Kahler Automation traces its lineage back to 1949 when Fairmont native Roy Kahler started Kahler Electric. Eventually his son Wayne created an “automation division” within the company to serve the area’s farming community, doing programmable logic controller work with hog facilities and barn ventilation controls. In the late ‘80s Kahler developed its first Fluid Dispensing System, utilizing weigh tanks to measure chemicals and dispense them into mini-bulk containers; its tremendous success soon spurred the formation of Kahler Automation. Having outgrown their original location on Winnebago Avenue, they’ve been at their 36,000 sq. ft. facility in Fairmont’s Industrial Park since 2007.

Now an industry leader in agricultural and industrial bulk material handling, Kahler continues to develop innovative products and expand into new markets, partnering with farmers cooperatives, chemical and fertilizer manufacturers, agronomy service providers, transportation businesses, equipment manufacturers, construction companies, and producers of food, fiber, and fuel. Kahler’s hardware and software systems measure, blend, and track bulk products around the world, and its panels proudly bear the UL mark of a high-quality panel manufacturer. In addition to dry & liquid bulk material handling of all sorts, Kahler’s truck traffic control technology offers integrated system for site access, vehicle management, and traffic flow for any kind of facility.

Grown from strong ag roots, Kahler has become a global player in industrial automation while supporting the families and communities of 75 employees in southern Minnesota. Careers at Kahler Automation include Electrical Engineer, Software Engineer, Electrical Technician, CAD Specialist, Field Technician, Technical Support, Mechanical Assembly, Sales Manager, Solutions Consultant, and Project Manager, plus opportunities in Finance, Marketing, Training, Inside Sales, and more. Education paths taken by Kahler employees include both four-year degrees — such as computer engineering, electrical engineering, business, etc. — and two-year degrees — commercial wiring, computer aided drafting & design, and industrial instrumentation, among many others.