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Key people at Eldec.
Eldec develops and manufactures industrial induction heating systems, multi-frequency generators, and specialized hardening machines, operating from its headquarters in the Black Forest region of Germany. The industrial equipment manufacturer has demonstrated steady historical growth across its global operations, reaching a workforce of 90 employees and a worldwide turnover of €12 million in 2007 before expanding its annual revenue to €21 million by 2012. Operating as a subsidiary of the EMAG Group since its acquisition in 2013, the enterprise maintains a significant international footprint through global entities like eldec Suzhou Induction Ltd. in China. To further support its worldwide industrial manufacturing customer base, the firm recently established LINK Induction LLC in 2024 to serve as its exclusive sales and service partner across the North American market. Eldec was originally founded in 1982 by Wolfgang Schwenk.
eldec is a German engineering company specializing in induction heating and hardening technology, developing high-frequency (HF) and medium-frequency (MF) generators, inductors, and related tools for industrial applications like metal hardening and surface treatment.[1][4] Founded in 1982, it focuses on energy-efficient, sustainable solutions that enable precise, repeatable heating without gas or flames, serving manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and gear production.[1][5] Acquired by the EMAG Group in 2013, eldec has grown to generate around €21 million in worldwide turnover by 2012, with products known for reliability, power density, and longevity—some generators operating trouble-free for 20+ years.[1][5]
The company solves challenges in efficient metal processing by providing customized generators (e.g., IGBT-based since 1993, SDF® for contour-true hardening), inductors (conventional or 3D-printed), and machines like pick-up hardening systems, reducing energy use and enabling CO2-free processes when powered by renewables.[1][4][5] Its growth includes global expansion with offices in the US (1998) and China (2009), and innovations like the PICO-S and MICO-S lines, positioning it as a leader in sustainable induction tech.[1]
eldec was founded in 1982 in Germany by Dipl. Ing. Wolfgang Schwenk as Schwenk Induktorbau GmbH, initially focusing on developing and manufacturing inductors for induction heating.[1][4] The idea emerged from expertise in inductor design, quickly expanding into generators; by 1993, eldec pioneered the first HF and MF generators using IGBT semiconductor transistors, setting a reliability benchmark still unmatched today.[1]
Key milestones include the 2000 launch of patented SDF® (Simultaneous Dual Frequency) generators for gear hardening, US subsidiary founding in 1998, and steady growth to €11-12 million turnover by 2004-2007 with 90 employees.[1] In 2009-2012, it introduced MICO and MIND product lines, opened a China office, and hit €21 million turnover.[1] The pivotal 2013 acquisition by EMAG Group accelerated expansion, integrating eldec into a larger machine tool ecosystem while retaining its induction focus.[1]
(Note: A separate, unrelated "Eldec" founded in 1957 in the US became part of Crane Aerospace & Electronics in 1994, producing aircraft power systems and sensors; this profile centers on the German eldec due to query context and prominence in results.[2])
eldec rides the wave of industrial electrification and sustainability, where manufacturing shifts from fossil-fuel heating to efficient, precise induction amid global decarbonization pressures.[5] Timing aligns with Industry 4.0 demands for repeatable quality and energy savings—induction's targeted heating cuts CO2 and costs, favoring eldec in auto, aerospace, and heavy machinery amid EU green mandates and renewable grid growth.[1][5]
Market forces like rising energy prices and supply chain localization boost its edge over flame-based methods.[5] eldec influences the ecosystem by enabling downstream innovations, such as EMAG's machine tools and gear producers' high-precision parts, while its durable tech reduces e-waste in a circular economy push.[1][5]
eldec's trajectory points to deeper EMAG synergy, expanding into larger-scale sustainable hardening for EVs and renewables—think gigafactory-scale gear treatment amid electrification booms.[1] Trends like AI-optimized processes and 3D-printed inductors will enhance its precision edge, while global green regs amplify demand.[4][5] Its influence may evolve from niche innovator to standard-setter in zero-emission manufacturing, sustaining growth as industries prioritize efficiency over legacy methods—cementing eldec's role in a hotter, greener industrial future.
Key people at Eldec.
