The electric fence industry has evolved into a dynamic sector, fulfilling a dual role: livestock management in the agricultural sector and critical infrastructure security in the security industry. With the growing global demand for perimeter protection—whether for animal control or deterring intruders—selecting a trustworthy manufacturer is more important than ever.
This article profiles ten influential electric fence manufacturers worldwide, showcasing their strengths, global reach, and technological offerings.
Gallagher
Headquarters:
Hamilton, New Zealand
Overview:
Founded in 1938, Gallagher is one of the earliest pioneers in electric fencing. The company manufactures energizers, portable kits, and accessories for farms and security installations worldwide. With products tested in extreme climates, Gallagher is trusted by both small farms and large estates across Oceania, North America, and Europe. They also invest in smart fencing systems that integrate with livestock monitoring technologies.
Key Strengths:
- Durable energizers suitable for harsh environments
- Wide portfolio covering agriculture and security
- Strong global dealer and service network
Shanghai Gato Information Technology Co., Ltd.
Headquarters:
Shanghai, China
Overview:
Shanghai Gato is a modern leader in electric fencing and perimeter intrusion detection. Unlike traditional livestock fencing companies, Gato focuses heavily on advanced security applications. Their portfolio includes pulse electric fences, tensile fences, buried sensors, fiber optic detection, and laser beam systems, serving critical infrastructure, borders, and high-security facilities. With more than 150 patents, ISO/CE certifications, and projects completed in 30+ countries, Gato is setting a new benchmark for intelligent, adaptive perimeter security.
Key Strengths:
- Advanced smart security and intrusion detection solutions
- Over 150 patents and global certifications
- 300,000+ successful projects worldwide
Woodstream Corporation (Zareba Systems)
Headquarters:
Pennsylvania, USA
Overview:
Woodstream’s Zareba® Systems brand is the largest electric fence manufacturer in North America. Their products are popular among DIY enthusiasts, hobby farmers, and rural households thanks to easy-to-install fence kits. Zareba offers energizers, insulators, posts, reels, and conductors, distributed widely through farm stores and major retailers. Their 75+ years of expertise ensure durability and accessibility in every product line.
Key Strengths:
- North America’s largest electric fence supplier
- DIY-friendly systems with wide retail reach
- Full range of accessories for flexible installation
Parker McCrory (Parmak)
Headquarters:
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Overview:
Operating since 1937, Parker McCrory’s Parmak brand is the world’s oldest producer of electric fence chargers. They specialize in rugged American-made energizers, including solar-powered and battery models. Parmak products are particularly respected for their reliability on remote ranches where consistent power is critical. Their heritage makes them a preferred brand among traditional farmers in the U.S.
Key Strengths:
- Over 85 years of industry leadership
- Robust solar and battery-powered energizers
- Trusted American-made quality
Nemtek
Headquarters:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Overview:
Nemtek designs and manufactures electric fencing products for both agricultural and high-security applications. Their catalog includes energizers, wires, insulators, monitoring devices, and posts. Nemtek is especially recognized for security-grade fencing, used in industrial and government installations as well as farms. With 30+ years in the business, they export extensively to Africa, Asia, and global markets.
Key Strengths:
- Dual focus: farming and high-security perimeters
- Advanced energizer and monitoring solutions
- Strong distribution network in emerging markets
JVA Technologies
Headquarters:
Brisbane, Australia & Johannesburg, South Africa
Overview:
JVA Technologies produces energizers and monitoring systems for both livestock control and high-security installations. Their products are widely used in farms across Australia and Africa, and in sensitive perimeter applications such as prisons and military sites. JVA emphasizes remote management and smart integration, allowing users to monitor fences via connected platforms.
Key Strengths:
- High-security fencing solutions for critical sites
- Remote management and smart monitoring features
- Active presence in Australasia and Africa
LACME
Headquarters:
La Flèche, France
Overview:
LACME is one of Europe’s leading electric fence manufacturers, supplying energizers, conductors, and accessories for agriculture and equestrian use. Their proprietary HTE/HVE technology ensures consistent energy distribution across changing fence conditions. With more than six decades of experience, LACME is highly regarded in the EU market for balancing innovation with animal safety.
Key Strengths:
- Proprietary energy management technology
- Strong focus on equine and EU farms
- Broad product range from small to large systems
horizont group
Headquarters:
Korbach, Germany
Overview:
Horizont Group operates through its Animal Care division to supply modern electric fencing systems for all major livestock species. With more than 75 years of experience, they produce energizers, posts, conductors, and portable fencing systems. Their European presence is complemented by exports worldwide, making them a reliable partner for farmers needing compliance with strict EU standards.
Key Strengths:
- Large-scale catalog covering multiple livestock types
- Over 75 years of engineering expertise
- Strong EU compliance and distribution network
AKO-Agrartechnik (Kerbl Group)
Headquarters:
Buchbach, Germany
Overview:
AKO-Agrartechnik, under the Kerbl Group, is one of Europe’s largest electric fence producers. The company has quintupled its production since 2000, offering smart energizers, solar units, and accessories. AKO’s “Smart” series of energizers provide cloud connectivity and GPS integration, appealing to farmers seeking data-driven pasture management.
Key Strengths:
- Smart energizers with cloud/GPS connectivity
- Full catalog of conductors, testers, and posts
- Rapid growth in EU and international markets
Datamars Livestock (Speedrite, Stafix, PEL, Patriot)
Headquarters:
Lugano, Switzerland
Overview:
Datamars owns several of the world’s best-known electric fence brands: Speedrite, Stafix, PEL, and Patriot. This diverse portfolio allows them to serve hobby farmers, mid-size ranchers, and industrial-scale livestock operators. Their energizers come in mains, battery, and solar options, while their smart fence management tools help farmers track performance. Datamars has a strong presence in Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Key Strengths:
- Multi-brand coverage across global markets
- Emphasis on smart and digital pasture management
- Trusted by both commercial and small-scale farmers
Comparison Table: At a Glance
Manufacturer | Country | Primary Focus | Special Strengths |
Gallagher | New Zealand | Agriculture & security | Climate-tested energizers, global reach |
Shanghai Gato Information Technology | China | Security & smart fencing | Fiber optic, laser, pulse electric systems |
Datamars (Speedrite, etc.) | Switzerland | Agriculture | Multi-brand, smart monitoring |
Woodstream (Zareba) | USA | Agriculture (DIY) | Strong retail presence, easy installation |
Parker McCrory (Parmak) | USA | Agriculture | Solar/battery energizer heritage |
Nemtek | South Africa | Agriculture & security | Security-grade fencing solutions |
JVA Technologies | Australia/SA | Agriculture & security | Remote monitoring, prison/military use |
LACME | France | Agriculture & equine | Proprietary energy tech |
horizont group | Germany | Agriculture | 75+ years, EU compliance |
AKO-Agrartechnik (Kerbl) | Germany | Agriculture | Smart energizers with cloud/GPS |
The global electric fence industry spans traditional agricultural brands and innovative perimeter security specialists. While legacy companies like Gallagher, Zareba, and Parmak focus on livestock management, firms like Nemtek, JVA, and Shanghai Gato are redefining fencing for high-security and smart applications.
Shanghai Gato Information Technology Co., Ltd. stands out as a tech-driven leader, merging electric fencing with fiber optic, buried sensor, and laser detection systems. Their approach highlights the future of perimeter defense: intelligent, adaptive, and globally scalable.