Company History
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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“).
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 Industrie GmbH 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.
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1965
LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH is co-founded in Bühl by the Schaeffler brothers.
1965
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.
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1985
The LuK dual mass flywheel sets new standards in drive train noise insulation.
1986
Acquisition of Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik (AFT) in Werdohl.
1986
In Schweinfurt, a flexible central heat treatment system for rolling bearing rings is put into operation. As well as implementing modern heat treatment methods, the new heat treat department takes process safety, maintenance and environmental issues into consideration.
1990
Hydraulic variable cam timers made by INA allow continuous valve adjustment for the first time. Fuel consumption and emissions are reduced.
1990
FAG acquires The Barden Corporation, an American precision bearing manufacturer based in Danbury, Connecticut. This secures FAG’s position on the North-American market.
1992
INA’s new plant in Ansan (Korea) – a milestone in entering Asia, a region experiencing fast growth.
1994
FAG supplies new bearings for the high-pressure turbo pumps for the Space Shuttle’s rocket propulsion.
1994
An “economic miracle”: KUVE four-row ball type profiled rail unit with large number of variants and accessories conquers the market.
1995
INA Bearings China Co. Ltd. is founded in Taicang (engine components and needle roller bearings for the Chinese market).
1996
Georg Schaeffler passes away at the age of 79. Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler and her son Georg F.W. Schaeffler continue his life’s work.
1996
LuK SAC (Self Adjusting Clutch) reduces pedal forces and increases the service life of transmission clutches.
1997
BEARINX® is developed – allowing exact bearing calculations down to individual rolling bearing contacts for the first time.
All of INA’s plants worldwide are certified to QS-9000 and VDA 6.1.1998
Rotary table bearings with YRTM integrated measuring system – one of the first mechatronics products.
1998
A complex testing system for wheelset bearing application testing for rail vehicles is put into operation. Drive operation simulations for high-speed trains can also be carried out on this test stand, which is the world’s most modern test stand.
1999
INA takes over LuK GmbH and expands its expertise as a system supplier to the automotive industry.
1999
LuK presents CVT components for high torques: LuK chain, disc sets and hydraulics. The start of production of the new Audi multitronic® marks the first CVT transmission for more than 300 Nm.
1999
FAG makes a breakthrough in the field of mechatronics bearings. Approval is given for volume production for FAG mechatronic sensor bearings in converter-controlled asynchronous motors for electrical vehicle drives. Mechatronic bearings enable electric drives to be controlled and monitored in the smallest of design spaces.
2000
The Millennium Wheel, also called The London Eye, the world’s largest and heaviest Ferris wheel is put into operation. The wheel is 135m high, has a circumference of 424m and a total weight of 2,100 metric tons. Two spherical roller bearings several meters wide and weighing several tonnes from FAG ensure the wheel turns smoothly.
2000
The LuK automated transmission goes into production in the Opel Corsa as the easytronic® - a world engineering premier.
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2001
Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler receives the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
2001
Start of e-business. INA co-founds the SupplyOn, Endorsia and PTplace electronic marketplaces.
2001
Every 4th car leaving an automotive factory is fitted with a LuK clutch.
2001
Acquisition of FAG Kugelfischer Georg Schäfer KGaA, Schweinfurt. INA and FAG become the world’s second largest rolling bearing manufacturer.
2002
E1 spherical roller bearing: They combine 90 years of experience with the latest developments in the areas of kinematics, materials and production methods.
2002
The new R&D center of expertise doubles development capacity in Herzogenaurach.
2002
Anniversary: the 20 millionth ZMS comes off the production line in Bühl.
2003
INA, FAG and LuK form the “Schaeffler Group”.
2003
Start of X-life: Shared mark of quality for premium products and services supplied by INA and FAG.
2003
The Schaeffler Group opens a new automotive research center in Troy (United States).
2003
The installation of the integrated crankshaft damper in the VW Touareg is further proof of LuK's drive train expertise.
2004
Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler is honored with the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for her exceptional work as the owner of Germany’s largest industrial family-owned company.
2004
Start of volume production of the world’s smallest drawn cup needle roller bearing (2 mm shaft diameter) for a motor application in electronics manufacturing.
2004
The production of torque converters starts on the main site at Bühl.
2005
Maiden flight of the Airbus A380 with FAG bearings. FAG supplies all engine bearing supports and numerous components for the Rolls Royce “Trent 900” engines for the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
2005
The FAG brand celebrates its 100th anniversary.
2005
LuK celebrates its 40th company anniversary.
2005
LuK takes over APTEC and completes the competence in the range of the friction facings. APTEC becomes LuK Friction.
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2006
Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler is made an honorary citizen of Herzogenaurach for her exceptional services to the city and the region.
2006
The first joint main catalog of the INA and FAG brands is published. The 1,500-page compendium comprises approximately 40,000 standard products.
2006
More than 100 customers from all over Europe visit the 2006 Innovation Days of Schaeffler Group Industrial in Schweinfurt.
2006
Technology Premiere: LuK presents a twin plate clutch with self adjustment for standard applications for the first time.
2007
Federal President Horst Koehler awards the 1st Class Cross of Merit of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany to Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler.
2007
With the help of FAG bearings (cylindrical roller bearings, four point contact bearings and tapered roller bearings in traction motors and gearboxes), the V 150 high-speed train sets a new world record by travelling at 574.8 kilometers an hour.
2007
The twin tandem, a four-row angular contact ball bearing, replaces conventional tapered roller bearings in wheel bearings and contributes significantly to saving fuel.
2007
Joint action by INA, FAG and SKF in the fight against product piracy at FAG in Schweinfurt. Around 40 tons of counterfeit rolling bearings are destroyed.
2007
Opening of plants in Pune/India and Debrecen/Hungary, inauguration of the new R&D center in Anting/China
2008
In July, the Schaeffler Group makes a voluntary public takeover bid to the shareholders of Continental AG. An investor agreement is signed in August. The EU commission approves the takeover in December.
2008
Construction of new plants in Vietnam and Mexico
2008
Inauguration of the training center at FAG in Wuppertal, Germany. The new trainee workshop for 121 trainees and seven training staff is opened in the presence of Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler.
2008
World Premiere: LuK dual dry clutch 7-speed DSG gearbox in volume production at Volkswagen
2009
Schaeffler employees demonstrate in Herzogenaurach and in other locations in support of their company. Around 8,000 people take to the streets.
2009
The Schaeffler Group concludes the takeover of Continental AG. The company pays EUR 75 per share. The Schaeffler Group now holds 49.90 percent of the voting rights at Continental AG and is therefore the company’s largest shareholder. Schaeffler transfers the additional tendered shares to financial institutions.
2009
The company suffers a sharp decline in orders due to the financial and economic crisis. The Schaeffler Group applies for short-time working in several areas of the company.
2009
Volume-production readiness of the ball roller bearing.
2009
The Schaeffler Group receives the “Achievement Award” from Toyota in the suppliers’ category. This means Schaeffler is one of only four suppliers to receive this award.
2009
In conjunction with Fiat, the Schaeffler Group develops and produces “UniAir" – the world’s first fully-variable electrohydraulic valve control system. The system reduces fuel consumption and harmful substance emissions by up to 25 percent.
2009
The Schaeffler Group presents its CO2ncept-10% vehicle, a joint advance development project implemented by Porsche and the Schaeffler Group that achieves a total reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of ten percent by using new and optimized components.
2010
The Schaeffler Group successfully overcomes the most serious economic crisis in recent history. The company is already working at close to full capacity in all plants by mid 2010.
2010
Towards capital-market structures: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG becomes the legal successor to Schaeffler KG. The operational business of the Schaeffler Group and the shareholding in Continental AG is consolidated in one newly-established company – Schaeffler GmbH. It is entirely owned by the Schaeffler family.
2010
Cooperation agreement with Henan University of Science and Technology in China.
2010
Eco Globe for the UniAir product innovation, the world's first fully-variable electrohydraulic valve control system. The prize is awarded annually for the most environmentally-friendly innovations in automotive applications.
2010
Georg F. W. Schaeffler is elected Chairman of Schaeffler’s supervisory board during the board’s first constituent meeting.
2010
The Schaeffler Group presents its “Schaeffler Hybrid”. The “Schaeffler Hybrid” not only has a volume-produced combustion engine from a basic vehicle, but also has a central electric motor and two wheel hub motors.
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2011
With its ACTIVeDRIVE, Schaeffler presents a concept vehicle for electric mobility and thereby completes its trio of demonstration vehicles for the company’s vision of modern automobility.
2011
Press conference for annual financial statement in Frankfurt, Germany: The end of 2010 sees record results for the Schaeffler Group with an increase in sales of 29.4 percent to EUR 9.5 billion.
2011
Sale of Continental shares from the portfolio of private banks M. M. Warburg and Bankhaus Metzler to a wide international investor base. Around 29.7 million shares are divested at EUR 60 each during this placement. These sales in shares mean the free float of Continental shares increases from 24.9 percent to 39.7 percent.
2011
Extension in Asia: The foundation stone for a new FAG plant is laid in Savli in India. Schaeffler establishes a new manufacturing location in Nanjing, China.
2011
Martin Tomczyk becomes the 2011 DTM champion in the Schaeffler Audi.
2011
PACE Award for Schaeffler! The lightweight balancer shaft with rolling bearing supports won the award in the “Product” category. This innovative Schaeffler product makes an important contribution to cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
2011
The transformation of Schaeffler GmbH into a corporation not listed on the stock market (Schaeffler AG) becomes effective with the entry in the Commercial Register on October 13. As well as the entire operational business of the Schaeffler Group, all the operational holdings companies affiliated to the Group and the Group’s real estate are bundled in Schaeffler AG.
2011
Schaeffler opens an office in the German capital Berlin.
2011
Schaeffler is presented with the Bavarian State Award for Electric Mobility in the category drive technology, electrical systems and test systems for its innovative eWheelDrive during the leading trade show, eCarTec.
2011
The world’s largest, most modern, and most powerful large-size bearing test stand is put into operation in Schweinfurt. It can perform tests on bearings weighing up to 15 tons and with an outside diameter of up to 3.5 meters.
2012
Growth in China: Production of transmission components, bearings, and plastic parts begins at Schaeffler's fourth plant in Taicang.
Schaeffler (Ningxia) in Yinchuan celebrates its 10th anniversary and, at the same time, opens a second production site.
2012
1,200 Schaeffler trainees from 29 locations in eight countries meet at the company’s headquarters in Herzogenaurach. The focal topic is getting to know each other and enhancing communication between the training centers across all locations.
2012
Schaeffler and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) sign a memorandum of understanding for collaboration in the areas of research and advance development in the field of mobility.
2012
Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann receives the 2012 “Family Entrepreneur of the Year” award: The Schaeffler Group shareholder is awarded this title by a jury made up of high-ranking representatives of German Industry and Handelsblatt newspaper.
2012
Schaeffler receives the Steel Innovation Prize 2012 with the centrifugal pendulum-type absorber in the category “products made of steel”.
2013
AFT Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Schaeffler AG, changes its company name to Schaeffler Engineering GmbH. The company positions itself as an engineering service provider and mechatronic systems specialist worldwide.
2013
Maria Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann is named "Brazilian-German Personality 2013" by the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) in São Paulo.
2013
The opening of the Schaeffler Academy in Herzogenaurach emphasizes the commitment that Schaeffler has made to the further training of its employees. At the Schaeffler Academy, all of the company’s internal training activities are brought together under one roof.
2013
Schaeffler presents a concept car which showcases the drive for the city cars of tomorrow at the IAA in Frankfurt: Schaeffler’s E-Wheel Drive with an integrated wheel hub drive.
2013
The Acoustics Competence Center in the Herzogenaurach development center is expanded through the addition of a new testing facility. Three testing rooms and a so-called "vibration room" totaling 180 square meters of floor space are set up and equipped with state-of-the-art measuring and computer technology.
2013
Schaeffler is involved in various areas of motorsport, showing its versatile commitment in the DTM, the Baja 1000 off-road race, the Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring (VLN), the European Truck Racing Championship, tractor pulling events, and the Porsche Carrera Cup.
2014
n close collaboration, Schaeffler and Continental create a demonstration vehicle: The “Gasoline Technology Car” (GTC) demonstrates a new dimension in the hybridization of passenger cars with capacity-reduced gasoline engines.
2014
With four new certified Schaeffler Technology Centers (STC), Schaeffler strengthens its expertise in the regions and provides even more comprehensive local technical support to its customers.
2014
Schaeffler’s torque converter with centrifugal pendulum-type absorber is chosen as the winner of the 2014 PACE Award (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) in the “products” category by Automotive News.
2014
Germany's Foreign Minister, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, visits Schaeffler's manufacturing location in Irapuato during a trip with an economic delegation.
2014
Schaeffler presents an innovative new product in its bicycle product range at the EUROBIKE 2014: The FAG VELOMATIC automatic bicycle gearshift system.
2014
Schaeffler accelerates the development in FIA Formula E and participates as the exclusive technology partner of the ABT Sportsline team with advertising on the cars of Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi. The racing series is held using all-electric race cars.
2014
Schaeffler opens its first production site in Russia: Schaeffler now delivers high-quality products to domestic and overseas automobile manufacturers and the railway industry from its new plant in Ulyanovsk.
2014
The Schaeffler location in Bühl celebrates the production of the 100 millionth dual mass flywheel. The LuK dual mass flywheel is one of the many outstanding innovations in the company’s 50-year history.
2015
With the foundation stone laying ceremony for greenfield facility in Thailand Schaeffler further expands its manufacturing footprint in Asia/Pacific.
2015
Schaeffler celebrated the 50th birthday of its LuK brand at its location in Bühl. In April 1965, production started for the first time at today's LuK headquarters in Bühl. The company history of Schaeffler's LuK brand comes to life in the exhibition "The LuK Story. 50 years. Quality. Technology. Innovation".
2015
Schaeffler successfully completes its initial public offering on October 9, 2015 under the motto "We share our success".
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2016
Schaeffler enters into a strategic partnership with IBM. IBM supports Schaeffler in the integration of its mechatronic components, systems, and machines into the rapidly expanding world of the “Internet of Things” (IoT), as well as implementing market-ready new business models based on digital services.
2016
At the U.S. locations Fort Mill and Wooster Schaeffler is building new manufacturing halls and administration buildings. Schaeffler celebrates the opening of new production halls in China and the inauguration of a new plant in Thailand.
2016
The first Annual General Meeting after the initial public offering is another milestone in corporate history. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Georg F. W. Schaeffler, welcomes over 350 shareholders and media representatives in Nuremberg’s Frankenhalle.
2016
With its strategy “Mobility for tomorrow” – with 4 focus areas, 8 strategic pillars and 16 strategic initiatives – Schaeffler sets the course for future sustainable growth.
2016
Schaeffler acquires the electric motor manufacturer Compact Dynamics, thereby expanding its capabilities in electric motors and power electronics for the development and manufacture of electric powertrains.
2017
Launch of a project to harmonize the “Schaeffler” brand and corporate identity across all Schaeffler locations.
2017
The Schaeffler Group pushes ahead with the systematic implementation of its digital agenda. This includes the acquisition of autinity systems GmbH, a Chemnitz, Germany-based IT company that specializes in machine data recording and evaluation.
2018
Schaeffler buys the “Space Drive” drive-by-wire technology developed by Paravan and gains access to a key enabler of automated and autonomous driving.
2018
Schaeffler acquires Elmotec Statomat GmbH. Elmotec is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of production machinery for the high-volume construction of electric motors and possesses unique expertise in winding technology. The acquisition expands Schaeffler’s capabilities in the construction of electric motors and enables the company to push ahead with the implementation of its e-mobility strategy.
2018
Automotive Aftermarket is upgraded from business division to top-level division reporting directly to the Board of Managing Directors, thereby becoming Schaeffler’s third top-level division alongside Automotive Technologies and Industrial.
2018
Within its Automotive division, Schaeffler establishes a new E-Mobility business division, bringing together all products and system solutions for hybrid and pure battery-electric powertrains.
2019
Schaeffler acquires XTRONIC GmbH, a development partner for automotive electronics and software solutions that worked closely with Paravan to develop the latter’s “Space Drive” drive-by-wire technology. The acquisition opens the way for new growth in Schaeffler's Chassis Systems and E-Mobility business divisions.
2019
Schaeffler signs an agreement to facilitate autonomous driving in China using Schaeffler technologies. Under the deal, Schaeffler agrees to establish a new R&D center to support the development of a mobility ecosystem for intelligent vehicles in Changsha, a city of seven million people.
2019
Schaeffler pushes ahead with the development of metal bipolar plates – key hydrogen-technology components used in both fuel cells and electrolyzers – drawing on its traditional core expertise in materials technology, forming technology, and surface technology. In this, Schaeffler is also able to leverage its strongly diversified position in the industrial and automotive sectors and hence its involvement at every point in the energy chain, from the generation of energy through to its use in vehicles.
2020
Schaeffler further strengthens its commitment to hydrogen technology and becomes a steering member of the Hydrogen Council, a global initiative headquartered in Belgium.
2020
Schaeffler unveils OPTIME, a new comprehensive automated condition monitoring system. OPTIME is an easily scalable solution that consists essentially of wireless, battery-powered vibration sensors, a gateway, and an app to visualize the resulting analysis data. It yields cost savings of up to 50 percent compared with manual offline measurement.
2020
Schaeffler adopts Roadmap 2025, signaling an uncompromising strategy to position itself for the transformation taking place in the industries it supplies. By being a diversified automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler will continue to pioneer motion to advance how the world moves. This philosophy is also encapsulated in the family company’s new brand claim, “We pioneer motion.” The company’s success will continue to be based on its four tried and proven USPs of innovation, excellence in manufacturing, top quality, and systems understanding.
2020
Schaeffler’s new Aftermarket Kitting Operation Europe (AKO Europe) commences operations. The new central assembly, packaging and logistics hub occupies over 40,000 square meters of floor space at the Star Park industrial estate in the city of Halle an der Saale and includes about 600,000 high-rack and small-parts storage locations.
2020
Schaeffler opens its new training center in Schweinfurt. The center provides training and professional development in many key areas, most notably digitalization and Industry 4.0.
2020
Schaeffler marks the 70th anniversary of its cage-guided needle roller bearing. 70 years ago, in 1950, Dr. Georg Schaeffler’s idea for a cage-guided needle roller bearing was patented – a revolution in bearing technology. The cage-guided needle roller bearing also plays a special role in technologies of key importance for the future, such as robotics and electromobility.
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2021
Schaeffler invests around 80 million euros in a new central laboratory complex in Herzogenaurach. Scheduled for completion in 2023, the new cross-divisional complex will span around 15,000 square meters of gross floor space and accommodate15 laboratories and more than 360 employees.
2021
Schaeffler’s OPTIME condition monitoring solution wins the Red Dot Design Award in two categories. A jury of designers, university professors and journalists from various specialist fields honored OPTIME with awards in the “Smart Product” and “Industrial Design” categories in recognition of the digital service solution’s outstanding product design, functional configuration, and high level of innovation.
2021
Schaeffler commences series production of electric motors, with an electromobility product portfolio ranging from individual components to complete drive systems.
2021
Schaeffler is selected as one of the UN’s 50 Sustainability and Climate Leaders worldwide. The company’s selection comes in recognition of its clearly defined sustainability strategy and consistent sustainability management.
2021
Schaeffler commences series production of its 2in1 e-axle at its production facility in Taicang, China, reaching a further milestone along the road to innovation leadership in electromobility.
2021
Schaeffler opens a new production facility at its Szombathely location in the west of Hungary, creating 150 new jobs in e-mobility. The facility is Schaeffler’s first production plant fully dedicated to electromobility and gives the group a new center of excellence for the production of components and systems for electrified powertrains.
2021
Schaeffler celebrates 75 years – 75 years of progress, technological innovation, and success in business. In the course of a special online anniversary celebration, the company is feted and congratulated by employees from all around the world, as well as by guests and well-wishers from business and politics.
2022
Schaeffler acquires Melior Motion GmbH, a supplier of precision gearboxes for robotics and other automation applications. The acquisition expands the robotics offering of the Schaeffler Group’s Industrial division.
2022
Schaeffler strengthens its bearings business and develops bearings for electromobility. The TriFinity three-row bearing from Schaeffler offers greater rigidity and a longer service life than standard bearings with two ball bearing rows.