ethylene plants (ExxonMobil Fife), nuclear and thermal power stations (Kernkraftwerk Beznau, Eskom Hendrina), and chemical processing (PIAP Arroyito heavy water plant), with a cumulative installed base exceeding 1,000,000 switches across more than 100 countries.

The business model is straightforward project-based hardware sales: revenue is generated through one-time sales of configured level switches and complementary accessories, with pricing kept non-public and quoted on application via the distributor network or directly from the Swiss headquarters. Go-to-market is executed through an exclusive network of 30+ named regional distributors covering 100+ countries across EMEA, APAC, the Americas, and the Middle East, with distributors providing on-site application engineering, certification guidance, and after-sales service; the Swiss HQ handles direct sales for territories without local distributors and for major enterprise accounts. Customer concentration is diversified across the shipbuilding, oil & gas (onshore and offshore), chemical and petrochemical, power generation (including nuclear), plant engineering/OEM, and water management verticals. The company's competitive position is anchored on Swiss manufacturing pedigree, the configurability of the 3-modular design, validated 30+ year service life in safety-critical applications, and the depth of its certification portfolio — factors that collectively make the offering difficult to substitute mid-asset-life for end users in marine, offshore, and nuclear applications.

Name

Trimod'Besta

Legal name

Trimod'Besta (brand of Bachofen AG)

Website

https://trimodbesta.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Trimod'Besta is a Swiss manufacturer of modular float-based industrial level switches and transmitters, serving shipbuilding, oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, and water management customers in 100+ countries through a global distributor network, under parent Bachofen AG.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Level Measurement Instrumentation

NAICS

Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing (334514), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Electrical Engineering & Power Distribution (Generation, Switchboards, Cabling, Lighting) (IMAJAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Switchgear & Switchboards (HV/MV/LV, GIS/AIS) (IMAGAAAB)

Keywords

• Industrial level measurement
• Float level switches
• Process instrumentation
• Explosion-proof switches
• Marine level sensors

Headquarters

HQ city

Uster

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Level Switch Hardware Sales: Trimod'Besta generates revenue through the sale of its core product line: modular float-based level switches. The product range spans multiple series (Standard, Industrial, Plastic, Special, Explosion-Proof) with diverse configurations for different industrial applications. Revenue is primarily one-time hardware sale driven by project-based procurement from industrial customers.
2. Universal Float Switches and Accessories: Complementary product sales including bilge switches, single-point and multi-level float switches, level transmitters, and accessories (counterflanges, test actuators). These are sold alongside the core Trimod'Besta level switch product.
3. Custom/Application-Specific Solutions: Customized level switch configurations and float chambers engineered to customer specifications for specialized applications (e.g., submarine interface monitoring, offshore FPSO bilge systems). These bespoke solutions command premium pricing based on specific material, certification, and dimensional requirements.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Trimod'Besta manufactures modular float-based level switches for industrial liquid-level detection, built on a proprietary 3-modular concept that combines independently configurable switching modules, flange modules, and float modules. The product portfolio spans Standard, Industrial, Plastic, Special, and Explosion-Proof ranges, complemented by bilge switches, universal float switches, pendant float switches, and continuous level transmitters for shipbuilding, oil & gas, chemical/petrochemical, power generation, plant engineering, and water management applications.

Product overview

Trimod'Besta is a Swiss manufacturer of industrial level measurement technology offering a comprehensive portfolio centered on the modular Trimod'Besta Level Switch (Füllstandschalter). The core product uses a patented 3-modular concept combining switching module, flange module, and float module, enabling unlimited customizable configurations. The product range spans: Standard Range (electric/pneumatic/vertical switches), Industrial Range (standard/high-temperature/low-temperature variants), Plastic Range (PP and PTFE for aggressive media), Special Range, and Explosion-Proof (Ex) versions with ATEX/IECEx/UKCA-Ex certifications. Complementary products include Bilge Switches for marine applications, Universal Float Switches (single-point and multi-level), Float Switches (pendant type), and Level Transmitters for continuous level measurement. All products are manufactured in Switzerland (Uster) since 1966 and serve six market segments: Shipbuilding, Oil & Gas, Chemical & Petrochemical, Power Generation, Plant Engineering, and Water Management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Trimod'Besta Modular Level Switch (Füllstandschalter) The core product line of modular float-type level switches for liquid-level detection in industrial applications. Uses the proprietary 3-modular concept combining switching module, flange module, and float module for customizable configurations.
• 3-Modular Concept (Switching, Flange, Float Modules) The foundational modular architecture enabling unlimited switch combinations. Consists of the Switching Module (with microswitches and NAMUR/EN 50227 proximity switches), Flange Module (EN/DIN, ANSI, JIS flanges, square flange 92mm bolt circle, pressure ratings PN 16 to PN 250), and Float Module (fixed 12mm or adjustable switching differentials for vertical up to 2840mm and horizontal up to 557mm, floats in CrNiMo, Hastelloy, PP, PTFE, and FEP/polyamide/Halar-coated stainless steel).
• Standard Range - Electric Level Switches Electric level switches for standard applications, including types A 01 04, A 01 041, 5A 01 04, and variants with protection bellows for dirty/crystallizing media, underwater applications, manually adjustable switching differentials, and interface applications between two liquids.
• Standard Range - Pneumatic Level Switches Pneumatic limit switches and controllers for explosion-hazardous areas including types P 01 04, 5P 01 04, FP 01 04, M 01 04, 5M 01 04, FM 01 04. Provides 3/2-way valve and proportional controller functions.
• Standard Range - Vertical Level Switches Vertical installation level switches for top-mounting with 2-point control or single switching point alarm. Types A 01 140 and A 01 141 with adjustable switching differentials up to 2840mm vertical range.
• Industrial Range - Standard Level Switches Heavy-duty industrial level switches for demanding applications in petrochemistry, offshore, plant engineering, power plants, and chemical facilities. Types A 22C 04 and A 22CF 04 with Fixflansch and Kombiflansch options for EN/DIN, ANSI, JIS standards.
• Industrial Range - High Temperature Level Switches High-temperature level switches rated up to 400°C for industrial applications such as steam and high-temperature process monitoring. Type HA 24E 02 with PN 100 rating and operating temperatures from 0 to 400°C.
• Industrial Range - Low Temperature (Cryogenic) Level Switches Cryogenic/low-temperature level switches rated down to -196°C for LNG and cryogenic applications. Type 5TDI 22CF 041 with stainless steel construction and NAMUR/EN proximity switch.
• Plastic Range - Standard (PP) Level Switches Plastic construction level switches for aggressive media. Type A 301 99 with PP (polypropylene) wetted parts, rated PN 10, operating temperatures 0-60°C. Suitable for chemical applications with EN/DIN, ANSI, JIS flanges.
• Plastic Range - PTFE Level Switches for Hot Liquids PTFE-lined level switches for highly aggressive and hot liquids. Type A 304 98 with PTFE wetted parts (25% fiberglass), rated PN 8, operating up to 200°C. For aggressive chemical media.
• Special Range Level Switches Special level switches with non-standard flange bolt circle diameters (98mm, 105mm, 114mm). PN 25 rated with smooth sealing ledge and stainless steel 1.4571 construction for specific installation requirements.
• Explosion-Proof (Ex) Level Switches Explosion-protected level switches for hazardous areas including component-encapsulated, intrinsically safe, and pneumatic versions with ATEX, IECEx, UKCA-Ex certifications. For Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 applications with SIL 1 and SIL 2 ratings, including safety NAMUR proximity switches certified by TÜV.
• Counterflanges and Test Actuators Mounting accessories including counterflanges (types 2829.1, 2829.2, 2831.3, 2831.4, 2829.1V80) for simple mounting of Standard Range switches, and test actuators (types 2382, 2383, 2865, 2866) for periodic manual function testing during operation.
• Bilge Switches (Bilgenschalter) Level switches designed for bilge water applications in ships. Types UNS-VA/SB5, UNS-VA/SB4, UNS-VA/SB-VA52 with marine certifications (LR, GL, BV, ATEX Ex ia). For detecting water/oil/fuel mixtures in ship bilge systems.
• Universal Single-Point Float Switches Single-point float switches for horizontal and vertical installation. Types UNS-VA 1/8-VA27, UNS-VA1/4-VA52, UNS-MS1/8-BN25, UNS-PA16-PA18, and LS-3, LS-7 series. For level monitoring and indication of liquids, with robust maintenance-free construction.
• Universal Multi-Level Float Switches Multi-level float switches for vertical installation offering up to 7 switching points for level detection. Types UNS1000, UNS1000-S, UNS2000, UNS2000-S with marine certifications (DNV, LR, BV, ATEX Ex ia).
• Pendant Float Switches (Schwimmschalter) Pendulum-type float switches for boundary level detection of liquids. Single, two, or three switching contacts monitoring up to four different limit levels. Polypropylene construction with hermetically sealed float and special cable assembly.
• Level Transmitters (Niveautransmitter) Continuous level measurement transmitters with 4-20mA or resistance output signals. Types USE3000, USE3200, USE6000, USE6200 rated for industrial applications with marine certifications (RINA, DNV, ATEX Ex ia).

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000,000 Trimod'Besta level switches have been installed on vessels worldwide since 1966
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 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.

• Bachofen AGcoreOthersTrimod'Besta is a brand of Bachofen AG, a Swiss industrial company. Bachofen AG owns 100% of the former Besta AG, which was established in 1966 and rebranded as Trimod'Besta under the Bachofen group. Bachofen AG serves as the parent company providing manufacturing, corporate governance, and distribution management for the Trimod'Besta product line.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Emerson Electric (Rosemount): Emerson's Rosemount division is a leading supplier of process instrumentation including level measurement solutions for oil & gas, chemical, and power generation — overlapping with Trimod'Besta's primary customer base but at significantly larger scale.
• Endress+Hauser: Endress+Hauser is a global leader in industrial process instrumentation with broad level, flow, pressure, and analytical measurement offerings, directly overlapping with Trimod'Besta in level measurement for chemical, oil & gas, and power generation customers.
• Honeywell Process Solutions: Honeywell provides industrial process measurement and control products for refining, petrochemical, and power generation — overlapping with Trimod'Besta in level-switch applications within large integrated process plants.
• WIKA Alexander Wiegand: WIKA manufactures a wide range of industrial measurement instruments including level, pressure, temperature, and force, serving similar industrial process and maritime customers as Trimod'Besta with overlapping level-switch product lines.
• Yokogawa Electric: Yokogawa supplies process instrumentation including level transmitters and switches for oil & gas, petrochemical, and power industries — a different technology approach but directly competing for the same specification slots as Trimod'Besta.
• ABB Measurement & Analytics: ABB provides industrial level, pressure, and temperature measurement products for process automation, including solutions used in the same oil & gas, power, and chemical applications that Trimod'Besta serves.
• Siemens Process Instrumentation: Siemens offers level measurement and process instrumentation products through its automation portfolio, competing broadly for the same industrial customers as Trimod'Besta, especially in power generation and chemical processing.

Direct peers

• Gems Sensors & Controls: Gems Sensors manufactures float-type level switches, optical level sensors, and other liquid-level products with similar application focus on industrial tanks, OEM equipment, and water management — a direct small-scale competitor to Trimod'Besta's universal and bilge float switches.
• VEGA Grieshaber: VEGA is a German specialist in level measurement instrumentation (radar, ultrasonic, capacitive, and hydrostatic), directly competing with Trimod'Besta in industrial level-switch and level-sensor markets across chemical, water/wastewater, and process industries.
• Magnetrol International (AMETEK): Magnetrol specializes in level and flow measurement instrumentation (guided-wave radar, ultrasonic, float, capacitance), serving process industries that overlap directly with Trimod'Besta's oil & gas, chemical, and power-generation segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/besta-ag

Compliance9 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 Trimod'Besta