Early innovation: Precision as a foundation
The young company's technological aspirations were already evident in its early years. In 1933, GROB developed its first thread milling machine – a milestone that marked its entry into machine tool manufacturing. Just a few years later, another breakthrough followed with the development of its own process for chipless metal forming. The resulting thread rolling machines were ahead of their time: efficient, gentle on materials, and highly precise. This early ability to rethink processes became a recurring theme in the company's history.
Special-purpose machines and transfer technology: custom work for large-scale production
With Burkhart Grob taking over responsibility in 1952, the second generation began a phase of consistent technical specialization. The focus was on special machine tools for large-scale production – highly economical, robust, and precisely tailored to customer processes. In the 1960s and 1970s, GROB set standards in transfer machine construction. Multi-way and multi-station machines and flexible transfer strokes enabled unprecedented productivity for the first time. In 1970, three years after the site opened, the first completely independently developed transfer line was realized in Mindelheim – a clear commitment to the company's own engineering expertise.
The step towards the universal machine: flexibility as a principle for success
With the technological changes of the 1990s, GROB recognized early on the growing need for flexible manufacturing solutions. The introduction of highly dynamic machining centers with a compact design and, later, the use of linear motor drives marked the transition from rigid lines to modular concepts.
In 1998, GROB presented the BZ 600L, one of the first machining centers with linear motors – a decisive step toward high-speed machining. Another milestone followed in 2004 with the market launch of the modular G-series. The idea: a consistent machine concept that combines maximum flexibility, high precision, and industrial robustness. The response was enormous – within a few years, several thousand machines were installed worldwide.
CSO Christian Müller sums up the principle that GROB still lives by today:
"The best machine is the one that adapts to the customer – not the other way around."
Automation, digitalization, and Industry 4.0
Parallel to mechanical innovation, GROB is pushing ahead with the integration of automation and digitalization at an early stage. Flexible manufacturing systems, interlinked production solutions, and proprietary automation components are systematically refined.
The GROB-NET4Industry production control system creates a proprietary Industry 4.0 platform that intelligently networks machines, processes, and data. Automation solutions such as pallet rotary and pallet linear storage systems, robot cells, and driverless transport systems are increasingly making GROB a full-range supplier.
Christian Müller explains:
"Our machines think for themselves today – but they always make decisions in the interests of the operators."
Electromobility: From machine manufacturer to system provider
A particularly formative chapter in recent history began in 2016 with the strategic entry into electromobility. GROB expanded its portfolio far beyond classic machine tools and developed complete plant and system solutions for electric motors, battery cells, battery modules, and fuel cells.
Hairpin technology, needle winding, stator and rotor production, battery cell assembly, and cell-to-pack technology make GROB one of the leading suppliers for industrial e-mobility production.
CEO German Wankmiller emphasizes:
"We don't just build machines – we create production systems for the mobility of tomorrow."
Additive manufacturing and new technologies
With the development of the GMP300 liquid metal printing machine, GROB is opening up another field of innovation. Additive manufacturing complements conventional machining and series production – especially for functional components, prototypes, and new materials. GROB remains true to its philosophy: new technologies are only brought to market when they are suitable for industrial use, economical, and process-reliable.
German Wankmiller sums it up aptly:
"What we build is more than technology – it is trust in our own engineering skills."
Technology with purpose
Despite all the high-tech solutions, people remain at the heart of GROB. Training, in-house vertical integration, and engineering expertise are conscious decisions. They ensure not only quality, but also independence and innovation, even today.
Burkhardt Grob put it aptly during his lifetime:
"My greatest experience, which shaped my entire life, was my father's relationship with his employees. It was characterized by a deep sense of responsibility towards them. He was not only the boss, but always had an open ear for them, combined with a broad understanding of their problems and needs. His way of dealing with them ultimately led to the success of the company and the well-being of the employees."
This philosophy is deeply rooted in GROB’s history as a family-owned company. The company has been family-owned since its founding in 1926 – and since 2016, Christian Grob has been at the helm as the third generation. At the same time, the fourth generation, represented by Florian Grob, is already actively involved in the company and is being prepared step by step for its future responsibilities. This means that GROB is already well positioned for the future. What has been passed down over decades is more than just responsibility for technology and markets: it is a deeply rooted understanding that entrepreneurial success is inextricably linked to responsibility for people.
Supervisory Board Chairman Christian Grob puts it this way:
"Running a family business means thinking in terms of generations – making decisions that are not only right today, but will also stand the test of time tomorrow. Responsibility does not end at the factory gate, it begins there."
Internationalization as a consistent path to growth
Parallel to its technological development, GROB systematically expanded its international presence. What began as the export of individual machines developed into a global production and service network. With subsidiaries, production sites, and technology centers in Europe, North and South America, and Asia, GROB has always strived to be close to its customers. Internationalization was never an end in itself, but rather an expression of customer proximity in practice: understanding local market requirements, responding quickly, and ensuring global quality standards. Today, GROB stands worldwide for reliable partnerships, intercultural competence, and the ability to roll out complex production solutions internationally – supported by the same precision and innovative strength that have characterized the company since 1926.
The anniversary year as a stage for technological milestones
GROB is deliberately using its anniversary year to look ahead to the future and underline its claim to be an innovation leader with several technological premieres:
- GP1350 5-axis portal milling machining center: Precise machining of even larger parts with maximum rigidity, dynamics, and process stability.
- GRC-M60 robot cell: Flexible, scalable automation solution for efficient machine utilization and future-proof production processes.
- MES/MOM system "GROB COSERA": Powerful process control system for managing and recording the entire flow of parts, which intelligently networks machines, automation, and IT and enables data-driven manufacturing.
The premieres make it clear: even after 100 years, GROB continues to think ahead – with solutions that measurably improve its customers' everyday industrial operations.
From March 17 to 20, GROB's in-house exhibition invites you to experience the company's history from then to now and get to know the latest technologies firsthand. Tickets are available here.
