Beckhoff Automation overview

Beckhoff is a major industrial automation supplier whose PC-based control architecture is widely used in advanced machinery and robotic systems. Its controllers, I/O, EtherCAT networking, servo drives and TwinCAT software can coordinate multi-axis motion, robot kinematics and factory automation.

Company fact	Detail
Founded	1980
Country	Germany
Address	Huelshorstweg 20, 33415 Verl
Employees	Approx. 5,500+ globally
Specializes in	PC-based industrial control, motion control, automation software, machine automation and robotics control
Products	TwinCAT, EtherCAT I/O, CX controllers, AX servo drives, XTS transport system, XPlanar, machine vision
Typical projects	Machine building, robotics control, packaging machinery, semiconductor equipment, warehouse automation, CNC and motion systems
Management and ownership	Beckhoff Automation is privately held in Germany. Founder and owner: Hans Beckhoff. Management is private-company based.

Website: www.beckhoff.com

Beckhoff Automation review summary

Beckhoff Automation is a German family company that built its business on using ordinary PC technology to control machines, and invented the EtherCAT fieldbus. Hans Beckhoff founded it in 1980 in Verl; it has about 5,300 employees and revenue of EUR 1.17 billion. This profile sets out its history, ownership, figures and technology.

Verified key facts from the review

Fact	Detail
Company	Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG
Founded	1980
Founder	Hans Beckhoff
Headquarters	Verl, Germany
Employees	About 5,300 worldwide, as of March 2025
Revenue	EUR 1.17 billion, fiscal 2024
Ownership	Family owned
Key technologies	PC-based control, TwinCAT and EtherCAT