Schaeffler Germany

1883

Friedrich Fischer designs the ball grinder. This machine allows steel balls to be ground to an absolutely round state for the first time – and in large volumes. Thanks to this innovation, he lays the foundation for the entire rolling bearing industry. Thus, the worldwide success story of the ball bearing begins in Schweinfurt.

Later, 1883 is officially declared the year in which FAG was founded.

1905

On July 29, the FAG brand is registered with the patent office in Berlin. The registered trademark FAG, which stands for Fischers Aktien-Gesellschaft, is protected in over 100 countries today.

1909

Georg Schäfer takes over the “First Automated Cast Steel Factory, previously Friedrich Fischer, AG“ (“Erste Automatische Gußstahlkugelfabrik, vormals Friedrich Fischer, AG“) and converts it to a partnership by November 1.
Georg Schäfer’s strong personal commitment and hard work make the industrial company internationally renowned. Exports increase – also due to the excellent quality of the rolling bearings supplied – to 40 percent before World War I.

1911

Rolling bearings are used in increasingly more automotive applications. Ray Harroun wins the first Indy 500 race in Indianapolis driving a Marmon whose engine is equipped exclusively with FAG ball bearings.

1912

Johann Modler, an FAG engineer, develops the barrel roller bearing allowing angular adjustment (DRP no. 290 038 dated February 16, 1912).

1926

Tapered roller bearing production begins.

1946

Brothers Dr. Wilhelm and Dr.-Ing. E. h. Georg Schaeffler, both holders of Ph.D. degrees, found INA in Herzogenaurach.

1949

A groundbreaking idea: The needle roller cage, developed by Georg Schaeffler, makes the needle roller bearing a reliable component for industrial applications.

1953

First FAG plant in North America: establishment of "Fischer Bearings Manufacturing Ltd." in Stratford, Ontario, Canada

1955

The first linear guidance system: The INA flat cage lays the foundation for the new linear technology business unit.

1957

First foreign plant: with six employees, needle roller production starts in Llanelli, Great Britain.

1958

Manufacturing close to the customer: INA follows VW to Brazil and opens a new plant in São Paulo.

1965

LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH is founded in Bühl (with INA as one of the investors).

LuK, the first clutch manufacturer in Europe, introduces the diaphragm spring clutch.

1971

INA is one of the first manufacturers in Europe to supply volume-produced hydraulic valve lash adjustment elements.

1974

Founding of LuK do Brazil (Fig.) and LuK Mexico.

As the worlds first clutch manufacturer LuK supplies diaphragm spring clutches for tractors.

1975

Dr. Georg Schäfer dies on January 27. Dr. Schäfer, born August 7, 1896, had been a shareholder since 1922.

1976

The founding of LuK AS (Autoteile-Service GmbH) marks the start of customer orientated service and marketing activities.

LuK optimises vibration damping with torsion-damped clutch discs.

1979

New expertise: High-precision fineblanking technology is secured after investing in HYDREL AG, Switzerland.