Tesco Metering HQ

Our Legacy of Electric Utility Innovation

TESCO Metering has led electric utility innovation for over 120 years. Founded in 1904 by an engineer at Philadelphia Electric Company, TESCO was created to address the growing challenges of utility metering in an electrifying world. Our first breakthrough, the meter test switch, revolutionized safety and reliability and is still a standard in the field today.

As true utility metering pioneers, TESCO built its legacy by delivering dependable meter testing equipment and evolving with the needs of electric utilities. From load boxes and burden boards to desktop stations and optical pickups, we have enabled metering technology evolution across both field and shop environments.

In 2003, TESCO became part of Advent Design Corporation, expanding our footprint in engineering and automation. We solidified our industry leadership by acquiring Knopp in 2018, adding precision transformer testing to our portfolio. These moves elevated our role as innovators in smart grid solutions and modern utility technologies.

TESCO Historic Building electric utility innovation origin

With ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 certified facilities in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines, TESCO continues delivering products that support modern metering systems. We serve utilities worldwide with scalable smart grid solutions that ensure accuracy, safety, and reliability in a rapidly evolving industry.

From the earliest days of the U.S. power grid to today’s smart energy future, TESCO remains a proven leader in electric utility innovation. As the utility sector evolves, we continue to be a trusted source for advanced meter testing equipment and resilient infrastructure support.

1900
2030

1904

1904
TESCO Metering Old

TESCO Founded

Founded in 1904 by a PECO engineer, TESCO has led the way in metering innovation for over 115 years.

1920

1920
TESCO Patents First Test Switch

TESCO Patents First Test Switch

TESCO patents the first meter test switch, setting the standard for utility metering.

1922

1922
tesco-load-boxes-test-kits

TESCO Introduces Load Boxes Test Kits, Rotating Standards

TESCO introduced the first load boxes, test kits, and rotating standards—laying the groundwork for standardized, accurate field and shop meter testing across the utility industry.

1928

1928
knopp-transformer-testing-equipment

Knopp Founded Transformer Testing Equipment

Otto Knopp founded Knopp, introducing precision transformer testing equipment that set new benchmarks for accuracy in the utility industry.

1948

1948
TESCO Pioneered Large Meter Test Boards for Meter Shops

TESCO Pioneered Large Meter Test Boards for Meter Shops

TESCO pioneered large Demand Boards and Meter Test Boards, revolutionizing how meter shops conducted high-volume, standardized testing.

1953

1953
knopp-voltage-tester

Inventing Voltage Confidence

Knopp pioneers the voltage tester, setting a new standard in electrical safety and accuracy.

1960

1960
tesco-modern-test-switch

TESCO Introduces Modern Day Test Switch

TESCO introduces the modern-day test switch, solidifying its role as the industry standard for safe and reliable meter testing.

1965

1965
Dial Machine logo

Dial Machine Company Founded

Dial Machine was founded, specializing in precision machining for the manufacturing industries.

1976

1976
mesurina-founded

Mesurina Founded in Canada

Mesurina Ltd. was founded in Montreal, becoming Canada's only manufacturer of utility-grade test switches.

1984

1984
advent-design-logo

Advent Design is Founded

Advent Design Corporation was founded by MIT alumni, offering custom automation and engineering solutions to enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

2003

2003

Advent Design Acquires TESCO

Advent Design acquires TESCO, uniting cutting-edge engineering with a legendary metering brand to accelerate innovation and growth.

2007

2007
TESCO Acquires Mesurina

TESCO Acquires Mesurina

TESCO acquires Mesurina, expanding its footprint into Canada and strengthening its position as a leader in utility-grade test switches.

2018

2018
TESCO Acquires Knopp & Power Measurements

TESCO Acquires Knopp & Power Measurements

TESCO acquires Knopp and Power Measurements Inc., adding world-class precision transformer testing and international metering expertise to its portfolio.

2020

2020
Dial Machine logo

TESCO Acquires Dial Machine

TESCO acquires Dial Machine, enhancing product quality and advancing vertical manufacturing capabilities across its operations.

2022

2022
TESCO Acquires Nighthawk & Brackin MW

TESCO Acquires Nighthawk & Brackin MW

TESCO acquires Nighthawk and Brackin Millworks, expanding into Zero Infrastructure AMI technology and precision manufacturing of epoxy castings, metal fabrication, and stamped components.