Branson was founded in 1946 by Norman Branson as Branson Instruments. To this day the company produces instruments which harness ultrasonic energy for industrial purposes. The first product was the Audigage – a nondestructive material thickness tester. Over the years Branson has acquired a number of other companies, these include: Sonic Energy Corporation (1960), Delta Sonics (1988), Vinton, Inc (1992). Since 1984 Branson has been among the more than 60 autonomous divisions of, St. Louis-based, Emerson.

In the U.K. Dawe Instruments Limited have, since about 1950, been producing equipment to Branson's specifications.