The Brookfield Story: Where Innovation Meets Integrity
The legacy of AMETEK Brookfield begins in a small lab and stretches across the globe. In 1934, Don Brookfield Sr., a forward-thinking MIT graduate, set out to create an instrument that didn’t yet exist—a better way to measure viscosity. That invention marked the beginning of a revolution in quality control instrumentation.
From the development of the world’s first dial-reading viscometer to technologies that supported WWII radar efforts, Brookfield’s history is deeply rooted in engineering excellence and practical innovation. Over time, our portfolio has expanded to include texture analysis, powder flow testing, moisture analysis, and toxic gas detection.
Milestones of Progress
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1934: First viscometer developed and sold
- 1939–1945: Contribution to the war effort with advanced electronics
- Post-War Era: ASTM standards adopted Brookfield measurements
- 2017: Acquisition of Arizona Instruments, adding Computrac® and Jerome® analyzers
- Today: Global network of support and a legacy of trusted innovation
Global Impact
Brookfield instruments are found in labs, plants, and field operations across the world. Our technology is relied upon to ensure safety, compliance, and product quality in virtually every sector of manufacturing and research.
Pioneering Then. Leading Now
We honor our past by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in measurement science—because accuracy is timeless.
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The story of Brookfield is one of innovation and entrepreneurship, ignited by Mr. Don Brookfield Sr., an electro-chemical engineer and a 1932 graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). While exploring options to measure the physical characteristics of synthetic resins, Don declared to his father, “I can build a better one.”
Don sold his first dial-reading viscometer in 1934, establishing the foundation of a company that would become a leader in its field.
In 1939, seizing the opportunity to dedicate himself fully to his promising business, Don Brookfield Sr. left his position at the Gillette Co. in Boston. His timing was pivotal, coinciding with the challenges and opportunities presented by the onset of World War II. During this period, the company not only continued to refine its viscometer designs but also made significant contributions to the war effort. Brookfield Engineering introduced technologies, including the cathode for airborne radar and advanced radio instrumentation, playing a role in defense capabilities.
Together with his father and brothers, Don incorporated the business and launched the Brookfield Dial Reading Synchro-Electric Viscometer—a product that would set the global standard for viscosity measurement.
In the post-war era, as the ASTM developed standards specifically for the Brookfield Viscometer, the landscape of industrial measurement was forever transformed. This period also marked a rapid expansion for the company, with the introduction of new instruments.
Brookfield's viscometers and rheometers became essential tools across many industries, including foods, paints and coatings, and pharmaceuticals. Over time, product offerings extended into software, and complementary instrumentation for texture analysis and powder flow testers, as well.
The acquisition of Arizona Instruments in 2017 expanded the Brookfield product lines to include: 1) Computrac®, designed to measure moisture content and a safe, easy, precise alternative to Karl Fischer titration method, and 2) Jerome®, analyzers for detecting and measuring toxic gases, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and mercury (Hg).
Today, AMETEK Brookfield is a leading provider of scientific instrumentation, specializing in material characterization to ensure quality control and product consistency across various industries. Known for precision, reliability, and ease of use, the global network offers comprehensive support, including calibration, certification, repair, on-site services, application engineering, training programs, and sample testing. Their instruments help industries maintain high standards, comply with regulations, and optimize processes. Celebrating 90 years of innovation in 2024, AMETEK Brookfield continues to uphold its reputation for high-quality, accurate instruments, emphasizing customer focus and advancing material characterization.