History

ETEL was founded in 1974 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (Switzerland) with the intention of commercializing direct drive technology. As a pioneer in this field, ETEL’s name has become synonymous with direct drive technology and has widely contributed to the growth and breakthrough of this revolutionary technology in a variety of industries.

The dramatic expansion of activities at the end of the 1990’s persuaded DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH to acquire ETEL to increase their competitive advantage in different high-end markets. For ETEL and its customers, the synergy between direct drive technology and advanced measurement systems has proven to be a winning combination.

Main milestones

2017	New advanced motion system platform family.
2016	The widest scope of supply thanks to ETEL forward integration.
2015	Modular and scalable active isolation system (QuiET). ETEL opens an additional R&D center in Biel.
2014	New standard rotary axes and combined modules.
2013 2012	New advanced motion system platforms including 450 mm wafer processes.
2011	New high speed torque motor family (TMK). New offices in China and Hong-Kong.
2010	Launch of a new motion control family (AccurET & UltimET). New offices in Korea and Great-Britain.
2008	Fourth building extension in Môtiers dedicated to systems manufacturing.
2007 2006	ETEL pursues its Asian market penetration and opens a new subsidiary in Taiwan. Third headquarters extension.
2005 2004	Opening of new subsidiaries in Switzerland, Italy and Singapore. Development of an outstanding range of standard systems.
2003 2002	Opening of ETEL in France and The Netherlands. Serial production of high performance (nanometer precision) motion systems.
2000	ISO 9001 certification Launch of the DSC position controllers family. Second headquarters extension. Opening of ETEL Inc. (USA).
1999	DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH acquires a stake in ETEL. ETEL becomes the largest supplier of direct drives worldwide. Opening of ETEL GmbH (Germany).
1998	ETEL presents its first precision positioning system.
1996	Launch of the new standard program for direct drive motors and of the first standard digital position controllers. First extension of the headquarters.
1992	High force linear motors development.
1988	ETEL delivers large torque motors (2500 mm) for telescopes. ETEL moves into its new headquarters in Môtiers, Switzerland.
1981	First brushless torque motor design for the food industry.
1977	First linear motors development for the motorization of warehouse doors.
1974	ETEL founded by Dr. Nicolas Wavre.

History

Main milestones

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