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HEIDENHAIN has been in existence for over 100 years, with an illustrious history. Originating in Europe and now with approximately 7,500 employees worldwide, HEIDENHAIN continues to serve as an important and significant force in the precision measurement and motion control industry. This column is the first in our newsletter series to share its background.
The Early Days
When Wilhelm Heidenhain opened up his metal-etching company in Berlin in 1889, he had no idea of the successful manifestations it would eventually produce. Metal-etching numbers and symbols onto copper or other metals for weight scales was important work during those days. Successful for many years, Wilhelm's son Dr. Johannes Heidenhain joined him in business in 1923.
Continuing to grow the business with his doctor son in Germany, the two were forced to contend with World War II in the early 1940s. In order to best develop the business during those difficult times, the Heidenhains felt it necessary to move as much of their equipment as possible out of Berlin and onto rail cars. The railroad tracks ended in Traunreut, Germany, at the base of Lake Kimsey overlooked by the Alps, and the Heidenhain's new location was established.
Starting over in Traunreut in 1948, the company DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN emerges. Soon after, the revolutionary DIADUR process is invented (production of resistant graduations onto glass by copying a master graduation) by HEIDENHAIN. This process sets the standard for today's machine measurement methods and motion control componentry.
Still the company's worldwide headquarters today, Traunreut has grown by leaps and bounds around its success and commitment to hard work.
Next newsletter History column will begin with the founding of the HEIDENHAIN as a non-profit organization.