Seven years on, the name WITTENSTEIN enjoys an impeccable reputation for innovation, precision and excellence in the field of mechatronic drive technology - not just in Germany but worldwide. The company can look back on an impressive history spanning almost sixty years, during which it has evolved from a small sewing machine manufacturer to a one-stop international supplier of solutions for electromechanical servo drive systems with around 1300 employees and annual sales totalling 166,5 Mio euros (fiscal year 2007/2008, *provisional figure). Today, products built by WITTENSTEIN AG are in action wherever systems and parts have to be driven and controlled with utmost precision. A broad portfolio of devices developed and manufactured in Germany, including high-precision planetary gearheads, complete electromechanical drive systems and AC servo systems and motors, underlies our commitment to this high-tech production location. The products sold by our seven Business Units are typically used in robotic systems, machine tools, the packaging industry, materials handling and process engineering, Formula One racing, paper and printing presses, medical technology and stage and lifting technology.
At the same time, WITTENSTEIN's attention is increasingly focused on growth niche fields like aerospace or drive technology in human applications as well as in environments that are too hostile for anyone to work in, for instance several thousand feet under the ice sheet in the Norwegian Sea where WITTENSTEIN drives play a vital role in the extraction of natural gas and oil.
Fit for the world market
The new, standardised corporate identity will fit WITTENSTEIN for the world market and the central challenges of the future. Manfred Wittenstein (65), President of WITTENSTEIN AG, has made his family name synonymous with excellent precision and innovative products: "Our aim is to demonstrate how every single WITTENSTEIN product is the outcome of several decades of experience and development work that today profits all Business Units. Our know-how and our core competencies are pooled in a common development platform. We leverage these synergy effects to the benefit of our customers." Manfred Wittenstein is also President of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) - and hence the top representative of one of Germany's leading branches of industry. The umbrella association for more than 929,000 jobs and sales of 195 billion euros in 2007, the VDMA and its members constitute the country's biggest industrial employer.
Being one with the future
The transition from a set of company brands to a globally standardised identity with strong Business Units and subsidiaries is a logical result of the WITTENSTEIN Group's increased convergence and muscle. Through its claim "WITTENSTEIN - being one with the future", the Group - with its some 60 subsidiaries and agents in 40 countries around the world - presents a unified face to customers and the community as an expert in drive systems, gearing, electronics, industrial systems and special applications, drive technology in human applications, aerospace and simulation technology.