Zimmer Group Company Profile: History, Ownership, Products and Scale
Updated: 7 days ago
Zimmer Group is a German family company that makes grippers and other handling components for robots and machines, along with damping and clamping technology. Brothers Guenther and Martin Zimmer started it in a converted cowshed in 1980 and still own it. This profile sets out its history, ownership, products and scale.
Zimmer Group at a Glance
Fact | Detail |
Company | Zimmer Group |
Founded | 1980, as Zimmer Technische Werkstaetten |
Founders and owners | Guenther and Martin Zimmer |
Headquarters | Rheinau-Freistett, Germany |
Employees | About 1,400 |
Trainees | 70 |
Subsidiaries abroad | 19 |
Sales network | More than 125 countries |
Catalogue | 14,000 standard products in 20 technology areas |
Stock listing | None; family-owned |
Company History
Guenther and Martin Zimmer founded the business in 1980 in an old cowshed in Rheinau-Freistett, initially to support the family farm, and built their first gripper together with their father. A standardized gripper for industrial production was the breakthrough that opened international markets. By its fortieth anniversary in 2020 the company had about 1,200 employees and twelve foreign subsidiaries; both numbers have grown since. It won the German Brand Award in 2020 for the second time.
Products
Area | Description |
Handling technology | Grippers, swivel units and other pneumatic and electric handling components |
Robotics | End-of-arm tools, including grippers for collaborative robots |
Vacuum technology | Vacuum components for handling |
Damping technology | Industrial shock absorbers and soft-close dampers for furniture |
Clamping and braking | Clamping and braking elements for linear guides |
Machine technology | Tooling components for machine tools |
Process and system technology | Complete system solutions |
Customers come from mechanical and plant engineering, aviation, automotive and the furniture industry.
Zimmer Group product reviews on All Things Cobots
Leadership and Ownership
The brothers Guenther and Martin Zimmer own the group and lead it together.
Can You Invest in Zimmer Group?
No. It is family-owned and has no listed shares.
Strengths and Challenges
Strengths
A very broad catalogue across 20 technology areas.
Founders who still own and run the company.
A sales network in more than 125 countries.
Challenges
Competition from SCHUNK, Festo and specialist cobot tool makers.
Exposure to the machine building and furniture cycles.
Current Catalogue Coverage
Catalogue checked on 15 October 2026: 11 associated product records. The links below are representative entries, rather than a claim that every historical model is currently available.
Zimmer Group FAQ
Who owns Zimmer Group?
The brothers Guenther and Martin Zimmer, who founded it.
Where is Zimmer Group based?
In Rheinau-Freistett, Germany.
When was Zimmer Group founded?
In 1980.
What does Zimmer Group make?
Grippers and handling components, vacuum, damping, clamping and braking technology, and system solutions.
How big is Zimmer Group?
About 1,400 employees, 19 foreign subsidiaries and sales in more than 125 countries.
Sources
Zimmer Group: about us
Industrial Production: Zimmer Group celebrates 40th anniversary
