What Precision Tool Distributors Inc does

Precision Tool Distributors, Inc. is a privately held, family-operated regional distributor and metrology services provider founded in 1963 in Mountain View, California by John Reichle and Jim Peterson. The company currently operates from a single facility at 46613 Fremont Blvd (Building 3) in Fremont, CA — relocated there in 2016 from earlier Santa Clara and Sunnyvale sites — and serves aerospace, medical device, automotive, OEM, large-scale manufacturers, and job-shop customers in Northern California and Nevada through consultative outside sales, application sales, and product demonstrations.

The company's core offering is the exclusive authorized distribution of ZEISS coordinate measuring machines for Northern California and Nevada, a partnership it has held for over 35 years. It carries ZEISS bridge-type CMMs (CONTURA, SPECTRUM, MICURA, PRISMO), production CMMs (GageMax, CenterMax), and multisensor systems (O-INSPECT), as well as ZEISS 3D scanning solutions (T-SCAN hawk 2, GOM Scan 1, ScanPort), form and surface measurement (SURFCOM TOUCH 50, HANDYSURF+), and optical measurement (O-DETECT, Starrett comparators). Complementing the ZEISS line, Precision Tool distributes Mitutoyo, Starrett, Mahr, and Deltronic precision hand tools and gages; Renishaw CMM fixturing and sensors; Q-Mark CMM styli; ACCRETECH and Vision Engineering inspection systems; and Prolink/MicroRidge SPC and data-collection software. The company is also a certified ZEISS CALYPSO training location with an AUKOM Level 3 accredited instructor.

Revenue is generated through three streams: hardware sales of measurement equipment and accessories; fee-for-service contract inspection in a climate-controlled lab (first-article inspection, lot acceptance, reverse engineering, surface-finish analysis, 3D scanning); and ZEISS CALYPSO programming training. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with customer onboarding typically driven by direct sales engagement rather than self-service. The operating model is conservative and capital-light, with ISO 9001 certification and no disclosed external investors; the president (Frank Black) personally leads outside sales alongside a sales manager, training lead, metrology services manager, inside-sales administrator, and a business-development representative.

Name

Precision Tool Distributors Inc

Legal name

Precision Tool Distributors, Inc.

Website

https://pretool.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Precision Tool Distributors, founded 1963 and based in Fremont, CA, is the exclusive authorized ZEISS CMM distributor and certified CALYPSO training location for Northern California and Nevada, serving aerospace, medical, automotive, OEM, and job-shop manufacturers with measurement equipment, contract inspection, and training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dimensional Metrology Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Metrology, Inspection & Machine Tool Accessories (CMMs, Probing, Gauging) (IMAHADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Metrology & Dimensional Measurement (CMMs, laser trackers, gauges, surface/roughness) (IMAGAFAD), Dimensional Inspection Software (GD&T, SPC, Reporting) (IMAAAHAD), Precision Metrology, Inspection & Quality (CMM, GD&T) (EDAOAGAD)

Keywords

• Dimensional measurement equipment
• Coordinate measuring machines
• Contract inspection services
• ZEISS CMM distribution
• Precision metrology solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Fremont

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Measurement Equipment Sales: Sale of coordinate measuring machines (ZEISS CMMs), optical measurement systems, 3D scanners, form and surface measurement machines, inspection hand tools (calipers, micrometers, gages), and CMM accessories. The company is an official ZEISS CMM distributor for Northern California and Nevada.
2. Contract Inspection Services: Fee-for-service dimensional metrology including precision metrology, first article inspection, lot acceptance testing, surface finish analysis, and 3D scanning performed in their environmentally controlled laboratory.
3. ZEISS CALYPSO Training: Educational training services for coordinate measuring machine programming following official ZEISS curriculum. Basic and advanced courses taught at their Fremont facility with certification upon completion.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Precision Tool Distributors is a regional authorized ZEISS CMM distributor for Northern California and Nevada, selling coordinate measuring machines, optical measurement systems, 3D scanners, form and surface measurement equipment, precision hand tools, and CMM accessories. The company also provides fee-based contract inspection services from its climate-controlled laboratory and certified ZEISS CALYPSO training courses.

Product overview

Precision Tool Distributors is a regional distributor and service provider for dimensional measurement equipment, operating as an authorized ZEISS dealer for Northern California and Nevada for over 35 years. The company offers a portfolio of Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs) including bridge-type machines (CONTURA, SPECTRUM, MICURA, PRISMO), production CMMs (GageMax, CenterMax), and multisensor systems (O-INSPECT series). Complementary product lines include 3D scanning solutions (ZEISS T-SCAN hawk 2, GOM Scan 1, ScanPort), form and surface measurement equipment (SURFCOM TOUCH 50, HANDYSURF+), optical measurement systems (O-DETECT, Starrett comparators), precision hand tools (Mitutoyo, Starrett, Mahr), and gage products (Deltronic, Meyer Gage, Gage Assembly). Software offerings include Prolink SPC solutions (QC-CALC, SPC Office Buddy, Enterprise Report Scheduler, QC-PLC) and MicroRidge wireless data collection systems. The company also provides contract inspection services from its climate-controlled laboratory and ZEISS CALYPSO training programs. All offerings are distributed through the company's Fremont, CA facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ZEISS CONTURA CMM Bridge-type coordinate measuring machine equipped with mass technology enabling switching between optical, tactile, passive, and active sensors with automated probe changing and HTG option. Targeted at manufacturers requiring flexible, multi-sensor precision measurement.
• ZEISS SPECTRUM CMM Bridge-type CMM offering optical and tactile scanning sensors for measuring parts with varying geometries and surfaces, providing flexible quality control for manufacturing operations.
• ZEISS MICURA CMM Compact-class CMM with high-accuracy performance, standard VAST XT gold scanning sensor and navigator technology for maximum precision despite small size. Targeted at manufacturers with limited floor space.
• ZEISS PRISMO navigator CMM High-speed scanning CMM with maximum accuracy near production, featuring length measurement error of 0.5+L/500 millimeters for ultra-precision applications.
• ZEISS GageMax navigator CMM Production CMM that measures directly in production environments with high speed and precision, unaffected by extreme temperature fluctuations and ground vibrations, capable of measuring unknown curves and freeforms via active scanning.
• ZEISS CenterMax navigator CMM Production CMM designed for direct integration into production lines with effective vibration damping from processing centers and variable workpiece base for automated loading.
• ZEISS O-INSPECT Multisensor CMM Multisensor hybrid CMM combining optical and tactile measurement with models O-INSPECT 322 (3/2/2 dm), O-INSPECT 543 (5/4/3 dm), and O-INSPECT 863 (8/6/3 dm), featuring telecentric zoom, adaptive illumination, and VAST XXT scanning sensor.
• ZEISS ScanPort Mobile semi-automated 3-axis 3D scanning solution operated with ZEISS INSPECT software, delivering metrologically flawless data for small to medium-sized parts.
• ZEISS T-SCAN hawk 2 Portable lightweight 3D laser scanner with metrology-grade precision, designed for handheld use in various measurement tasks.
• ZEISS GOM Scan 1 Compact mobile 3D scanner for digital capture of objects to achieve precise 3D meshes for 3D printing, reverse engineering, and dimensional inspection applications.
• ZEISS SURFCOM TOUCH 50 Easy-to-use form measuring system with 7-inch touchscreen for surface, contour, and form measurement tasks.
• HANDYSURF+ Mobile Surface Measuring Instrument Mobile surface measuring instrument for portable form and surface analysis.
• Starrett HDV250 Digital Comparator Next-generation digital comparator featuring high-resolution video camera and integrated LED ring surface illumination for modernizing traditional profile inspection with clear inspection of features that cannot be backlit.
• ZEISS O-DETECT Optical Measurement System Optical measurement system with intuitive operation, high-quality imaging, and flexible lighting for precise measurements of components best left untouched.
• Mitutoyo Measuring Tools Global metrology leader's dimensional measurement tools, instruments, and systems including calipers, micrometers, and precision instruments for manufacturing quality control.
• Starrett Precision Tools Broad product line including micrometers, calipers, rules, tape measures, levels, electronic gages, dial indicators, gage blocks, granite surface plates, and vises for manufacturing and inspection applications.
• Deltronic Plug Gages High-accuracy plug gages made to single tolerance, plus .000040 inches, minus nothing, from a leader in measurement products since 1955.
• Meyer Gage Company Products World leader in fixed limit gages including English and Metric plug gages, pin gages, ring gages, trilock gages, and taperlock gages, including the Class ZZ Pin Sets.
• Gage Assembly Thread and Ring Gages Third-generation thread plug and ring gage manufacturer serving demanding industries as one of the industry's highest caliber gage providers.
• Contract Inspection Services Comprehensive metrology services including contact and non-contact precision metrology, first article inspection, lot acceptance testing, reverse engineering, surface finish analysis, and 3D scanning with structured light and laser technologies, performed in an environmentally controlled laboratory.
• ZEISS CALYPSO Training Certified ZEISS CALYPSO training classes based on official ZEISS curriculum, taught by AUKOM Level 3 accredited trainer Roy Espinoza, offering basic and advanced courses at the Fremont facility with certificates upon completion.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• ZEISSflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1988Precision Tool Distributors has been the exclusive authorized ZEISS CMM distributor for Northern California and Nevada for over 35 years. They are also a certified ZEISS CALYPSO training location, offering official training courses based on ZEISS curriculum. The partnership includes full distribution of ZEISS coordinate measuring machines including CONTURA, MICURA, PRISMO, O-INSPECT, GageMax, and CenterMax product lines.
• MitutoyocoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision Tool distributes Mitutoyo precision measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, indicators, and gage blocks. Mitutoyo is described as a global metrology leader with a vast network spanning over 22 different countries.
• StarrettcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision Tool distributes Starrett precision tools including micrometers, calipers, rules, dial indicators, gage blocks, and granite surface plates. The new Starrett HDV250 Digital Comparator is featured for display and demo in their Fremont showroom.
• DeltroniccoreTechnology or IntegrationDeltronic is a manufacturer of high-accuracy plug gages and measurement products since 1955. Precision Tool distributes their Class X gages known for single tolerance manufacturing.
• Meyer Gage CompanycoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision Tool distributes Meyer Gage Company's fixed limit gages including English and Metric plug gages, pin gages, ring gages, and their renowned Class ZZ Pin Sets.
• Gage AssemblycoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-generation privately held manufacturer of thread plug and ring gages. Precision Tool distributes their high-caliber gage products for demanding industries.
• Prolink (QC-CALC)coreTechnology or IntegrationProlink provides Statistical Process Control (SPC) software including QC-CALC, SPC Office Buddy, Enterprise Report Scheduler, and QC-PLC. Precision Tool offers these solutions for data collection and analysis integration with inspection equipment.
• MicroRidgecoreTechnology or IntegrationMicroRidge provides wireless gage interfaces and data collection systems including GageWay Wireless and MobileCollect. Precision Tool offers these products for factory floor and lab wireless data collection into Excel and other applications.
• Q-MarkcoreTechnology or IntegrationQ-Mark offers CMM styli, extensions, and fixturing including their ThermoFit Silver line. Products are manufactured in California, USA with same-day shipment of catalog items and next-day shipment of custom designs.
• RenishawcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision Tool distributes Renishaw CMM fixturing systems and sensors, which are described as an industry standard. Renishaw products include touch-trigger probes, automated probe changers, and five-axis measurement systems.
• ACCRETECHcoreTechnology or IntegrationACCRETECH is a Japanese manufacturer of surface, contour, and form measuring machines. Their SURFCOM and HANDYSURF products are offered through the ZEISS partnership for seamless integration with ZEISS industrial measuring technology.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Mitutoyo America Corporation: Mitutoyo is the dominant global manufacturer of calipers, micrometers, vision measurement systems, and CMMs (Crysta, Legendre, MiSTAR). While PTD resells Mitutoyo hand tools, Mitutoyo America sells CMMs and vision systems directly across the US, including California, so it competes with PTD on measurement capital equipment purchases and is the largest adjacent measurement-tools brand in PTD's territory.
• Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence: Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division is the largest global CMM and dimensional-metrology platform (PC-DMIS, Global S, Leica laser trackers, GTAC service centers). It competes head-on with the ZEISS lines Precision Tool Distributors resells by offering direct OEM sales, broader geographic coverage, and a fully integrated software/hardware stack. PTD's California/Nevada customers face Hexagon as the principal competitor whenever ZEISS CMM deals are open.
• FARO Technologies: FARO is a global manufacturer of portable 3D measurement and imaging solutions (Arm, ScanPlan, Focus laser scanners). It competes directly with ZEISS's T-SCAN hawk 2 and GOM Scan 1, which Precision Tool Distributors resells, and targets the same aerospace, automotive, and job-shop inspection customers across California.
• Renishaw Inc: Renishaw manufactures industry-standard CMM probing, fixturing and multi-axis systems (REVO, PH20, Equator) used as accessories on most CMM brands. PTD resells Renishaw probes and fixturing, but Renishaw also sells directly and through other US distributors, so it functions as a competitor on accessory and 5-axis upgrade revenue while remaining a co-marketing partner.
• Transcat Inc: Transcat is a publicly traded calibration and instrumentation services provider with a distribution arm (Cal Right Instruments). It competes with PTD's Contract Inspection Services and on measurement-equipment distribution across multiple US regions, including California/Nevada service-center coverage that overlaps PTD's contract-inspection offerings.
• Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology: Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology is the OEM behind Precision Tool Distributors' flagship product line (CONTURA, MICURA, PRISMO, O-INSPECT). While PTD is the exclusive ZEISS dealer for Northern California and Nevada, ZEISS sells direct and through other dealers in every other US region, making it both PTD's most important partner and the structural benchmark competing against it for any potential expansion.
• KEYENCE Corporation of America: KEYENCE sells industrial measurement, inspection, and machine-vision sensors directly across the US, including a strong Northern California presence. It competes with PTD on optical and laser-based dimensional measurement for in-line and benchtop inspection, particularly for OEMs and high-volume manufacturers in automotive and electronics.

Others

• Trescal Group: Trescal is one of the largest global providers of calibration, dimensional inspection, and metrology services, with North American operations including California. It competes with PTD's climate-controlled contract inspection laboratory on third-party dimensional inspection work and complements the competing CMM service networks operated by other metrology OEMs.

Emerging players

• Creaform (AMETEK): Creaform, now part of AMETEK, offers portable 3D scanners (HandySCAN, MetraSCAN) and dimensional inspection services competing with ZEISS's T-SCAN and GOM Scan 1 lines. It sells both direct and via a US reseller network, including customers in aerospace and medical-device manufacturing across California/Nevada.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/precision-tool-distributors-inc.

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Precision Tool Distributors Inc