History

1951

The firm is founded by Mr. Willi Elbe
The prime movers in the early days were beside the founder, the first authorized signatory, Mr. Max Kiemle and the first technical manager, qualified engineer Mr. Paul Ilg
Entered in the company register in May 1951 "Willi Elbe Fabrik for cardan shafts, Tamm"
Production of motorcycle cardan shafts and first deliveries to BMW
Production of cardan shafts and steering cross-sets

1952

In May the company is entered in the register as "Willi Elbe, cardan shaft company with limited liability (GmbH), Tamm/Württ."
Production of cardan shafts for automobiles
As the head of the technical department, Lothar Meyle (1953-2001) strongly influenced the company's technologica

1960

Branch factory Grabs founded in Switzerland

1966

Lack of labor in the central Neckar region results in a branch factory being opened in Pfedelbach
The first production location there was the old wine-pressing house, which was used temporarily until the first new building could be constructed

1972

The second generation of the family enters the firm: Brigitte Wohak, née Elbe, gradually takes over Accounts and Human Resources

1977

Production of steering u-joints for passenger cars

1978

The second generation of the family enters the firm again: Günter Hans Elbe gradually takes over the technical department

1980

Production of aluminium steering shafts

1984

Production of high-precision gearing components for motorcycles (K series)

1986

Expansion of the plant in Grabs to create more production space

1988

Start of Steering column production for commercial vehicles

1990

Production of steering shafts with ball-bearing sliding systems for commercial vehicles

1992

Foundation of the company Lenkungstechnik in Walldorf / Thuringia
Günter Hans Elbe takes over as manager of the entire company

1994

Production of laser-welded aluminum corrugated tube

1996

Production of complete steering modules with manual adjustment and jacket tubes of magnesium
New branch factory built in Rippershausen / Thuringia

1997

Partnership for Development with the company of C. Robert Hammerstein (today: Johnson Controls)
Development of complete, electrically adjustable steering modules

1998

Production of lightweight steering shafts with centered double cardan joints

2000

introduction of hydroforming technology in the production of structural components for steering columns

2001

Acquisition of steering column division of Raufoss Technology / Norway
Production of complete, electrically adjustable steering modules
Expansion of factory in Tamm, production area
50th anniversary of the Willi Elbe Group

2002

Expansion of factory in Pfedelbach, assembly area for steering columns
The third generation of the family enters the firm: Alexander Wohak takes over as manager in Rippershausen

2004

Expansion of the factory in Rippershausen, production and assembly area, administration

2005

Mr. Alexander Wohak changes into Headquarter and starts his career on sales.

2006

Implementation of plastic injection molding technology at the Rippershausen plant for producing sliding systems for steering columns

2007

Expansion of headquarter in Tamm
New space for development, purchasing and sales

2008

Expansion of the Pfedelbach plant, steering-column assembly department

2009

Mr. Alexander Wohak joins Management, with power to act and sign on behalf of the firm

2010

Winners of the Daimler Supplier Award
50-year anniversary of the Swiss site in Grabs

2012

Preparations for a further production plant in Nanjing, China
Strategic focus on lightweight components for automotive technology – and expansion in the commercial vehicle sector

2013

Generation Change in the Board. Alexander Wohak gets Managing Director
Susanne Wohak, Ralf Sedlmeier, Volker Herre and Martin Reichert getting procuration for relevant business units.