Four Generations of Scale Manufacturers – Heading into the Future

For more than 100 years, the Dohmen name has stood for quality weighing technology "Made in Germany". Now in its fourth generation, the family-owned company based in Würselen, Germany, develops and manufactures complex scales for industrial applications, with a particular focus on truck scales and heavy-duty scales.

In these applications, high-performance and robust SysTec weighing indicators are used. Their high degree of flexibility and customizability provides an essential foundation for implementing Waagenbau Dohmen’s challenging projects.
 

Waagenbau Dohmen looks back on over 100 years of history. Where does the company currently stand in terms of its development? 

Marvin Dohmen
Since our founding in 1924, we have evolved from a traditional craft business into a full-service provider of complex weighing systems with automation capabilities.

Two years ago, leadership of the company was passed from the third to the fourth generation. What’s particularly noteworthy is that the new management team combines all the core competencies required for a future-ready company in the weighing industry.

As a business administrator, I am responsible for the commercial areas. My brother Peter, a civil engineer, heads the technical departments as well as software development. Production is jointly managed by our experienced metal fabrication specialists: my cousin Torsten Dohmen (certified metal fabricator) and my youngest brother Martin Dohmen (master metal fabricator).

We are proud to have successfully concluded the first two years following the generational transition – despite the current challenging global economic conditions. A key factor in this success is certainly that we were involved in the company from an early age. Even as children, we were taken along to visit customers and into the workshop. That’s how our passion for scale manufacturing was sparked. We know every aspect of our business from A to Z and are actively involved in day-to-day operations. Whenever we have questions, we can always turn to my father, Martin Dohmen Sr., who is happy to support us with his extensive expertise. The combination of tradition, experience, and a spirit of innovation continues to shape us to this day.

Which markets does your product portfolio target?

Marvin Dohmen
We supply both end customers with turnkey road vehicle and heavy-duty scales, as well as small and medium-sized scale manufacturers with components for vehicle and floor scales. These include, in particular, precast concrete components such as scale bridges, pits, and foundation solutions in numerous variations.

Our scales are designed with durability, precision, quality, and ease of maintenance as top priorities. That is why we have relied on SysTec’s weighing electronics for many years. A simple example illustrates just how precise our systems are: On a custom truck scale with a 30-metric-ton capacity and a resolution of 200 grams, even the additional weight of two chocolate bars would be reliably detected.

A decisive milestone in our company’s development was our move to in-house production of precast concrete components. This allowed us to become independent of suppliers while remaining competitive as a medium-sized company.

Over the years, we have continuously invested in the further development and optimization of our concrete components and automation systems. The result is exceptionally high-quality and practical components developed by scale manufacturers for scale manufacturers.

Why do you use SysTec weighing indicators – what benefits do you see in them?

Marvin Dohmen
We use SysTec weighing indicators because they are highly capable, reliable, and flexible – and these are precisely the qualities that matter most, especially in the field of truck scales.

Our systems are often complex and custom-configured. Therefore, it is important that the weighing electronics can be easily integrated into different systems and offer versatile interfaces. That is exactly what SysTec’s weighing indicators deliver.

Another advantage is their ruggedness in daily use. Vehicle scales are frequently exposed to extreme conditions – such as weather or heavy loads during continuous operation. Here, we need devices with appropriate IP protection ratings that we can rely on over the long term – and that’s exactly what SysTec weighing electronics offer.

At the same time, SysTec weighing indicators stand out for their precise measurement data acquisition and ease of use. The service menus are standardized and SysTec is very widely used in German-speaking countries. This means that if one of our partner companies dispatches a service technician to southern or northern Germany, for example, there’s a high probability that the technician is already familiar with SysTec devices.
In combination with the ability to customize the SysTec weighing indicators using the RTC WIN  development environment, they also form the foundation for efficient and increasingly automated processes.

In short: SysTec offers us the technical reliability, expert advice, and flexibility we need for our projects.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a vehicle scale?

Marvin Dohmen
A vehicle scale depends on the perfect interplay of several factors. The foundation is a robust and durable design, as the scale must withstand heavy loads from vehicles and the elements on a daily basis.

Precision is equally crucial, especially for applications requiring calibration. Measurement results must be reliable and accurate even under changing conditions.

Another increasingly important aspect is integration into operational workflows. Modern truck scales are now part of a comprehensive process system – from data collection and processing to integration with ERP or logistics systems.

Especially in the context of digitalization, driver self-weighing is becoming increasingly important. Drivers can perform weigh-ins independently – for example, via on-site self-service terminals or mobile applications. This reduces staffing requirements, speeds up processes, and enables 24/7 operation.
In this context, apps and digital user interfaces are also playing an increasingly important role. They simplify operation, create transparency, and enable direct communication between the driver, the scale, and the system.

And last but not least, individual customizability is crucial. Every application has its own requirements – whether in the waste management sector, logistics, or industrial environments. That’s why truck scales must have flexible configuration and integrate seamlessly into the respective processes.
In short: A modern truck scale must be robust, precise, digitally integrated, and designed for efficient, highly automated workflows.

In your opinion, what does a medium-sized company need these days to remain in good shape even during difficult economic times? 

Marvin Dohmen
From our perspective, what matters most today is a healthy mix of technical expertise, experience, adaptability, and a clear strategic focus.
As a medium-sized company, it’s important to stay close to our customers and be able to offer customized solutions. Especially in economically challenging times, flexibility is often the deciding factor in how quickly we can respond to changing demands.

A good example of this is our comparatively large inventory: During the COVID pandemic and at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, we were able to maintain our ability to deliver, while other companies were severely limited by just-in-time systems.

Another key factor is the depth of our in-house value creation. Thanks to our in-house manufacturing and broad expertise – ranging from mechanics and electronics to software and calibration – we are significantly more independent and can execute projects in a stable, reliable manner.

At the same time, a strong team plays a decisive role. Expertise, commitment, and good teamwork form the foundation for long-term success.
Last but not least, it is important to invest early in future-oriented areas – such as digitalization, automation, and new business models. This not only helps us work more efficiently but also tap into new market potential.
As a family-owned business, we think in terms of generations: With the upcoming fifth generation, the foundation for the company’s future has already been laid.

Any medium-sized company that remains flexible, consistently builds on its strengths, and, at the same time, remains open to innovation has a good chance of succeeding, even in challenging times. Strong partnerships also play an important role here. With SysTec, we feel we are ideally positioned in the field of weighing electronics.