1862: The beginnings
Neptun is founded in Wrocław
Diehl Metering can look back on a long history that goes back into the early years of industrialization. In 1862, Neptun is founded in Wrocław (contemporary Poland) as a foundry producing fittings for water and gas installations. This is where the world’s first Woltman bulk water meter is developed and produced in 1895.
Neptun becomes Hydrometer
In 1912 the company is renamed as Hydrometer Breslauer Wassermesserfabrik. Even today, industry experts still consider this name a guarantee of high-quality metering and reading technology.
From Wrocław to Ansbach
The company takes a significant step in 1951: the Bavarian town of Ansbach in Germany becomes the new headquarters of Hydrometer. The relocation provides Hydrometer with space, technological opportunities and strategic prospects for developing into a company of international standing. Approximately 480 development, production and sales employees still work at the three-hectare site today.
1970: The start of a successful story
1,000,000 water meters
The 1,000,000th water meter rolls off the production line in Ansbach in 1970, heralding the start of a successful decade. With orders continually increasing, the production plant is extended.
1989: Flow meter sets a milestone
New technological standard
An innovation developed in-house sets a new technological standard for the years to come, as Hydrometer receives PTB (accreditation for an electronic flow meter). The 4,000,000th water meter is produced in Ansbach.
1991: The Hydrometer Group is created
Production plant opens in Apolda
In 1991 Hydrometer GmbH founds a production plant in Apolda for the mass production of domestic water meters to meet the increasing demand for high-quality meters. In the same year, a testing laboratory for residential and individual domestic water meters is certified in Apolda.
Ultrasonic technology is born
In 1991, Hydrometer starts developing the first generation of its high-precision ultrasonic technology.
Remote readings pioneered by IZAR radio
The IZAR radio technology is first developed in 1996 by Sappel in partnership with Hydrometer. It helps to revolutionize the industry by enabling meters to be accurately read remotely via radio. The technology evolves to become a precursor to the Internet of Things, allowing a wealth of data to be transmitted about network performance – and developing into the cornerstone of today’s smart metering solutions.
Sappel (France) and Mirometr (Poland) are incorporated
1998 sees the strategic expansion of the Hydrometer Group: the French company Sappel and Polish subsidiary Mirometr are taken over. Sappel constructs and produces water meters and radio-based reading systems.
First ultrasonic meter is launched
In 1998, Hydrometer launches its first ultrasonic meter, a flow sensor called SHARKY. Dedicated to the heat metering market, it offers greater accuracy, long durability and better resistance to poor water quality.
EWT (Austria) is incorporated
The strategic expansion continues in 2001 with the incorporation of Austrian company ELIN Wasserwerkstechnik GmbH (EWT) as well as the Hungarian water meter manufacturer MOM. The Vienna-based market leader for water meter technology EWT is a pioneer in the radio-based reading sector. The Mátészalka-based measurement technology specialist MOM has been the market leader in Hungary for decades, and has a strategically important role for the East European market.
SAPPEL do Brazil is founded in Brazil
The first South American site is founded in 2002. Headquartered in the port town of Recife, SAPPEL do Brazil was responsible for manufacturing and selling innovative measurement technology to the South American market. Today, we maintain a well-established partnership with distributors in Brazil, ensuring our presence in this market.
Ultrasonic meters continue to be optimized
In 2003, the company unveils the second generation of its ultrasonic energy meters, followed by the third-generation ultrasonic compact energy meter SHARKY 773 in 2004. This model integrates flow sensors with new transducers and electronics, and is the basis for today’s ultrasonic meters from Diehl Metering.
Hydrometer Metering, Jinan/China
In 2004, Hydrometer (Shandong) Metering is founded in Jinan in order to coordinate all activities in the growth market of China. The founding of what is now Diehl Metering (Jinan) Co. Ltd. in 2007 ensures the production and sales to European and Chinese standards – furthered by an own production site for ultrasonic heat meters.
Diehl Middle East, Dubai/UAE
In 2006, Diehl Middle East is founded in Dubai to expand the company’s presence in the MENA region. Now known as Diehl Metering FZE, the company is a one-stop shop for measurement technology and services for water, thermal energy, gas and electricity in this ecologically demanding region.
2006: France celebrates its 100th year
100-year company anniversary, France
Sappel, known today as Diehl Metering, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2006. Founded in 1906 as “Paris Ignicole”, the company was bought up by the Swiss company SIGNUM AG in 1936 and renamed “Sappel”. Headquartered in Saint-Louis, France, this specialist company for water, thermal energy and gas metering integrates the Hydrometer Group in 1998.
Sustainability becomes a priority
Hydrometer strengthens its commitment to sustainability, incorporating eco-design into product development in 2006, and winning a French government-backed award for the ecological performance of its ALTAIR V4 composite meter in 2008. That same year, the company achieves ISO 14001 environmental certification for its effective environmental management system. Over the next years, it adds OHSAS 18001 certification for occupational health and safety standards, as well as ISO 26000 certification for social responsibility.
Water meters go ultrasonic
The company brings the industry’s first ultrasonic water meter to the market in 2008. Manufactured in Ansbach, the HYDRUS meter is named after a combination of Hydrometer, the company’s name, and US, the abbreviation for “ultrasonic”.
2010: Diehl Metering as a corporate division
Diehl Metering becomes a corporate division of the Diehl Group
2010 is a very significant year in the company’s history: Diehl Metering becomes an official corporate division of the Diehl Group alongside the existing corporate divisions of Metal, Controls, Defence and Aviation. Founded as an art foundry in Nuremberg in 1902, the Diehl family business now employs around 16,300 staff and generates an annual turnover of 3 billion euros.
Diehl Gas Metering
With the founding of Diehl Gas Metering in 2010, the corporate division had its own skills center for gas metering in the German town of Ansbach. Diehl Gas Metering GmbH developed and produced gas meters within the Diehl Metering Group, including the AERIUS product line, which was based on microthermal flow measurement.
Diehl Metering, Denmark
The Danish sales branch Diehl Metering ApS is founded in 2011. This is the result of a long and intensive cooperation with Hydrometer GmbH. The team at Diehl Metering ApS helps answer increased demand from the Danish market for innovative ultrasonic technology and systems engineering.
2012: Germany celebrates its 150th year
150-year company anniversary in Germany
In 2012, the Hydrometer Group, now known as Diehl Metering, celebrates its 150-year anniversary.
Founding of Diehl Metering, Great Britain
In 2013 the British sales office, Diehl Metering Ltd., is founded in Halifax, England, to meet the specific technological requirements of customers in the UK. Diehl Metering Ltd. provides innovative metering solutions, adapts them to local needs, and also provides services and technical support.
Passive drive-by makes data collection simpler
In 2014, the “passive drive-by” solution is launched. Based on IZAR radio technology, it allows meter data to be collected by a refuse collection vehicle or maintenance truck fitted with radio receivers.
2015: Expansion into new markets
Diehl Metering as a strong brand
The company’s fusion to create the strong international brand Diehl Metering takes place at the turn of the year 2014. Since 2010, Diehl Metering has been a corporate division of the Diehl Group alongside the existing corporate divisions of Metal, Controls, Defence and Aviation. Diehl Metering stands for high-quality, innovative solutions as well as the economically and environmentally friendly use of natural resources and energy.
Founding of Diehl Metering, Singapore
In 2015, a branch is opened in Singapore. Diehl Metering Pte. Ltd. is responsible for markets in SouthEast Asia. Singapore’s geographically advantageous location offers Diehl Metering Pte. Ltd. the benefit of being able to support local customers while simultaneously developing a better understanding of the region’s requirements.
2016: 20 years of IZAR RADIO
20 years of radio expertise
The IZAR radio system celebrates its 20th birthday in 2016, and is now a core component of all Diehl Metering’s system solutions, including intelligent meters for water, thermal energy, gas and electricity, as well as software and system products. That same year, the new-generation IZAR RC i G4 is launched in response to growing demand. Integrating the Open Metering Standard (OMS) communication standard, it enables interoperability in a mobile or fixed network for simple configuration and efficient automating reading.
Founding of Diehl Metering, Sweden
In 2016, Diehl Metering opened a new sales office in Sweden with the aim of conquering further attractive growth markets. Thanks to intensive cooperation with Scandinavian partners and customers through the Danish sales branch Diehl Metering ApS, founded in 2011, Diehl Metering is well acquainted with the demands of this region.
Founding of Spain sales office
At the beginning of 2016, the Spain office located in Madrid becomes an entity of Diehl Metering in its own right. Diehl Metering S.L. Diehl Metering/Spain is mainly in charge of the Spanish and Portuguese markets.
Founding of USA sales office
The sales office in Naperville USA is founded in 2017 to expand the company’s presence in the rapidly-increasing US market. As intelligent networks are very much on the rise in North America, sales company Diehl Metering LLC offers customers the entire process chain from meters to data management from a single source.
Five-star quality for SHARKY
In 2018, the SHARKY 775 ultrasonic energy meter is awarded 5 stars out of 5 for measurement stability and measurement accuracy by the independent tester AGFW, a sign of the quality the Diehl Metering prides itself on.
2019: Strengthening our global organization
Reorganization and certification
From January 1, 2019, Diehl Metering is structured around a unique management system with 2 customers segments (Water and Energy) and 5 sales regions covering all markets worldwide.
EcoVadis Gold rating is achieved
In 2020, Diehl Metering’s site in Saint-Louis, France is awarded EcoVadis Gold rating, the highest level of recognition for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The rating recognizes the company’s actions in ethical and responsible employment and business practices, sustainable procurement, and environmental management.
Multisite certification
Following its global reorganization, Diehl Metering successfully achieves multisite certification for the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID), a seal of approval indicating high-quality manufacturing. We were also awarded multisite certifications by Quality Austria**, after fulfilling the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards for Quality and Environment.
2021: Empower a sustainable future
The HYDRUS range expands
The launch of HYDRUS 2.0 and HYDRUS 2.0 BULK in 2020-21 brings further enhancements to Diehl Metering’s range of smart water meters. Featuring ultrasonic technology and an improved dynamic range of up to R1000, the new meters come with optimized battery longevity, enabling customers to create greater efficiency and sustainability in their water networks.
Global Compact is signed
In 2021, the signing of the United’s Nations’ Global Compact is a major milestone in Diehl Metering’s commitment to sustainability. As a signatory of the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, the company brings visibility and transparency to its support for the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and take another step to fulfilling its vision of empowering a sustainable future.
A new brand claim
As part of a new brand vision centered around sustainability, Diehl Metering unveils a new brand claim: “Empower a sustainable future”. The claim builds on and extends our long-standing mission to make energy and water networks less wasteful and more efficient. It is our promise to support everyone everywhere by giving them the tools they need to build a better future together.