About Metron Optics

At Metron Optics, our mission is to engineer precision tools that make critical work easier, safer, and more reliable. From inspection mirrors that extend human vision into hard-to-reach places, to markers, torque seals, solder flux pens, and specialty fluids that ensure traceability and compliance, every product is built for demanding applications across industries. With over 50 years of experience, we combine innovation, sustainability, and American manufacturing to deliver solutions trusted worldwide.

Our Story

1970s

Founding

  • Metron founded in 1971 by Paul Kempf with two products: the Circuit Board Comparator and the Metron Marker
  • Metron Marker quickly becomes favorite for marking errors on circuit boards in the electronics and aerospace industries
  • Metron supplies inspection equipment for Hughes AIM54C missiles, and other defense and aerospace companies

1980s

Innovation

  • Metron received patent for Metron 3D Scanner, an ultra high resolution stereo microscope
  • Metron is granted a patent for Solvent Resistant Inks and Coatings
  • Metron’s Fingerprint Comparator is issued a patent for comparing two fingerprints
  • Metron 90° MiniMirror line created  when Hewlett Packard approaches Metron for under-part inspection

1990s

Success

  • Metron received patent for Metron MiniMirror line of inspection mirrors
  • Metron wins award for best BGA inspection method using the Metron MiniMirror I84BGA
  • Metron MiniMirrors become the gold standard for mission critical inspection

1999

A New Leader

  • Charles Kempf becomes President and CEO of Metron Optics

2000s

Expansion

  • Metron develops Diamond Coated Dental Pocket Mirrors, patent is issued
  • Front Surface Rimless Rhodium Mirrors are developed by Metron
  • Metron continues expansion intro Asian markets

2010s

Optimization

  • Focus on enhanced manufacturing with lean practices and automation while improving product precision, durability, and performance
  • Metron continues commitment to RoHS, REACH, and other environmental initiatives
  • Transfluor invisible ink line is expanded to include more colors

2020s

An Important Milestone

  • Metron celebrates 50th anniversary in 2021 with launch of  new “Hot Pink” color, adopted as a favorite by major data centers
  • Metron implements ISO 9001
  • Metron launches international e-commerce site for dealers and customers

About the Founder

Paul Kempf’s legacy as an inventor and entrepreneur is at the heart of Metron Optics. A top graduate of Harvard, he left a successful corporate career to design products that made work easier and more efficient. His early inventions—a best-selling suit hanger and a step stool found in homes nationwide—reflected his belief that good design should be intuitive, effective, and built to serve. That mindset later shaped his innovations in visual inspection, where simplicity, accuracy, and reliability are critical.

Today, Metron Optics builds on Kempf’s foundation, delivering advanced inspection tools that help manufacturers improve quality, streamline processes, and meet demanding standards. His commitment to purposeful innovation remains our guiding principle
Paul Kempf, the founder of Metron Optics

Paul Kempf pictured next to one of his inventions the Metron 3D scanner, a high resolution, wide field of view super microscope.

A Family Business

Paul Kempf, with his wife Pilar, representing Metron Optics at a San Francisco trade show, circa 1980.

Metron has always been a family business. In this 1975 photo, Pilar Kempf teaches her son at the same San Diego location where Metron continues to thrive today.

Selling to China in 1985 was a major milestone. Metron’s circuit board comparator, invented by Paul Kempf, redefined circuit board inspection worldwide.

Metron Marker advertisement in Electronic Design Magazine, 1974

Our Mission & Values

At Metron, we are committed to delivering precision and quality in every product. From marking solutions to optical instruments, our mission is to help customers achieve excellence through accuracy, reliability, and innovation.”

Quality

Quality is built into every Metron product—from the materials we select to the rigorous testing we perform. Our commitment to durability, reliability, and precision ensures performance you can trust in the most demanding applications.

Innovation

Innovation drives everything we do. From pioneering inspection mirrors to advanced marking solutions, we are constantly developing new ways to help customers work smarter, faster, and with greater precision.

Partnership

Partnership is at the core of how we work. We collaborate with engineers, buyers, and technicians to understand real-world challenges and deliver solutions that fit seamlessly into their processes. At the same time, we build lasting supplier and manufacturing partnerships that ensure consistent quality, reliability, and innovation. Together, these relationships allow Metron to support success across industries worldwide.

Excellence

Excellence is our standard. From product design and manufacturing to customer service and support, we are committed to delivering the highest level of performance at every step.

Message from Our CEO

At Metron, we have been committed to precision and quality for over four decades. Since our founding, we've focused on creating innovative marking tools and optical instruments that meet the exacting needs of industries worldwide.

Our success stems from listening to our customers and continuously refining our products to solve real-world challenges. We're proud of our heritage as an American manufacturer and remain dedicated to crafting products that help our customers achieve precision in their work.

Thank you for your trust in Metron. We look forward to serving your needs today and for years to come.

Charles Kempf
Chief Executive Officer

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"Been working with Metron Optics since 1999, the flow of data and delivery was always smooth and fast.  Our clients regards the products and services provided as top notch."

Mik CC
Selink Enterprise Singapore