Search “industrial marking companies” and you get a mixed list. A food-packaging printer sits next to a steel-stamp shop and a laser engraver. They all mark things, but they solve very different problems.
Industrial marking companies fall into five groups. Packaging coders such as Videojet and Domino print dates and lot codes. Part-marking builders such as Gravotech, Telesis and HeatSign make permanent marks on parts. Laser makers include TRUMPF. Consumables brands include Markal. Label makers include Brady. Pick the group first.
This page sorts 25+ companies into those five groups. For each group you get a table: where they are based, who owns them now, and what they sell. Then a quick guide tells you which type to call for your job.
Already know what you need to mark? Send us your part details and we will suggest a method and a machine.
A note on bias: I work for HeatSign, a Chinese maker of dot peen and laser marking machines. Facts about other companies come from their own websites, annual reports and public news releases. We do not link to them, and we did not rank them.
What types of industrial marking companies are there?
There are five types. Coding companies print dates and lot numbers on packaging. Part-marking builders make dot peen, scribe and laser machines for permanent marks. Laser makers sell laser sources and stations. Consumables brands sell paint markers and stamps. Label makers sell durable labels and tags.
Type of company | What it marks, and for how long | Common methods | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
Packaging coding | Dates, lot codes and barcodes on packs. The mark lasts as long as the pack. | Inkjet, thermal transfer, laser coders | Videojet, Linx, Domino, Markem-Imaje |
Part marking machines | Serial numbers and barcodes on metal or plastic parts. The mark lasts the life of the part. | Dot peen, scribe, fiber laser marking, stamping | Gravotech, Telesis, Pryor, SIC Marking |
Laser systems and sources | Marks on parts or packs, often inside a machine built by someone else | Fiber, UV, green and CO2 lasers | TRUMPF, Bystronic Rofin, Keyence |
Marking consumables | Hand marks on stock, welds and work in progress. Often temporary. | Paint markers, layout fluid, hand steel stamps | Markal, Dykem, Sakura, Industrial Marking Products |
Labels and tags | Asset, safety and cable labels. Lasts years if the label stays on. | Printed durable labels, signs, tags | Brady |
Five terms used on this page
- Coding
- Printing changing data, such as a date or lot number, on products as they move down a packing line.
- CIJ (continuous inkjet)
- A printer that shoots tiny ink drops at the pack without touching it. Common on food and drink lines.
- Thermal transfer
- A heated print head melts ink from a ribbon onto film or labels.
- Direct part marking (DPM)
- Putting a mark, such as a Data Matrix code, straight onto the part, not onto a label.
- Dot peen
- A hard pin hits the metal many times to form dots. The mark is pressed in, so it lasts.
Some companies sit in two groups. Keyence sells both laser markers and inkjet coders. Hitachi sells inkjet coders and, through Telesis, dot peen machines. Brady sells labels and, since 2024, part-marking machines.
Which companies make coding equipment for packaging?
The main packaging coding brands are Videojet and Linx (owned by Veralto), Domino (Brother), Markem-Imaje (Dover), Matthews Marking Systems (Matthews International) and Hitachi. They sell inkjet, thermal transfer and laser coders for dates, lot numbers and barcodes on moving packaging.
Company | Based in | Owned by | What they sell |
|---|---|---|---|
Videojet | USA | Veralto | CIJ and thermal inkjet, laser coders, thermal transfer, case coding and labeling |
Linx | St Ives, UK | Veralto | CIJ, laser coders, thermal inkjet, thermal transfer, large-character printers |
Domino | Cambridge, UK | Brother Industries (Japan) | CIJ, laser, print-and-apply labeling, thermal transfer, digital printing |
Markem-Imaje | US base in New Hampshire | Dover Corporation | Inkjet, thermal transfer, laser, print-and-apply labeling, traceability software |
Matthews Marking Systems | Pennsylvania, USA | Matthews International | High-resolution and large-character inkjet, laser coders, inks |
Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems | Japan | Hitachi, Ltd. | CIJ printers; laser and dot peen through companies it bought |
Most coding brands sit inside large groups. That is good for service reach. Linx, for example, sells through independent distributors in 100+ countries.
Smaller names exist too. REA JET in Germany is owner-managed and sells inkjet, laser and spray marking. Squid Ink in Minnesota makes large-character inkjet printers and inks.
Coders print data that changes every batch. They are not built to leave a mark that survives paint, heat or wear. For that, you need the next group.
Want to print dates without ink? A laser coder burns the date into the pack or its label. See how a laser coding machine works on a packing line.
Which companies build permanent part marking machines?
For permanent marks on parts, look at part-marking makers: Gravotech, Telesis, MECCO, Pryor, SIC Marking, Columbia Marking Tools, Technomark and Markator. They build dot peen, scribe and laser machines. Gravotech and MECCO now belong to Brady, and Telesis to Hitachi.
Company | Based in | Owned by | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
Gravotech | France | Brady Corporation (since 2024) | Dot peen, scribe, laser, engraving |
Telesis Technologies | Ohio, USA | Hitachi (since 2022) | Dot peen, scribe, laser |
MECCO | Pittsburgh area, USA | Brady Corporation (since 2025) | Dot peen incl. deep, scribe, laser |
Pryor | Sheffield, UK | A charitable trust | Hand stamps, dot peen, scribe, laser |
SIC Marking | France | Independent group | Dot peen, scribe, laser, barcode readers |
Columbia Marking Tools | Michigan, USA | No parent listed | Stamps, roll marking, dot peen, laser |
Technomark | France | Independent | Dot peen, laser |
Markator | Germany | Independent | Dot peen, scribe, mobile fiber laser marker |
These makers sell the mark that has to outlive the part: a VIN on a chassis, a serial number on a valve, a Data Matrix code on an engine block. A Data Matrix is a small square barcode, a bit like a QR code, used to track parts.
The method matters more than the brand. If the part will be galvanized or blasted, you need a deep mark from pneumatic dot peen. If the part is finished, a fiber laser marking machine is quicker and makes finer marks.
We compared ten of these makers in detail, with public prices and a method guide by process. See metal marking machine manufacturers compared.
Marking serial numbers on metal parts?
We build pneumatic, electric and handheld dot peen markers. Pneumatic machines mark about 1 mm deep.
Which companies make laser marking systems and laser sources?
TRUMPF makes TruMark marking lasers and enclosed stations. Bystronic Rofin, formerly part of Coherent, sells PowerLine marking lasers for integrators (firms that build them into machines and lines). Keyence sells laser markers and UV laser coders. Trotec and Epilog mainly build engraving and cutting machines, with marking as one line.
Laser companies come in two kinds. Some sell the laser source, which another firm builds into a machine. Others sell a finished station you can put on a bench or a line.
Company | Based in | Owned by | What they sell for marking |
|---|---|---|---|
TRUMPF | Ditzingen, Germany | Family-owned | TruMark marking lasers and enclosed TruMark Stations |
Bystronic Rofin | Near Munich, Germany | Bystronic (since early 2026) | PowerLine marking lasers (infrared, green, UV) for integrators and lines |
Keyence | Osaka, Japan | Listed company | Fiber, UV, CO2 and green laser markers; UV laser coder; CIJ printers |
Trotec | Marchtrenk, Austria | TroGroup | CO2 and fiber engraving and cutting machines; galvo (mirror-steered) laser markers |
Epilog | Golden, Colorado, USA | Not public | CO2 engraving and cutting machines; a fiber galvo marker; sold through dealers |
A recent change. Coherent sold its materials processing tools business to Bystronic at the end of January 2026. That business, including the PowerLine marking lasers, now trades as Bystronic Rofin. Older lists that name “Coherent” as a marking brand are out of date.
Trotec and Epilog are well known, but their main market is engraving and cutting: signs, awards, gifts and small shops. For serial numbers on industrial parts, compare them with part-marking makers too.
Need a laser marker, not just a laser source?
We build complete desktop, enclosed and inline fiber laser marking machines, ready to use.
Who sells marking consumables: paint markers, steel stamps and labels?
Paint markers come from Markal (LA-CO Industries), Dykem (ITW) and Sakura. Hand steel stamps come from Pryor, Columbia Marking Tools and custom shops like Industrial Marking Products. Durable labels and tags come from Brady. These suit low volume or temporary marks.
Brand | Owned by | What they sell | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
Markal | LA-CO Industries (Chicago, since 1934) | Paint sticks, valve-action paint markers | Marking steel, welds and pipe on site |
Dykem | ITW Pro Brands | Layout fluid (a dye that makes scribed lines easy to see), paint markers | Layout lines on metal before machining |
Sakura Solid Marker | Sakura Color Products (Osaka) | Solid paint markers | Writing on oily, wet or rusty surfaces |
Industrial Marking Products | Family business (Holt, Michigan, since 1982) | Custom steel stamps and type holders | Stamping part numbers by hand or in a press |
American Marking | Distributor (Alabama) | Markers, inks, stencils, coding supplies | Buying many brands from one source |
Brady Corporation | Listed company (Milwaukee) | Durable labels, signs, label printers | Asset, safety and cable labels |
Two facts people often get wrong. Markal is not an ITW brand. It belongs to LA-CO Industries, a family business that private equity firm MPE Partners invested in during 2024. Dykem is the ITW brand.
Paint marks wear off, and labels can peel or burn. If an inspector or a customer must read the mark years later, go back to the part-marking group.
Who owns whom in industrial marking?
Most large marking brands sit inside a few groups. Veralto owns Videojet and Linx. Brother owns Domino. Dover owns Markem-Imaje. Brady bought Gravotech and MECCO. Hitachi bought Telesis. Bystronic bought Coherent’s marking laser business in early 2026.
Parent group | Marking brands it owns | Since |
|---|---|---|
Veralto | Videojet, Linx | Linx joined Danaher in 2005. Veralto split from Danaher in September 2023. |
Brother Industries | Domino | June 2015 |
Dover Corporation | Markem-Imaje | Wholly owned |
Matthews International | Matthews Marking Systems | Its own business, not bought in |
Hitachi | Hitachi coders, Telesis, Photon Energy | Telesis and Photon Energy in 2022 |
Brady Corporation | Brady labels, Gravotech, MECCO | Gravotech August 2024, MECCO August 2025 |
Bystronic | Bystronic Rofin (former Coherent marking lasers) | End of January 2026 |
ITW | Dykem | Part of ITW Pro Brands |
LA-CO Industries | Markal, Tempil | Family-owned; MPE Partners invested in 2024 |
TroGroup | Trotec, Trodat | Trotec grew out of Trodat in 1997 |
Why should a buyer care? After a takeover, dealers can change, model ranges merge and software gets replaced. The machine you buy today needs parts and support for ten years or more.
Before you sign, ask three questions:
- Who will service this machine in my country: the maker, the new parent or a dealer?
- Will this model and its software stay in the range for the next five years?
- How long are spare parts guaranteed, and how fast do they ship?
Which type of marking company should you call for your job?
Ask three questions. Where does the mark go: on a pack or on the part? How long must it last: weeks or the life of the part? How fast is the line? Packs on a fast line need a coder. Parts that must stay traceable need a part-marking maker.
Your job | Call this type | Why |
|---|---|---|
Best-before dates and lot codes on food packs | Packaging coding company | The data changes every batch, and the coder keeps up with the line |
Serial numbers on steel parts that will be galvanized | Part-marking maker: pneumatic dot peen | The mark must be at least 0.8 mm (1/32 in) deep to survive the zinc |
Data Matrix codes on finished metal or plastic parts | Part-marking or laser maker: fiber or UV laser marking machine | Fine, high-contrast barcodes that a reader can grade |
Text and barcodes on cables, pipes or cartons moving on a line | Laser coder or flying laser maker | Marks while the product moves, with no ink to buy |
Marks on stock, welds or cut pieces in the shop | Consumables brand: paint markers | Cheap and fast; the mark only has to last until the next step |
A few numbers a day on metal | Hand steel stamps or a handheld dot peen marker | Low cost for low volume |
Asset tags, safety signs, cable labels | Label maker | The item needs a printed label, not a mark in its surface |
Torn between a laser and dot peen for parts? See laser marking vs dot peen marking for the trade-offs.
Not sure which row you are in?
Tell us the part or product, the material and your line speed. We will tell you which type of machine fits, even if it is not one we sell.
Where does a smaller part-marking maker fit?
A smaller maker fits when you need one or a few machines, a lower price, and can work with remote support. HeatSign is one such maker: its dot peen markers, fiber laser marking machines and flying laser coders cost about $1,500–9,000. It does not make CIJ printers or labels.
Where we fit, plainly
- HeatSign has built marking machines in Wuxi, China, since 2016, for buyers in 40+ countries.
- We make 30+ models: dot peen markers, fiber, MOPA, UV and CO2 laser marking machines, and flying laser coders for production lines.
- Every machine runs 48–72 hours before it ships, and we test the laser power on a meter.
- We support by email, WhatsApp and remote desktop. We do not have our own technicians abroad.
If you need a coder for a fast food line, or a label system, call a group 1 or group 5 company. If you need part marking or inline laser coding, start here:
Deep, permanent marks on metal: pneumatic dot peenAbout 1 mm deep on standard machines. Rotary axis available. $1,500–2,800.See the pneumatic marker → 
Marks on finished parts: fiber laser marking machine20–60 W desktop machines for metal and some plastics. $1,950–5,000.See fiber laser marking machines → 
Dates and serials on a moving line: flying laserFiber, CO2 or UV, for cables, pipes, cartons and packs. No ink. $3,800–9,000.See flying laser machines →Industrial Marking Companies FAQ
Who owns Videojet?
Videojet belongs to Veralto, which also owns Linx. Veralto was spun off from Danaher as its own listed company in September 2023. Before that, both brands were part of Danaher.
Does Coherent still sell laser markers?
Coherent sold its materials processing tools business, including the PowerLine marking lasers, to Bystronic at the end of January 2026. That business now trades as Bystronic Rofin, near Munich.
What is the difference between coding and direct part marking?
Coding prints changing data, like dates and lot numbers, on packaging as it moves. Direct part marking puts a permanent mark, often a Data Matrix code, on the part itself. Its quality is graded under ISO/IEC 29158. See Data Matrix vs QR code for which one to use.
Can one company do both coding and part marking?
Yes. Keyence sells laser markers and inkjet coders. Hitachi sells coders and, through Telesis, dot peen machines. Brady now sells labels and part-marking machines. HeatSign builds part-marking machines and flying laser coders for inline dates and serials.
Are paint markers a permanent marking method?
No. Paint markers are good for marking stock, welds and parts in progress. The paint wears off, and blasting or heat removes it. For a mark that lasts the life of the part, use dot peen, stamping or laser.
How do I check a marking company before I buy?
Ask for marks on your own part, a settled power reading for lasers, a burn-in record, a spare parts list and a delivered quote. Our five-point check is in metal marking machine manufacturers compared.
The costly mistake is calling the wrong type of company. A coder cannot give you a mark that survives galvanizing, and a dot peen maker cannot keep up with a bottling line. Work out where the mark goes and how long it must last. Then shortlist inside that group, and check who owns each company now.
Sources
- Veralto annual report (Form 10-K): Videojet and Linx
- Brady Corporation news releases: Gravotech and MECCO acquisitions
- Hitachi, Ltd. news release: Telesis Technologies acquisition
- Coherent and Bystronic news releases: sale of the materials processing tools business
- American Galvanizers Association, Marking parts for galvanizing
- ISO/IEC 29158, Direct part mark quality guideline
- Company facts: each company’s own website. We do not link to other companies’ sites.
