Automation often gets a bad reputation. We hear about machines replacing workers, about skills becoming obsolete, and about technology taking over.

At Metromation, we believe automation should open doors, not close them. We see a different purpose: using measurement and automation to empower people, not replace them.

For many who lost stable industrial jobs in recent decades, retraining often feels out of reach. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and doesn’t guarantee meaningful work. Automation, when done right, changes this. By simplifying complex processes, it allows people to operate advanced systems without requiring years of study. It brings dignity, ownership, and purpose back to work. And use the most valuable human superpower: Creativity.

Small and Medium Enterprises: A Home for Creativity

We’ve seen it in Germany: SMEs (the “Mittelstand”) are the backbone of innovation and community resilience. They think in decades, not quarters. They give people a home where ideas matter and where individual contribution makes a difference.

In the United States, we can come back to this. Automation and precise measurement are tools that SMEs can use to compete while staying true to their human-centered values. They help small teams do big things without sacrificing purpose.

Supporting Change-Makers in Every Organization

We also recognize there are pioneers inside large corporations who fight every day to bring long-term thinking into environments ruled by quarterly targets. They want to build systems that are efficient and people-friendly. We see them, and we support them.

Building a Data-Driven Future—Step by Step

For some, it starts with a single measurement instrument that brings immediate control and insight. For others, it grows into automation systems that enhance consistency and quality. Over time, these tools create the foundation for data-driven decisions and AI-enabled improvements that help organizations stay competitive while remaining human.

Our Commitment

At Metromation, we believe:

  • Automation should serve people.
  • Measurement and automation should be accessible, scalable, and practical.
  • Technology should create opportunities, not take them away.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a change-maker inside a larger organization, we’re here to support your mission.

Metromation recently participated in the 2025 CoatingsTech Conference in Pittsburgh, where our CEO Ralph J. Woerheide, together with Dr. David Fairhurst and Dr. Ravi Sharma, was honored with the Best Paper Award. The recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to advancing measurement technologies for the coatings industry and delivering practical innovations for R&D, QC, and production environments.

Beyond the award, the event was a great opportunity to connect with peers, gain fresh insights, and enjoy the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of Pittsburgh in springtime.

Just a few days later, on May 1, we had the privilege of introducing SpraySpy, our advanced spray pattern analysis system, to the Detroit Society for Coatings Technology. The presentation was met with great interest and enthusiastic feedback, reinforcing the value of precision and transparency in application processes.

Looking ahead, we are excited to join the Great Lakes Coatings Conference in Ann Arbor from June 10–12. Metromation will present three of its key technologies:

  • Liquid Color Measurement (LCM)

  • MagnoMeter from Mageleka Inc.

  • And lead sessions on automation and smart production for the coatings industry

We look forward to meeting industry professionals, sharing ideas, and driving the conversation around digital transformation in coatings.

Metromation will focus on testing equipment, production equipment, and related services. In January, our chemical business was transitioned to NASOTIC Inc. (www.nasotic.com), a company founded by Ralph Woerheide with the vision of delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to the chemical industry. NASOTIC specializes in high-quality fine chemicals that support innovation across the paint and coatings industry and beyond.

One of NASOTIC’s standout products is PS-GPS, a smart additive that suppresses microbial growth in water-based systems—without the need for traditional preservatives like MIT/CMIT or bronopol. Since PS-GPS is not classified as a biocide, it requires no special labeling and is not subject to the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), simplifying compliance. Made from TSCA-listed ingredients, it delivers proven long-term stability—even after 28 days at 40°C and multiple microbial challenges—and is effective at low dosages between 0.6–1.6%.

Ralph wrote an article about AI, its challenges for the Paint and Coatings Industry which was published in the well recognized PCI Magazine. You will find it here. Have fun!

Starting January 1, 2025, Metromation will serve as the exclusive sales partner of ORONTEC in Germany. Metromation’s founder and president, Ralph, co-founded ORONTEC in 2014, pioneering the development of Liquid Color Measurement (LCM) technology for the paint and coatings industry. Since its inception, this innovation has empowered companies worldwide, significantly reducing color testing times and boosting productivity.

Metromation is excited to build on this success in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, leveraging synergies with other advanced solutions for precise and efficient testing in or near production environments.

Liquid Color Measurement exemplifies a key component of the “Smart Paint Factory” vision—a concept championed by Ralph in collaboration with industry partners. With its ability to deliver full digital integration, utilize digital color standards, and support a high degree of automation, LCM is the ideal solution for companies looking to meet the increasing technical demands of modern paint systems, accelerate product development cycles, and streamline paint production.