What sets Willi Elbe apart is the combination of technological depth and industrial execution capability. From development, simulation and testing to series production, we deliver customer-specific solutions within a fully integrated value chain — including CO₂-efficient aluminum cold forming for highly complex geometries.
Company
About
Revenue 2025:
EUR 188 million
EUR 188 million
Revenue 2025:
EUR 188 million
PPM Rate of <10
PPM Rate of <10
9 million parts
produced annualy
produced annualy
9 million parts
produced annualy
64 million vehicles with
our components worldwide
our components worldwide
64 million vehicles with
our components worldwide
Our vision
Shaping lightweight mobility
We combine engineering excellence, lightweight expertise and global delivery capability to develop the next generation of steering and driveline solutions — precise, reliable and tailored to our customers’ needs.
Our history
1951
The “Willi Elbe Fabrik für Gelenkwellen” is founded in Tamm, Baden-Württemberg. The first project: the development and later production of the cardan drive for BMW motorcycles - still a core element of the BMW driveline today.
1950s
Through close collaboration with BMW and its contribution to the further development of driveline technology, Willi Elbe builds substantial expertise in design and production. This expertise is later systematically transferred to steering shafts and steering technology.
1960
Driven by the engineering and entrepreneurial spirit of the people shaping the young company at the time, and supported by growing demand for vehicles, Willi Elbe develops promisingly. In 1960, a plant is opened in Grabs (Switzerland).
1966
Another plant is opened in Pfedelbach, Germany.
1970s
Willi Elbe evolves from a component supplier into a system supplier. With its laser-welded aluminum corrugated tubes as well as steering modules and magnesium steering protection tubes, the company establishes itself as an innovation and quality leader in steering and driveline technology.
1978
Günter Elbe takes over the management of the company. In the following years, the company expands its product portfolio, including in the commercial vehicle sector, and continues its expansion and internationalization path.
1996
A new branch plant is opened in Rippershausen, Thuringia.
2001
The acquisition of the steering column division of Norway-based Raufoss Technology, including its complex and highly precise cold extrusion process, completes the company’s competence profile. Through the acquisition, Willi Elbe is able to manufacture even the most complex customer-specific geometries.
2010s
Additional plants are established in Nanjing (China, 2013), Kuklén (Bulgaria, 2016) and Valle de Santiago (Mexico, 2017). Willi Elbe’s customer portfolio also continues to evolve. The company wins new customers and enters new markets, particularly in electromobility, including innovative EV manufacturers in the USA and China.
2020
In an environment overshadowed by numerous parallel crises, the industrial group AEQUITA acquires Willi Elbe. Together with management, the Willi Elbe team, customers and financing banks, AEQUITA drives the transformation forward.
2023
The economic situation gradually stabilizes. Processes and structures are professionalized step by step. Willi Elbe returns to operating profitability, and debt levels decline. The restructuring begins to bear fruit - also thanks to the joint commitment of lenders, customers and employees.
2026
With around 900 employees across six locations, Willi Elbe is today one of the leading international Tier 1 suppliers of steering and driveline solutions for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and motorcycles, and is a market leader in lightweight applications.
Engineered
for your instincts
Global market leader in lightweight
steering and driveline components.
With technological expertise and an international footprint, we are growing profitably and developing Willi Elbe into one of the world’s leading providers of highly integrated systems. Our target: revenues of > EUR 250 million.
New customers.
Also
in new industries.
These include additional premium brands, new customers in the commercial vehicle sector and non-automotive industries such as defense. We actively seize the market opportunities available to us.
Built for resilient
growth.
With operational excellence, deep manufacturing expertise and a clear focus on innovation, we are building the foundation for the next phase of Willi Elbe.
Advanced components.
Smart integration.
We develop highly engineered steering and driveline components and modules that integrate seamlessly into our customers’ vehicle architectures.
Local-for-local
in key markets.
Our international footprint enables us to develop and deliver close to our customers — strengthening responsiveness, supply security and market proximity.
Driven by responsibility
Sustainability
Responsible use of natural resources has guided our actions since Willi Elbe was founded. In our sustainability report, we provide annual information on measures and progress in the areas of environment, social responsibility and governance (ESG).
Management
A global company
