MENTOR
MENTOR is a German family-owned manufacturer founded in 1920 that designs and produces integrated lighting solutions, light guides, and HMI components for automotive, building technology, sanitary, and industrial OEMs across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1920
- HeadquartersErkrath, Germany
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What MENTOR does
MENTOR GmbH & Co. Präzisions-Bauteile KG is a German family-owned precision components manufacturer founded in 1920 and headquartered in Erkrath, Germany, with 501-1000 employees and wholly-owned subsidiaries in China (Shanghai), Poland (Jelcz-Laskowice), Tunisia (Zeramdine), and Pforzheim, Germany. The company specializes in integrated lighting solutions and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) components at the intersection of electronics, optoelectronics, and mechanics, serving blue-chip OEMs and "hidden champions" across the automotive, building technology, sanitary, and industrial equipment sectors.
The product portfolio spans three categories: (1) Components including rigid and flexible light guides, IP68-rated waterproof signal lamps, optoelectronic components, and electromechanical parts such as handles and knobs; (2) Lighting Solutions including the proprietary M-Fibre side-light fibre system for luminous lines and the M-FabriX luminous textile system for flexible fabric-based illumination; and (3) Automotive interior lighting featuring customizable RGB LED ambient lighting. MENTOR operates a vertically integrated model combining LED development, electronics engineering, tool construction, and plastic injection moulding under one roof, supported by IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and TISAX certifications. Named customers include Volkswagen (VW Arteon interior lighting), Viega (Visign illuminated flush plate), and Dormakaba (SafeRoute emergency exit system).
The company generates revenue primarily through hardware sales of both standard catalog components and custom-engineered solutions, distributed via direct sales in Germany, regional subsidiaries, and a global network of authorized distributors. Go-to-market is supported by trade show participation (Evertiq Expo, SEPEM), digital channels including a 3D virtual showroom and e-catalogue with CAD data via TraceParts, and targeted social media presence. Pricing is quote-based for custom solutions and not publicly disclosed; geographic restrictions apply to Russia under EU sanctions.
MENTOR firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MENTOR
- Legal name
- MENTOR GmbH & Co. Präzisions-Bauteile KG
- Website
- https://mentor.de.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1920
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- MENTOR is a German family-owned manufacturer founded in 1920 that designs and produces integrated lighting solutions, light guides, and HMI components for automotive, building technology, sanitary, and industrial OEMs across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MENTOR industry classification
Industry- Product category
- LED Lighting Components
- NAICS
- Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351)
- SIC
- Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Automotive Lighting Systems & Components Manufacturing (LED/Headlamps/Signal/Interior) (IMACAJAF)
Keywords
Where MENTOR is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Erkrath
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
MENTOR business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Lighting Solutions: Custom and standard integrated lighting solutions for automotive, building technology, and industrial applications. Includes ambient lighting, illuminated components, and product-integrated illumination.
- Electronic Components: Technologically challenging components including light guides, optoelectronic components, keypad components, electromechanics, handles, and knobs. Offered as standard products and custom solutions.
- Automotive Interior Lighting: Specialized interior lighting solutions for automotive industry including ambient lighting for vehicle interiors.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
MENTOR product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MENTOR GmbH & Co. Präzisions-Bauteile KG manufactures and supplies integrated lighting solutions and HMI components that combine electronics, optoelectronics, and mechanics. Its core products include rigid and flexible light guides (including IP68 waterproof variants), signal lamps, optoelectronic components, the proprietary M-Fibre side-light fiber system, the M-FabriX luminous textile system, and ambient RGB LED lighting for automotive interiors. Products are delivered both as standard catalog items and as custom-engineered solutions for automotive, building technology, sanitary, and industrial customers.
Product overview
MENTOR is a German hardware components manufacturer specializing in integrated lighting solutions and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) components combining electronics, optoelectronics, and mechanics. The product portfolio centers on three main areas: (1) Components including light guides (rigid and flexible, including waterproof IP68 variants), signal lamps, optoelectronic components, and electromechanical parts; (2) Lighting Solutions including the M-Fibre sidelight fiber system for luminous lines, M-FabriX textile lighting for flexible fabric-based illumination, and ambient lighting systems; (3) Automotive interior lighting. Products are offered both as standard catalog items and as custom-tailored solutions for specific customer applications. The company also provides complementary services including a 3D-Data Service, Showroom 360°, and First Lighting Check. The portfolio serves diverse industries including automotive, building technology, sanitary, household appliances, and industrial equipment.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- M-Fibre: Side-light fibre system for linear light applications with LED modules
- M-FabriX
- Wasserproof
Products and services
- Light Guides Rigid and flexible light guides that transmit light from LEDs to housing surfaces, available in multiple head diameters (2.2mm, 3.2mm, 5.2mm) and configurations, including waterproof IP68-rated versions for outdoor and moisture-exposed applications. Sold as standard catalog items to industrial and consumer product manufacturers.
- Ambient Lighting Systems Customizable ambient lighting solutions for automotive interiors, combining MENTOR light guides with microprocessor-controlled RGB LEDs to deliver illuminated trim in door panels and other interior elements. Supplied to automotive manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers for vehicle programs such as the Volkswagen Arteon.
- M-Fibre Side-Light Fibre System Side-light fiber system that uses optical fibers to transport light along linear paths, enabling aesthetic and functional illuminated line designs in products. Winner of the German Innovation Award (2021) and the DesignPlus Award (2020). Sold to product designers and OEMs across automotive, building, and consumer applications.
- M-FabriX Textile Lighting System Luminous textile fiber mat system for flexible, flat product-integrated lighting. The textile acts as a light guide and can be integrated into products with minimal installation space, supporting large-area illumination, free-form shapes, and dynamic lighting effects. Targeted at product and industrial designers.
- Signal Lamps (2660 Series) PCB-mounted indicator lamps for housing installation, available with IP68 waterproof rating. Built with UV-stable materials, SMD-LEDs, integrated light guides, and high ESD protection, with options in RGB, white, single-color, and special-color LEDs. Offered to industrial and consumer product manufacturers needing reliable status indication.
- Optoelectronic Components Range of optoelectronic components including LEDs, light guides, and related mounting systems for illumination applications in industrial and consumer products. Sold as standard components to manufacturers across multiple industries.
- Electromechanical Components Handles, knobs, and other electromechanical components designed for product integration by industrial and consumer product manufacturers.
- Automotive Interior Lighting Interior lighting solutions designed specifically for the automotive industry, including ambient lighting, illuminated trim elements, and customizable RGB LED systems for vehicle interiors. Targeted at automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
- SafeRoute Emergency Exit Lighting Integrated lighting solution developed for dormakaba's SafeRoute emergency exit safety system that communicates device status using different color codes while monitoring doors in emergency exits and escape routes. Delivered as a customer-specific solution to a building security OEM.
- Visign for More 205 Illuminated Flush Plate Indirect illumination system developed for Viega's Visign for More 205 toilet flushing plate, combining a custom light guide with a diffuser plate to enable contactless, hygienic operation and to act as a guide in dark environments. Delivered as a customer-specific solution to a sanitary OEM.
Companies that use MENTOR
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
MENTOR technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
MENTOR partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- AI for Career Development Coalition (AICD)minorNational coalition of nearly 100 organizations focused on ensuring AI strengthens access to high-quality career guidance. MENTOR is a member of this alliance including education, workforce, employer, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations.
- ERNTTEC Pty LtdcoreAuthorized distributor for MENTOR products in Australia. Located at 15 Koornang Road, Scoresby VIC 3179. Provides local sales and support for Australian customers.
- Heynen NVcoreAuthorized distributor for MENTOR products in Belgium. Located at Centrum - Zuid 3047, B-3530 Houthalen. Provides local sales and support for Belgian market.
- INTERKONT Berger GmbHminorSales representative for MENTOR products in Bosnia Herzegowina. Located at Fraunhofer Str. 5, D-87700 Memmingen, Germany.
- Wexoe A/ScoreAuthorized distributor for MENTOR products in Denmark. Located at Lejrvej 31, DK-3500 Vaerlose. Provides local sales and support for Danish market.
- Albert Weidmann Licht-Elektronik GmbHcoreSales partner for MENTOR products in Germany. Located at Gablonzer Strasse 11, 75181 Pforzheim. Specializes in lighting electronics.
- MENTOR Electronics & Technology (Shanghai) Ltd.coreRegional subsidiary handling MENTOR operations in China. Located at 139 Lane 3740 Hua Ning Road, Xing Zhuang Industry Zone, Min Hang District, Shanghai. Own sales and potentially manufacturing operations.
- MENTOR Poland Sp. z o.o.coreRegional subsidiary handling MENTOR operations in Poland. Located in Jelcz-Laskowice.
- MENTOR Tunisie SCScoreRegional subsidiary handling MENTOR operations in Tunisia. Located in Zeramdine.
- Martin SchmidtminorProduct designer who collaborated with MENTOR to develop innovative application ideas for the M-FabriX textile lighting system.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
MENTOR competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Dialight: UK-headquartered industrial LED lighting specialist with strong presence in harsh-environment and signaling applications. Comparable in industrial and signaling LED lighting, particularly relevant to MENTOR's IP68 waterproof portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Osram Opto Semiconductors: Major optoelectronic component manufacturer (LEDs, lasers, sensors) serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Overlaps with MENTOR's automotive and industrial lighting customer base but at much greater scale and broader scope.
- Everlight Electronics: Taiwan-based optoelectronics manufacturer offering LEDs, light guides, and signaling components across automotive, consumer, and industrial applications. Direct overlap in optoelectronic components and light-guide products.
- Hella (FORVIA): Major automotive lighting Tier-1 supplier offering complete headlamp, signal, and interior lighting systems. Competes with MENTOR in automotive interior ambient lighting programs but at full-system rather than component level.
- Lumileds: Global LED and lighting component supplier with strong automotive and specialty lighting franchises. Competes with MENTOR for automotive interior lighting sockets but operates at significantly larger scale across the LED value chain.
- Nichia: Japanese LED and optoelectronic materials manufacturer supplying automotive, general lighting, and display customers. Comparable in optoelectronic component supply, especially to automotive OEMs in Asia.
Direct peers
- BJB: German manufacturer of lighting components and lampholders serving OEMs across automotive, appliance, and industrial markets. Directly comparable mid-sized German specialist with a similar component-level focus and B2B OEM customer base.
- Carclo: UK technical plastics and optics specialist supplying LED optics, light guides, and precision components to automotive, electronics, and industrial customers. Comparable in product-integrated optics and OEM supply model.
- Bivar: US-based manufacturer of LED indication products, light pipes, and optoelectronic components. Closely comparable product portfolio (light guides, LED mounting hardware) targeting industrial and embedded OEM applications.
Emerging players
- Khatod Optoelectronic: Italian specialist in optical lenses and light-guide systems for LED applications across architectural, industrial, and OEM segments. Comparable niche focus on LED optics and light-management components.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
MENTOR social profiles
Digital presenceMENTOR compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance11 records
MENTOR financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MENTOR leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
MENTOR subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
MENTOR funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MENTOR M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MENTOR
What does MENTOR do?
MENTOR GmbH & Co. Präzisions-Bauteile KG manufactures and supplies integrated lighting solutions and HMI components that combine electronics, optoelectronics, and mechanics. Its core products include rigid and flexible light guides (including IP68 waterproof variants), signal lamps, optoelectronic components, the proprietary M-Fibre side-light fiber system, the M-FabriX luminous textile system, and ambient RGB LED lighting for automotive interiors. Products are delivered both as standard catalog items and as custom-engineered solutions for automotive, building technology, sanitary, and industrial customers.
Is MENTOR a public or private company?
MENTOR is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was MENTOR founded?
MENTOR was founded in 1920. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is MENTOR based?
MENTOR is headquartered in Erkrath, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does MENTOR make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Lighting Solutions are the primary driver. The others are electronic Components and automotive Interior Lighting.
Who are MENTOR's main competitors?
Dialight is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Osram Opto Semiconductors, Everlight Electronics, Hella (FORVIA), Lumileds and Nichia. Direct peers are BJB, Carclo and Bivar. Khatod Optoelectronic is listed as an emerging player.
Does MENTOR have an API?
No public API is recorded for MENTOR.
What industry is MENTOR in?
MENTOR's product category is LED Lighting Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGAJAF, Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors), with a secondary code of IMACAJAF, Automotive Lighting Systems & Components Manufacturing (LED/Headlamps/Signal/Interior). Its NAICS code is 33513 and its SIC code is 3640.