German Tech Giant PF Scales Taps Indiana for U.S. Market Entry

FORT WAYNE, IN – December 02, 2025 – A significant strategic move is underway in the industrial technology sector as PF Scales, the newly formed U.S. subsidiary of German weighing technology leader PFREUNDT GmbH, announced its North American launch from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company has appointed industry veteran Tom Kerr as its first General Manager, signaling a serious and calculated entry into the competitive American market for mobile and digital weighing systems.

This development is more than just a new office; it represents the arrival of a global heavyweight on U.S. soil. PFREUNDT, which bills itself as the world market leader in mobile weighing, is bringing its 40-year history of innovation and a portfolio of over 40,000 systems operating worldwide to a market ripe for technological advancement. The choice of Fort Wayne is a powerful endorsement of the region's growing status as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.

A German Pioneer Bets on the American Midwest

PFREUNDT GmbH is not a newcomer to the weighing industry. Founded four decades ago, the German firm has consistently been at the forefront of mobile weighing technology. It secured the first calibration approval for a mobile wheel loader scale in 1984 and launched the first mobile scale with a touch display and web portal connection in 2015. This legacy of innovation is built on a philosophy the company calls "Weighing 4.0"—a focus on digital, networked data acquisition designed to streamline complex industrial processes.

The decision to establish PF Scales in Northeast Indiana was deliberate. The region, and Fort Wayne specifically, has been cultivating an ecosystem designed to attract exactly this kind of high-value foreign investment. Recognized as one of the 25 fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, Fort Wayne offers a blend of manufacturing heritage and emerging tech talent.

"Northeast Indiana has developed the talent, infrastructure, and collaboration that continues to set us apart, and set the standard, across industries and sectors," said Stephane Frijia, President & CEO of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEI). Frijia noted that the region is poised to provide PF Scales with "access to talent, resources, and partnerships to help expedite their entry and growth in the U.S. market." This proactive support system is a critical asset for any company navigating a new market, reducing friction and accelerating operational readiness.

Disrupting the Scales: Technology Meets Industry

PF Scales enters a U.S. industrial weighing equipment market estimated at over $625 million in 2022 and driven by a powerful trend toward digitization. Industries from agriculture and construction to recycling and mining are increasingly recognizing that precision weighing is not just about compliance, but a cornerstone of operational efficiency and profitability. The integration of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and cloud-based data platforms is transforming what companies expect from their equipment.

This is where PFREUNDT's technology could find a significant competitive advantage. The company’s core offerings, such as the "PFREUNDT Web Portal," provide secure, real-time access to weighing data from any device. This allows managers to monitor loads, track material flow, and generate invoices with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Innovations like their proprietary "Speed Weigh Technology (SWT)," which enhances weighing precision even on uneven terrain, directly address the real-world challenges of mobile operations.

Furthermore, the manufacturer-independent design of PFREUNDT's scales, which allows for easy retrofitting on various vehicle types, offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for American companies with diverse fleets of heavy equipment. This adaptability will be key as PF Scales challenges a field of established domestic competitors, including major players like Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Fairbanks Scales, and the mobile-focused Walz Scale. To succeed, PF Scales must demonstrate that its robust, German-engineered systems deliver superior reliability and a tangible return on investment in the harsh environments of American quarries, farms, and recycling centers.

A Veteran Hand at the Helm

To navigate this complex landscape, PFREUNDT has placed a seasoned industry insider in charge. The appointment of Tom Kerr as General Manager is a clear signal that the company understands the importance of local expertise. With decades of experience in the construction aggregates and heavy equipment sectors, Kerr speaks the language of his target customers. His background is not in abstract technology but in the very industries—extraction, construction, recycling—that rely on durable, accurate, and efficient equipment to function.

This deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in tailoring PFREUNDT’s global solutions to the specific demands of the U.S. market. Kerr’s role will extend beyond sales and operations; he will be the crucial bridge between German engineering and American industrial practice, building the trust and relationships necessary to establish PF Scales as a go-to provider. His leadership will be pivotal in translating technological superiority into market share, ensuring that the products are not just sold, but are effectively integrated into the workflows of U.S. businesses.

The Opportunity and the Risk

The global industrial weighing equipment market is projected to grow from $5.2 billion in 2025 to $9.3 billion by 2035, and PF Scales is positioned to capture a piece of that expansion. The opportunity lies in leveraging its advanced digital and mobile technology to serve American industries hungry for data-driven efficiency. By providing tools that enhance accuracy, streamline billing, and offer real-time operational insights, the company can present a compelling value proposition.

However, the path is not without its challenges. The U.S. market is mature, with deeply entrenched domestic players who have long-standing relationships and extensive service networks. PF Scales will need to move quickly to build its own support infrastructure and prove that its systems can outperform the competition in reliability and total cost of ownership. The success of this venture will hinge on flawless execution—from supply chain management to customer service and technical support.

For Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana, the arrival of PF Scales is a validation of its economic development strategy. It represents a significant foreign direct investment that promises to bring high-quality jobs and further cement the region’s reputation as a modern manufacturing powerhouse. The market will be watching closely to see if this German precision can successfully tip the scales in the competitive and demanding American industrial landscape.