Behind the Scenes at Caddbro
Experiencing the Leica TS20 and Meeting the Team That Keeps Surveying Equipment Performing at Its Best
There are some companies that leave a lasting impression, and for me, Caddbro is certainly one of them. My relationship with the team goes back several years to when I sent my Leica TS15 total station for calibration and servicing. I still remember the moment it returned. The instrument looked, felt, and performed like it had just left the factory. That experience alone demonstrated the level of care, technical expertise, and attention to detail that Caddbro brings to every instrument that passes through their workshop.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Caddbro office and service centre once again, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The visit provided a unique insight into the work that happens behind the scenes to keep surveying equipment operating at the highest possible standards. It also gave me the chance to spend time with the team, see their workshop in action, and, most excitingly, get hands-on experience with the latest Leica AI powered TS20 robotic total station.
Main highlights of the visit - opportunity to use and test the TS20!
One of the main highlights of the visit was the opportunity to use and test the TS20. While I had previously seen demonstrations of the instrument during industry roadshows and events, this was my first chance to properly work with it and experience its capabilities in practice.
TS20 represents the latest generation of high-performance robotic total stations, combining advanced automation, intelligent target recognition, exceptional accuracy, and seamless field workflows. Paired with the Leica AP20 AutoPole, the entire system delivers a level of efficiency that has to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated.
What immediately stood out was the speed and responsiveness of the instrument. Target recognition was incredibly smooth, tracking performance was impressive, and the integration between hardware and software felt effortless. The TS20’s ability to recognise and lock onto targets quickly helps streamline surveying operations, reducing downtime and increasing productivity on site.
As surveying technology continues to evolve, instruments such as the Leica TS20 demonstrate how automation and intelligent workflows are transforming the way surveyors, engineers, and construction professionals collect and manage spatial data. It was fascinating to see these capabilities in action rather than simply hearing about them during product demonstrations.
Workshop and Wervice Wepartment at work
Beyond the technology itself, one of the most valuable aspects of the visit was seeing the workshop and service department at work. Surveyors often rely on their instruments every day but rarely get to see what happens when equipment is sent away for servicing, calibration, repair, or refurbishment.
Walking through the workshop provided an appreciation for the level of expertise required to maintain modern surveying equipment. I saw instruments in various stages of repair, including some that had suffered significant damage and would have been written off by many people. Watching the technicians diagnose faults, rebuild components, recalibrate systems, and restore equipment to full working order was genuinely impressive.
It reinforced something I have always believed: the quality of a surveying instrument is only part of the equation. The quality of the support, servicing, and technical expertise behind that instrument is equally important.
Another highlight of the day was spending time with Simon, Arif, and Lee. We had some excellent conversations covering surveying technology, equipment maintenance, industry challenges, training, education, and the future direction of our profession.
Of course, no visit to Caddbro would be complete without experiencing what has become something of a tradition – the famous Caddbro Pie and Mash experience 🙂 Great food combined with great conversations made for an enjoyable and memorable day, reinforcing the friendly and welcoming culture that exists throughout the company.
Caddbro is making a genuine Contribution to the future of the Profession
I would also like to personally thank Caddbro for their ongoing support of surveying education and professional development. Their contribution of a Leica TS16 total station for training purposes has been invaluable to the Academy and the students who attend our programmes.
Access to professional surveying equipment is essential for developing practical skills and preparing students for real-world projects. By supporting training initiatives and helping future surveyors gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technology, Caddbro is making a genuine contribution to the future of the profession.
This commitment to education demonstrates that their focus extends far beyond equipment sales, servicing, and hire. They understand the importance of investing in people and helping to develop the next generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of the surveying and engineering industries.
In an industry where technical expertise is essential, what truly differentiates Caddbro is the people behind the business. There is a genuine family atmosphere that runs throughout the company, combined with a passion for surveying technology and a commitment to customer service that is increasingly difficult to find.
Every interaction feels personal. The team genuinely cares about the success of their customers and takes pride in helping surveyors and engineers get the very best performance from their equipment. That passion is evident whether they are calibrating a total station, repairing damaged equipment, providing technical support, or helping customers select the right solution for their projects.
After spending the day with the team, it became even clearer why so many professionals trust Caddbro for surveying equipment servicing, calibration, repairs, technical support, and instrument hire.
Final Thoughts
My visit to Caddbro was far more than an opportunity to test the Leica TS20. It was a chance to see the dedication, expertise, and passion that drive one of the industry’s most respected surveying equipment specialists.
From experiencing the capabilities of the Leica TS20 and AP20 system to seeing damaged instruments restored to life in the workshop, every part of the day reinforced the importance of working with people who genuinely care about their craft.
A huge thank you to Simon, Lee, Arif, and the entire Caddbro team for their hospitality, their support of surveying education, and their ongoing commitment to helping surveyors perform at their best. If you are looking for surveying equipment servicing, calibration, repairs, equipment hire, or expert technical support, I can wholeheartedly recommend Caddbro.
They are not just servicing instruments, they are helping to keep the surveying industry moving forward!

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