At least two Chinese businesses operate under the “Guanglu” name, which can lead to ambiguity. The most prominent Guanglu in the precision-tool sector is the measuring-instrument brand of Guilin Guanglu Measuring Instrument Co., Ltd. (桂林广陆数字测控有限公司). A separate entity, Guanglu Motor, operates in Zhejiang province and manufactures electric motors.14

This article focuses on Guanglu (brand styling: GuangLu) as a manufacturer of precision measuring instruments and digital metrology equipment.

Guanglu (Chinese: 广陆) is a Chinese manufacturer specialising in precision measuring instruments and digital metrology equipment. Its product catalogue includes digital calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, height gauges, depth gauges and other instruments used in manufacturing, machining, quality control and industrial inspection. The brand is operated by Guilin Guanglu Measuring Instrument Co., Ltd., headquartered in Guilin, Guangxi, China.1

The company traces its origins to 1989 with the establishment of Guilin Guanglu Measuring Instrument Works. It subsequently expanded its manufacturing operations to become a major Chinese producer of electronic and digital measuring instruments.1

1989–1990s: Establishment

Guanglu began operations in 1989 as a measuring-instrument manufacturer in Guilin. During its early development, the company concentrated on precision measurement tools, particularly in the emerging field of electronic digital measuring instruments.2

In 1998, the company obtained ISO 9000 certification, marking an early step toward formalised international quality-management practices. The following year, it acquired land in Guilin’s High-Tech Industrial Zone and relocated its operations to the new facility.2

2000s: Expansion and digital measurement

Throughout the 2000s, Guanglu increasingly focused on digital measurement technology, specifically electronic digital calipers and capacitive-sensor-based measuring instruments. The company became associated with the development of China’s digital measuring-tool industry and expanded its product range to include digital calipers, micrometers and indicators.1

A significant corporate milestone occurred in October 2007 when the company was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under stock code 002175.1

2010s–2020s: Precision and intelligent manufacturing

Guanglu subsequently expanded beyond conventional digital calipers into a broader portfolio of precision and intelligent measurement products. The company states it has accumulated more than 100 patents and participated in the formulation or revision of more than 50 national and industry standards. It also reports developing absolute-origin displacement sensors and IP67-rated waterproof displacement-sensor technology.1

More recently, the company has emphasised automation, digitalisation and intelligent manufacturing. This includes the implementation of ERP, MES and PLM management systems alongside the development of an intelligent-factory programme.1

Guanglu’s core business is dimensional measurement. Its product portfolio encompasses both traditional mechanical instruments and electronic or digital devices.1

Digital calipers

Digital calipers are among Guanglu’s signature products. The range includes:

• Standard digital calipers
• Absolute-origin digital calipers
• Waterproof digital calipers
• Specialised and non-standard calipers
• Depth calipers
• Groove-measuring calipers
• Left-handed calipers
• Universal and multi-purpose digital calipers

Certain models utilise an absolute-position measurement system, allowing the instrument to retain positional data and reducing reliance on repeated zero-setting.1

Micrometers

Guanglu produces both electronic and mechanical micrometers, including:

• Outside micrometers
• Digital micrometers
• Groove micrometers
• Spline micrometers
• Specialised micrometers
• Depth micrometers
• Three-point internal micrometers
• Application-specific micrometers

Specifications vary by model; for example, one mechanical outside micrometer is rated with a 0–25 mm measuring range, 0.01 mm graduation and ±0.004 mm accuracy.1

Dial indicators and digital indicators

The company manufactures a variety of indicators and accessories:

• Digital dial indicators
• Mechanical dial indicators
• Lever-type indicators
• Indicator accessories
• Magnetic bases and holders

These instruments are commonly employed for checking runout, displacement, alignment and dimensional variation.

Height and depth measurement

Guanglu’s catalogue includes height gauges and depth gauges designed for applications requiring measurements relative to a reference surface.1

Specialised measuring instruments

A key aspect of Guanglu’s product strategy is its emphasis on application-specific measurement tools rather than solely commodity calipers and micrometers. The catalogue includes specialised instruments for measuring grooves, hole centres, thicknesses, splines and other complex geometries.1

Guanglu positions itself primarily as a precision-metrology technology company rather than simply a hand-tool manufacturer. A major technological focus is the development of digital displacement sensors. The company states that its absolute-origin displacement-sensor and IP67 waterproof displacement-sensor technologies have reached internationally advanced levels.1

Its digital instruments typically incorporate features such as:

• Absolute positioning
• Digital displays
• Metric and inch conversion
• Arbitrary-position zeroing
• Data-output interfaces
• Waterproof protection
• Electronic data collection
• Specialised measurement functions

Some digital calipers support zeroing at any position and metric/imperial conversion, while certain models feature multiple interchangeable measuring jaws or tips.1

Guanglu has historically described itself as one of China’s major producers of digital measuring instruments. Corporate information indicates that production capacity reached approximately 1.6 million sets per year, with more than 70% of products exported to Europe, the Americas and other international markets. The company states its products reach more than 30 countries and regions.1

The company operates modernised production and management systems and has invested in automation and intelligent manufacturing. Its stated strategy involves moving toward increasingly automated, digital and intelligent production processes.1

Although Guanglu is a Chinese brand, its products are sold globally. The company reports that more than 70% of its production is exported, serving markets in Europe, North America and other regions.1

International trademark activity confirms that GUANGLU/广陆 is used in connection with measuring instruments. A Madrid international trademark registration associated with Guilin Guanglu covers a broad range of measurement products, including calipers, micrometers, gauges, measuring rules, height-measuring instruments and precision measuring apparatus.3

Guanglu states it has obtained several management-system and product certifications, including:

• Quality management system certification
• Environmental management system certification
• Measurement management system certification
• Occupational health and safety management certification
• Weapons and equipment quality management certification
• CE product certification
• Safety-production standardisation recognition

The company also emphasises compliance with applicable Chinese national and industry standards.1

The Guanglu brand is positioned around three core concepts: precision, digitalisation and industrial reliability. Its traditional strength lies in precision hand measurement, particularly digital calipers and micrometers. Concurrently, the company has moved toward sophisticated digital measurement, sensors, data interfaces and automated measurement solutions.

The company’s stated philosophy is “Integrity first, technology-driven” (诚信为本，科技立业), describing integrity as the foundation of its brand and innovation as the driving force behind the company.1

Guanglu is regarded as a major Chinese industrial metrology brand rather than a general consumer-tool brand. Its products occupy the same broad category as international manufacturers of precision measurement equipment such as Mitutoyo, Starrett and Mahr, although these companies differ substantially in size, market positioning, product breadth and geographic focus.

Guanglu’s significance lies in its role in the development and mass production of Chinese electronic digital measuring tools. The company describes its digital-caliper products as having played a leading role in China’s digital measuring-tool sector.1

Long history

The brand has been involved in precision measurement since 1989, providing it with more than three decades of industry experience.1

Digital-measurement heritage

Unlike manufacturers specialising primarily in traditional mechanical tools, Guanglu developed a significant business around electronic digital measurement.

Broad product range

The company offers calipers, micrometers, indicators, height and depth gauges, and specialised measuring instruments rather than focusing on a single product category.

Sensor technology

Investment in absolute-origin and displacement-sensor technology forms a central part of its technological identity.1

Export experience

A substantial portion of Guanglu’s production is exported, giving the brand considerable experience serving international industrial customers.1

It is important to distinguish between Guanglu measuring instruments and Guanglu Motor, as they are not the same company.

The measuring-instrument brand is associated with Guilin Guanglu Measuring Instrument Co., Ltd. in Guilin, Guangxi, and traces its history to 1989.1

Guanglu Motor is associated with China Guanglu Electrical Co., Ltd. in Taizhou/Wenling, Zhejiang, and manufactures electric motors. Its website lists products including IEC/GOST motors and aluminium- and cast-iron-frame motors with power ratings from 0.09 kW to 630 kW.4

Readers researching calipers, micrometers or measuring tools should refer to Guilin Guanglu, while those researching electric motors should consult the separate Guanglu Motor business.

1. 企业简介_关于广陆_广陆量具官网｜桂林广陆数字测控有限公司 – Powered by guanglu
2. Guanglu Instruments Co., Ltd
3. Intellectual Property Center, 28 Upper McKinley Rd.
4. Guanglu-Build smart products and set a model for the industry