Our history and brands

Bringing together the best minds and experiences to deliver more

Ascential Technologies Test & Measurement Systems was born of like-minded, sector-leading companies that have come together to engineer innovative solutions for our customers’ greatest manufacturing and design problems. From 18 organizations, we are one united company committed to delivering our collective industry-specific domain expertise and enabling our customers to realize safe, cost-effective,Β and reliable products and services.

These brands now operate as integrated technology competence centers, supported by shared engineering and a unified global service structure.

Built to last. Evolving to lead.

Burke E. Porter Machinery Company, our flagship company, was founded in 1953 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, and produces high-quality, high-durability machinery. Since then, we have continued to grow through thoughtful acquisitions. Today, Ascential Technologies Test & Measurement Systems was formed to coalesce these brands and lead this family of intelligent technologies into the future.

2025

Introduction of Ascential Care & Ascentialytics

In May, Ascential Care launches with Ascentialytics for connected-asset performance management. The wrap around program ensures strong lifetime value for customers.

2025

Introduction of Hub and Steerable Dynos

Introduction of Hub and Steerable Dynos (January): Ascential Technologies announces its latest additions to its expansive dynamometer portfolio, its hub and steerable dynos. These key dynos will optimize and accelerate testing and validation for electric and autonomous vehicles.

2025

Establishment of Aerospace Business Unit

Ascential Technologies restructures its Test & Measurement Systems division to incorporate an Aerospace & Industrials business unit to better clarify its capabilities within the aerospace market. Transportation also pivots to a business unit under T&M instead of a stand-alone division to minimize complexity.

2024

Introduction of the Test & Measurement Systems Division

Ascential Technologies rebrands its General Industries division as Ascential Technologies Test & Measurement Systems. Five brands unify under one division.

2023

Brand Consolidation & Rebrand to Ascential Technologies

Burke Porter Group rebrands as Ascential Technologies and organizes its portfolio into three divisions.

2018

WinterPark Engineering Partnership & Acquisition

BPG announces a strategic consulting partnership with WinterPark Engineering, then acquires the company in September.

2018

Acquisition of Galileo TP Process Equipment

BPG acquires Galileo TP Process Equipment in Italy.

2018

Purchase of Van Hoecke Automation

BPG expands in Europe with Van Hoecke Automation in Belgium.

2018

Acquisition of Titan

BPG acquires Titan, a leader in engineered test stands and automated assembly systems.

2017

LISMAR Joins the Fold

BPG acquires LISMAR, a global leader in NDT for the steel and aluminum industry.

2016

Acquisition of Kleinknecht

BPG acquires Kleinknecht, specialists in EDT, testing, drive systems, and more.

2016

Formation of Burke Porter Group

Burke Porter Group is formed to tell the growth story by acquisition.

2015

BEPCO Acquires Epic Equipment & Engineering

BEPCO acquires Epic Equipment & Engineering for powertrain automation.

2015

BEPCO Acquires CIMAT

BEPCO acquires CIMAT, makers of production and aftermarket balancers.

2015

BEPCO Acquires Universal Balancing

BEPCO acquires Universal Balancing, developer of high production balancing machines.

2015

BEPCO Acquired by ECIL

BEPCO is acquired by ECIL, an affiliate of China Everbright Limited.

2014

Expansion Planning for Powertrain & Balancing

BEPCO starts planning expansion into powertrain and balancing markets.

2012

Acquisition of XL Machine Company

BEPCO acquires XL Machine Company, supplier of precision machined components.

2006

Strategic Reframe Around Intelligent Machines

Leadership reframes strategy around mission critical intelligent machines and integrated assembly solutions.

1997 - 2003

Global Expansion Continues

Expansion into South America, Europe, India, and China, including a facility in Wuxi.

1990

EPA & CARB Adoption of BEPCO Dynos

EPA and CARB begin purchasing BEPCO dynamometers to meet new standards.

1988 - 89

Expansion into Korea & Europe

Expansion into Korea and Europe with BEP Europe headquartered in Brugge.

1955

First Automotive Roller Benches

BEPCO enters the automotive industry with roller benches and starts custom solutions by 1956.

1953

Company Founded

Founded in 1953 as Burke E. Porter Machinery Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ascential by the numbers

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years of innovation

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experts

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locations globally

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countries we call home

Our brands include:

The Cimat brand is recognized as a global leader in precision balancing. From aircraft rotors to ventilators, their intelligent balancing machines combine advanced mechanical, electronic, and pneumatic systems with custom software. Their solutions serve both high-volume production and specialized workshop needs.

Propulsion & Powertrain

The Epic Engineering and Universal Balancing brands are well-known in the automotive space, providing gauge-based assembly solutions for BEV, ICE, or hybrid vehicles. They deliver cutting-edge assembly, balance, and test systems for powertrain and propulsion applications, such as engines, axles, and e-mobility systems. They can handle the entire end-to-end solution for every single piece on a drivetrain – right down to the wheel and tire marriage.

The Galileo brand is known for its specialization in end-of-line inspection, leak testing, and filling systems, particularly for the white goods sector. They offer helium leak detection, pressure decay testing, and fully automated robotic testing and filling systems that ensure defect-free appliances.

Automated conveyor system in a factory setting with metal rollers, machinery, and various equipment visible in a clean, industrial environment.
Three workers in safety helmets operate and inspect large industrial machinery inside a spacious factory or manufacturing facility.

The Kleinknecht brand is known worldwide for providing advanced engineered systems for the steel-processing industry, as well as for paper mills, pipe mills and other industries. They support critical inspection, automation, and measurement needs in heavy industry.

The Lismar brand is credited for innovation in non-destructive ultrasonic and eddy-current inspection systems, especially for steel mill roll shops. Their systems enable real-time grinding control and defect detection, helping to reduce downtime and improve quality.

A large industrial lathe machine with an orange overhead arm is operated by a worker in a factory setting.

The Titan brand brings over half a century of experience in hydraulic and powertrain test systems. They are remarkable at designing test rigs and automated assembly platforms for sectors like aerospace, agriculture, and industrial machinery, with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

Engineering & OBD Consulting

The Winterpark brand is well-known in the automotive, railroad, and marine industries for providing excellence and engineering guidance in product development and testing. They are also the premier resource to automakers for laboratory products and OBD consulting services for emissions testing and certification, helping automakers comply with global regulations.