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History

Milestones from 46 Years of Eckelmann History

The Star Wars series conquers the cinemas, the space shuttle Explorer embarks on a successful test flight, and engineers discover the potential of microprocessors for industrial production.

In 1977, the founding year of Eckelmann, it was the dawn of automation pioneers, and Dr. Gerd Eckelmann was one of them. Emerging from this founding scene, Eckelmann AG has built a wide range of services and an extensive portfolio of automation solutions over a span of more than forty years.

Through continuous growth and acquisitions, the founder’s engineering office evolved into a large, renowned system partner for automation and digitalization. The Eckelmann Group, with Eckelmann AG as the parent company, is now represented in eight locations across Europe and China.

As a strategic partner in digital transformation, we harness the opportunities of digitalization and secure sustainable competitive advantages for our clients by creating appropriate solutions. The pioneering spirit is still alive today in the board and the approximately 500 employees of the Eckelmann Group.

The Eckelmann History from 1977 to Today

Founding of Dr.-Ing. Eckelmann GmbH by Dr. Gerd Eckelmann

Software development for the first generation of microprocessors for industrial process automation

1977

Material Logistics for Industrial Printing Production

Acquisition of Elmetic Computer + Steuerungen GmbH

1979

Automation of Theater Stages

Including theaters in Cologne, Bern/Switzerland, the Gasteig Theater in Munich, “Det norske Teatret” in Oslo/Norway, National Theater Taipei/Taiwan

1982

Birth of the Universal Eckelmann CNC Core

1983

Relocation to Wiesbaden-Erbenheim

Growing staff numbers and continuous production expansion: A spacious new building is constructed in Wiesbaden-Erbenheim.

1986

Complete Control and Drive Solutions for Machines and Plants

1990

Entry into the Regulated Pharmaceutical Sector

1995

Expansion of the Headquarters in Wiesbaden

2000

Becoming Eckelmann AG

The tasks in the Embedded Solutions sector led to the development of customer-specific controllers, which resulted in product and series business.

2001

Together Against Cancer

Development of control systems for particle acceleration at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT)

2002

DIN/EN/ISO 13485 Certification for Medical Devices

2004

Entry into the Drive Electronics Market

Acquisition of Ferrocontrol Steuerungssysteme GmbH & Co.KG, now Eckelmann FCS GmbH.

2006

Birth of the Refrigeration Technology Sector in the Food Industry

Focus on manufacturing electrical accessories for refrigeration units. Acquisition of Taunus Elektro Bau Ceská, s.r.o, now Eckelmann s.r.o.

2008
2008

Expansion of the Headquarters in Wiesbaden

2008

First Thermal Cutting Solution and Birth of E°CUT

Characterized by intuitive operation and continuously further developed.

2009
2009

Modular Servo System E-Darc

by Eckelmann FCS (based on the Cyclone III FPGA platform with functional safety)

2009

First Drive Controller by Eckelmann FCS with Functional Safety (TÜV Rheinland Certificate)

2010
2010

Founding of Eckelmann Industrial Automation Technologies Co. Ltd. in Beijing

Sales and service center for the Chinese market to meet the growing demand of the Chinese machinery industry for CNC technology for cutting machines.

2010

Automation in the Special Machinery Sector

Following a long-term partnership, today’s Erfurt subsidiary REX Automation Technology GmbH joins the Eckelmann Group.

2012

Control Cabinet Construction and Assembly Production:

Inauguration of the new Development and Technology Center in Wiesbaden.

2013
2013

First Contract in the Biotechnology Sector

2013

Plant Automation for Rolling Mills

Founding of Eckelmann Automation Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd in Shanghai.

2014

Company founder Dr. Gerd Eckelmann moves from the Executive Board to the Supervisory Board of Eckelmann AG.

Peter Frankenbach becomes Spokesman of the Executive Board. Philipp Eckelmann joins the Executive Board.

2016

Development of CAD/CAM Software and Control System Solutions for Sheet Metal Processing

Following cooperation since 2011, Eckelmann acquires IBE Software GmbH / Wilhelmshaven.

2018

E°Darc DCB Energy Storage

with capacitor modules for drive systems up to 600 kW nominal power.

2021

Establishment of Eckelmann S.A.S. in Lyon, France

For customers in the field of refrigeration and building automation and in mechanical and plant engineering in France, the local presence means even more comprehensive technical and sales support without language barriers and simplified order processing.

2022
2022

Philipp Eckelmann is appointed CEO

On November 1, Philipp Eckelmann is appointed CEO.

2022

40 Years CNC Anniversary

Eckelmann’s CNC has developed into one of the most comprehensive instruction sets on the market. The CNC core includes a variety of technical functions, from cylindrical grinding to oxy-fuel cutting. Most notable: the industry solution for automating cutting machines with laser, plasma, oxy-fuel, or water jet.

2023
2023

UL-Certified Energy Storage Systems

TÜV-certified drives for safe fieldbus (FSoE) by Eckelmann FCS.

2023

Eckelmann Continues to Grow

Building international presence — strong brand identity for the Eckelmann Group and its subsidiaries.

2024

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