About | Ott

1873

Albert Ott founded the "Mathematical-Mechanical Institut A. Ott" in Kempten, Germany. In its early years, the company focused on developing mechanical water level recorders, hydrometric current meters, and planimeters.

1880

Albert Ott spared no effort, traveling the world and introducing his instruments to an international expert audience, including at the 1880 World Exhibition in Melbourne.

1885

Albert Ott developed the first current meter, marking a significant milestone in hydrometry.

1895

After the early death of Albert Ott, ownership of the company passed to his brother Max and later to Adolf Steis, a Swiss businessman.

1910

As the company grew, the name “Ott“ began to develop into a worldwide brand.

1920

The Ott company moved to a new building in the center of Kempten, Germany.

1922

The Ott company became the first non-governmental institution to have its own rating/calibration tank.

1943

The Conzen-Ott "train-timetable-calculation" instrument was introduced and remained in use by Deutsche Bahn until the 1980s.

1959

Bud Garner founded the Hydrolab company in Austin, Texas. Hydrolab revolutionized water analysis by bringing sensors to the sampling site instead of transporting samples to a laboratory.

1965

Ott introduced the mechanical punched tape water level recorder, enabling remote data transmission and marking the beginning of the information age.

1970

Ott developed the Allgomatic, an innovative solution for electronic data recording, storage, and transmission.

1978

The Ott Allgomatic became available as a desk version in 1978, offering enhanced flexibility and usability across hydrology, meteorology, and environmental fields.

1985

Ott introduced the Hydrus datalogger, ushering in a new era of compact data loggers.

1990

Ott launched the HydroSens data logger family, which improved data exchange efficiency through the CAN-fieldbus system.

1993

Ott moved to new premises along the river Iller in Kempten, Germany. Shortly after, the company inaugurated a modern rating tank for contact-free calibration of current meters.

1994

Ott released the Pluvio, a next-generation precipitation gauge with integrated data processing based on the weighing principle.

2000

Ott launched the Logosens datalogger, which set a new benchmark in environmental monitoring with its flexible sensor connection concept.

2002

Both Hydrolab and Ott became part of the Danaher Corporation, continuing to operate as independent businesses.

2004

Ott expanded its product portfolio to include water quality measurement with the introduction of the Hydrolab Series 5 multiparameter sondes.

2011

Adcon Telemetry joined the Danaher Corporation, and Ott, Hydrolab, and Adcon Telemetry united to form the OTT HydroMet Group, providing innovative solutions for hydrometry, meteorology, and environmental monitoring.

2017

Ott released Hydromet Cloud, its first web-based data hosting platform, enabling access to current and historical measurement data from remote hydrometeorological monitoring stations.

2018

Ott developed the Surface Velocity Radar (SVR), a non-contact sensor for continuous open channel flow measurement.

2022

Ott expanded its water level monitoring portfolio with the PLS 500 smart pressure level sensor and the ecoLog 1000, an all-in-one water level logger and telemetry solution with conductivity measurement capabilities.

2023

Ott became part of Veralto, a new Environmental and Applied Solutions company formed by Danaher, with a mission to safeguard the world’s most vital resources.

Today

In-Situ joins Ott to expand possibilities and deliver clearer insights, everywhere water flows.

Ott

With more than 150 years of history, Ott delivers precise, field‑proven instruments for hydrologic and environmental measurement. Its engineering rigor ensures high‑quality, defensible data.

In-Situ

For nearly 50 years, In‑Situ has provided practical, reliable tools for water‑quality and water‑level monitoring. Its rugged, user‑focused designs streamline accurate data collection.

Sutron

For almost five decades, Sutron has supplied durable data‑collection and telemetry systems for hydrologic and environmental monitoring. Agencies rely on its proven engineering for real‑time, mission‑critical data.