Learn more
about the history of the transmission specialist

The transmission specialist
Zeitlauf

Zeitlauf, the transmission manufacturer headquartered in Lauf/Franconia and founded in 1957, has been part of the ebm-papst Group since January 2013. Since then, it has steadily reinforced the industrial drive technology business unit of the company that leads the way in fan and motor innovation.

The planetary gears, spur gears and crown gearheads developed and manufactured near Nuremberg for industrial applications have always been known for their high performance, energy efficiency, long service life and reliability. They are an ideal match for ebm-papst motors, which feature the same properties.

Together, the transmission, motor and software-supported control technology form a complete system of optimized drive solutions that open train and elevator doors, drive wheelchairs and conveyor belts, lift gates, and more.

The transmission manufacturer’s
success story

2013

The ebm-papst Group, the world market leader for motors and fans, acquires the transmission manufacturer Zeitlauf on January 1, 2013. The technology company based in Mulfingen (Baden-Württemberg) is strengthening its industrial drive technology division.

2012

A strategic milestone: Zeitlauf® goes east. Founding a subsidiary in the industrial center in Kunshan, China. Our main goal in China is to continue expanding our sales, add alternative supplier networks and grow in our target sectors. We launch EtaCrown®Plus, the intelligent combination of crown gear technology with planetary gears.

2011

Capacity expansion for a more productive, more efficient future. The entire assembly and small-series units move into two new, large production halls with a capacity of just under 4,000 square meters in Röthenbach/Pegnitz. This enables us to produce products for our customers in a more flexible and market-oriented way. The key to our success: using lean management principles in our work. We taught the entire company the lessons we learned and implemented lean tools in all departments.

2010

The high-performance Performax®Plus planetary gear is launched as the technologically excellent extension of the Performax® series. It features extremely high torques and a highly robust design. Performax®Plus is ideally suited to harsh conditions.

ZEITLAUF® receives the TOP JOB seal of quality for the second time and is one of the best employers among German medium-sized businesses.

ZEITLAUF® co-founds ZEK, offering advice to companies and municipalities on efficiently implementing energy-saving measures.

2009

ZEITLAUF® shows that it is committed to equal opportunities in employment and receives the TOTAL E-QUALITY seal for its future-oriented human resources policy. Energy-efficient drive technology is a central theme at ZEITLAUF® now more than ever. “EQ³ Energy Intelligence” combines the three most important service features that form the basis of outstanding innovative strength and engineering expertise: energy efficiency - smooth operation - long service life.

2008

With NoiselessPlus, ZEITLAUF® launches one of the smoothest-running, quietest transmissions in the market. ZEITLAUF® qualifies as one of the top 100 employers among medium-sized German companies and receives the TOP JOB award. ZEITLAUF® is nominated for the German Internet Award for its innovative online configurator.

2007

ZEITLAUF® celebrates its 50th anniversary. The EtaCrown® transmission is launched and the modular standard program goes online.

2006

All transmission series are available with a NEMA connection.

2005

Performax® HRL extends the Performax® modular system. ZEITLAUF® receives the Jobstar as an honor for creating jobs in the Nuremberg metropolitan region.

2003

The Performax® modular planetary gear system is launched.

2002

The S6000 gear shaping machine developed by ZEITLAUF® goes into series production.

2000

The ZEITLAUF® transmission database is set up. All the company’s developments since 1967 can be found there.

1995

The Compactline and Flatline transmission series are reworked, allowing smoother operation and power density, a longer service life and module reuse.

1991

Thomas Horz becomes CEO.

1990

The first noiseless transmission series for the mechanical engineering industry is presented: a one and two-stage planetary gear with helical gearing in a compact housing.

1988

The first warehouse program with 72-hour delivery service is implemented.

1985

The company launches its Focus series featuring plenty of tolerance yet smooth operation thanks to helical gearing in the first stage.

1983

The company commissions its first CNC lathes. The first planetary gears are developed and manufactured.

1975

The spur gears are optimized to improve their smooth operation by creating high first-stage reduction ratios, and using low numbers of input teeth (2) and helical gearing.

1971

The company moves into its own facilities on Industriestraße for the first time.

1970

The first modular transmission series with a zinc die cast housing, a high degree of component reuse and external variance is created. Werner Dunker becomes the managing partner.

1967

The company sets up a toothing workshop.

1963

ZEITLAUF has a booth at Hannover Messe for the first time.

1961

ZEITLAUF® begins training apprentices.        

1960

The company name, ZEITLAUF Zeitschalter und Apparatebau, is added to the commercial register. Compact spur gears are developed and manufactured for the mechanical engineering sector.

1958

The short-term universal cord time switch is launched.

1957

The company is added to the commercial register.

1956

Zeitschalter- und Apparatebau Eduard Horz is registered with the city administration.

Whatever the combination
– You win!

Individualized drive solution in 48 hours, orders of at least 1 unit.

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Drive systems
from ebm-papst

Whether it’s accommodating flexible modular solutions or customer-specific high-volume special solutions, ebm-papst has been the leading system supplier of fractional hp and industrial motors for decades now. These range from AC and DC motors and electronically commutated drives as external or internal rotor motors, right through to complete drive systems with transmission, sensors and operating electronics.