HEIDENHAIN: a pioneer in measurement and control technology with a long tradition

Founded in 1889 in Berlin, Germany, the company's roots go back to the 19^th century. Today, HEIDENHAIN products serve the most innovative industries of the 21^st century. Technological advances from the company's early days still play a key role in its success and market positioning within certain fields. The history of the company's graduation products paved the way for its leading role in high-accuracy measurement technology. HEIDENHAIN also shaped the machine tool industry as an early pioneer in state-of-the-art technology for CNC controls.

History of the company

1889

The metal-etching company is founded

HEIDENHAIN had its beginnings in the W. HEIDENHAIN metal-etching company in Berlin.

1923

Dr. Johannes Heidenhain joins his father’s company

1939

50^th anniversary of W. HEIDENHAIN

The W. HEIDENHAIN company employed 700 workers at this time.

1948

New beginnings in Traunreut

In 1948, Dr. Johannes Heidenhain relaunches the company with five employees.

1965

Subsidiary opens in the U.S.

1970

Founding of the DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN-STIFTUNG GmbH, a non-profit foundation

1980

Subsidiary opens in Japan

1989

100^th anniversary of HEIDENHAIN

HEIDENHAIN has 4,200 employees at this time.

2001

Subsidiary opens in China

2019

HEIDENHAIN is integrated into DIADUR SE

HEIDENHAIN is integrated into DIADUR SE, a holding company of the owner.

2020

New logistics center opens in Traunreut

Our new logistics center is built on 164,000 sq m of land in Hochreit near Traunreut, Germany. There are now 8,100 employees.

2023

75 years in Traunreut

Construction of our new R&D center begins in Traunreut 75 years after the company was restarted there.

Milestones in product development

1952

Optical linear and angle encoders

Optical linear and angle encoders that read positions via a transverse field are developed for the first time at HEIDENHAIN.

1961

Photoelectric linear and angle encoders

1964

Absolute angle encoder

1966

Sealed incremental linear encoder

1968

Bidirectional counter

For photoelectric encoders

1976

Numerical straight-cut controls

The first TNC control hits the market, enabling keypad entry of machining positions.

1981

TNC numerical contouring control

For three axes

1987

Interferential exposed linear encoders

1996

Numerical contouring controls

Along with drives and motors

2004

iTNC contouring control

With the alternative smart.NC operating mode

2009

Interferential angle encoder

For wafer probers and large-surface grids

2011

TNC contouring control

For combined mill-turn machining

2016

2Dplus multi-dimensional linear encoder technology

2021

MULTI-DOF TECHNOLOGY

Multi-dimensional encoder technology tracks movement in up to six degrees of freedom for nanometer-level position accuracies.

2022

The process-oriented TNC7

2023

PP 6000 two-coordinate incremental encoder

What drives us at HEIDENHAIN

Precision and innovation are the hallmarks of HEIDENHAIN. Discover what drives us as a technology company and how we set global standards.

Discover HEIDENHAIN

A tradition of innovation

Marked by a rich tradition of innovation, the history of HEIDENHAIN shows how vision, grit, and technological know-how have made HEIDENHAIN what it is today.

Dive into our history

Our sustainabiltiy mindset in practice

Sustainability is one of our core responsibilities. With innovation and efficient technology, we offer resource-saving solutions for a better future.

Sustainability at HEIDENHAIN

Shape the future with us

The future of precision is happening here at HEIDENHAIN through research and other career fields. Join our team to set your ideas in motion.

View career opportunities