What ETO Gruppe does

ETO Gruppe is a German, foundation-owned Tier-1/Tier-2 supplier of electromagnetic drive technology, founded in 1948 and headquartered in Stockach on Lake Constance, with approximately 2,500 employees across 11 wholly-owned subsidiaries in Germany, Poland, the USA, China, India and Mexico. Its core products are electromagnetic actuators, solenoid valves, proportional and switching valves, pressure and position sensors, and integrated modules that control dynamic processes in engines, chassis, braking and thermal-management systems, plus specialised components for hydrogen fuel-cell applications and ADAS sensor/camera cleaning. Customers include major passenger-car OEMs (Renault-Nissan, GM), Tier-1 commercial-vehicle systems integrators (Knorr-Bremse, Bendix), and industrial equipment manufacturers (Bosch, MTU, Schneider Electric, Parker, Danfoss, Hoerbiger).

The group's technology base rests on 75+ years of in-house electromagnetic engineering, an extensive patent portfolio and validated series production of valve-stroke actuators, proportional solenoids for cam phasing, EBS solenoid valves, air-suspension pressure sensors and canister vent valves. ETO operates a horizontal segmentation into passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industry; commercial-vehicle ABS/EBS and air-suspension components are the strongest installed-base position, while newer lines target hydrogen valves/sensors and ADAS cleaning modules. Revenue is generated almost exclusively through B2B sales of engineered components under long-term OEM supply contracts; pricing is per-component and is not publicly disclosed.

The Christa und Hermann Laur-Stiftung has been sole owner since 1968, and the group's strategic posture is characterised by long-term independence, technology-led product development and global production co-location with customers. In 2021 the group added electronics, software and agritech via acquisitions of inovel elektronik and inovel systeme AG (Friedrichshafen); in 2023 it acquired ecoTech Umwelt-Messsysteme. In 2024 a second Chinese plant (LuAn) opened. From June 2024 ETO refreshed its executive team with a new COO and CFO; in June 2025 the long-serving CEO departed and in December 2025 the group completed the first phase of a formal restructuring, with a dedicated CRO slated for 2026.

Name

ETO Gruppe

Legal name

ETO GRUPPE TECHNOLOGIES GmbH

Website

https://etogruppe.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

ETO Gruppe is a German foundation-owned Tier-1 supplier of electromagnetic actuators, solenoid valves, sensors and integrated modules, serving passenger-car and commercial-vehicle OEMs and industrial equipment manufacturers across 11 production and engineering sites in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Electromagnetic Components

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (33632), Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (33531), Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing (3359)

SIC

Electronic Components & Accessories (3670), Motors & Generators (3621), Electronic Coils, Transformers & Other Inductors (3677)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Electric Motors & Actuators Manufacturing (EPS/Brake-by-wire/Seat/Window) (IMACAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Automotive ECUs/Control Modules & Embedded Electronics Manufacturing (IMACAJAC), Brake-Based Active Safety Hardware Manufacturing (ABS/ESC/AEB Actuators & Modulators) (IMACAMAH), Passenger Vehicle Electrical & Electronics Manufacturing (ICE) (IMACAAAK)

Keywords

• Electromagnetic actuators
• Solenoid valves
• Pressure sensors
• Automotive components
• Industrial hydraulics

Headquarters

HQ city

Stockach

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Original Equipment Components: Manufacture and sale of electromagnetic actuators, solenoid valves, sensors and modules to automotive, commercial vehicle and industrial equipment OEMs. Revenue is generated through long-term supply contracts with vehicle manufacturers and industrial equipment producers.
2. Aftermarket and Service Parts: Replacement parts and service components for existing installations, likely through service networks.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

ETO Gruppe manufactures and develops electromagnetic drive components and modules - specifically electromagnetic actuators, solenoid valves, sensors, and integrated actuator-sensor modules - for automotive passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial equipment manufacturers. Products regulate and control highly dynamic processes in engines, thermal management, braking, suspension, transmission, hydrogen systems, and ADAS applications, and are sold directly to OEMs through long-term supply contracts.

Product overview

ETO Gruppe is a tier-1 supplier of electromagnetic drive components, sensors, electronics, and software for the mobility, vehicle technology, and industrial plant sectors. The product portfolio centers on four core categories: (1) Actuators — including valve lift adjustment actuators, BTSI safety actuators, bistable actuators, and motorized phasers; (2) Solenoid Valves — including 2/2 and 3/2 proportional and switching valves for water pumps, engine oil pumps, chassis pumps, power steering, braking systems (EBS), air suspension, and gear shift units; (3) Sensors — including SM10 and S400V pressure sensors, speed sensors, STM200 pressure sensors, S400LP pressure sensors, LVDT displacement sensors, and inductive position switches; and (4) System Modules — integrated modules combining actuators and sensors for specific applications. Additionally, ETO offers specialized hydrogen valves and sensors (H2 flow control, shut-off, purge/drain, venting valves, and pressure sensors) and sensor/camera cleaning systems for ADAS applications. Products serve three market segments: passenger cars (valve timing, thermal management, braking), commercial vehicles (braking, air suspension, gear/clutch systems), and industry (stationary/mobile hydraulics, rail technology, large diesel engines, energy technology, automation). The company also develops software solutions through ETO DYNAMIC Digital GmbH for digital products and smart factory applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Valve Lift Adjustment / Cylinder Deactivation Actuators Electromagnetic actuators for valve stroke control and cylinder deactivation in modern petrol and diesel engines, enabling significant fuel consumption and emission reductions for passenger car OEMs. Available in 1-pin and 2-pin configurations with and without integrated position sensor.
• BTSI (Brake Transmission Shift Interlock) Actuators Safety actuators for preventing unintended gear engagement in automatic transmission vehicles, with integrated parking recognition switch, designed for passenger car OEMs.
• Stepper Motor Actuators Smart stepper motor actuators with integrated gearbox and embedded software for controlling valves in cooling and refrigeration circuits, air flap adjustment, and loading flap locking in passenger vehicles.
• Motorized Phaser Motorized actuators for camshaft phaser applications enabling variable valve timing in passenger car engines without hydraulic pressure.
• Bistable Actuators (Rail) Bistable actuator-sensor units for energy-efficient safety functions in rail vehicles, including door and ramp control applications.
• Proportional Solenoids Proportional solenoids for variable valve timing, ensuring optimum control and regulation of hydraulic cam phasers in passenger car engines. Compact design with low hysteresis, adaptable to specific customer requirements.
• 2/2 Solenoid Valves for Water Pumps 2/2 switching valve solenoids for controlling switchable water and coolant pumps in thermal management applications of passenger car engines, enabling quick heating and emission reduction.
• Proportional Valves for Engine Oil Pumps 3/2 or 4/3 proportional valves for variable adjustment of engine oil pump output to engine speed in passenger car engines.
• Switching Valves for Engine Oil Pumps 3/2 on/off solenoid valves for two-stage switchable engine oil pump control in passenger car engines.
• 2/2 Proportional Valves for Chassis Pumps 2/2 proportional valves for regulating large volume flows in actively regulated landing gear hydraulic pumps in commercial vehicles.
• 2/2 Proportional Valves for Power Steering Pumps 2/2 proportional valves for hydraulic power steering pump regulation depending on driving situation in passenger vehicles.
• 2/2 Solenoid Valves for Engine Mounts Normally-closed 2/2 switching valve solenoids for switchable engine and gearbox mount vibration control in passenger vehicles.
• Canister Vent Valves (CVS System) Solenoid valves for evaporative emission control systems (Canister Vent System) meeting OBD-II requirements in USA and Korea, in use in series production for over 15 years.
• Air Suspension Pressure Sensors and Level Control Valves (SM10, S400V, Pneumatic Solenoid Valves) SM10 pressure sensors, S400V pressure sensors for electronic level regulation, and pneumatic 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves for electronic level control in passenger car air suspension systems. More than 1 million systems per year are built worldwide.
• EBS Solenoid Valves (Electronic Braking System) Pneumatic 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves for Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) in trucks and trailers, available as individual systems or fully integrated modules.
• Speed Sensors for ABS/EBS Wheel speed sensors for ABS and EBS braking systems in commercial vehicles, enabling regulated braking in all driving situations. ETO solenoid valves and wheel sensors were first used in ABS braking systems in commercial vehicles in 1980.
• Hydrogen Valves (Flow Control, Shut-off, Purge & Drain, Venting) Solenoid valves for hydrogen applications including H2 Flow Control Valve (high pressure), H2 Flow Control Valve (low pressure), H2 Purge & Drain Valve, H2 Venting Valve, and H2 Shut-off Valve for fuel cell systems and vehicle hydrogen applications, meeting highest safety, material resistance and reliability requirements.
• Hydrogen Pressure Sensors (High and Low Pressure) H2 pressure sensors for high pressure tank monitoring and low pressure hydrogen consumption measurement and safety monitoring in vehicle and industrial hydrogen applications.
• Sensor and Camera Cleaning Systems Modular cleaning systems for ADAS cameras and sensors using precise valve technology for rapid and efficient distribution of cleaning media and compressed air, enabling reliable ADAS sensor performance throughout vehicle service life.
• Pneumatic 3/2-way Solenoid Standalone Valves (Commercial Vehicles) Stand-alone pneumatic 3/2 solenoid valves for commercial vehicle braking, compressed air, air suspension, gears, van drive, door systems, and auxiliary drives.
• STM200 Pressure Sensors (Commercial Vehicle) Stand-alone STM200 pressure sensors for measuring pneumatic and hydraulic system pressures in commercial vehicles.
• Pneumatic Solenoid Valves for Gear Shift Units Flexible pneumatic 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves for automated commercial vehicle gear and clutch system control units.
• Pivot Valves for Commercial Vehicle Brake Applications Pivot valves for commercial vehicle braking applications, available as individual systems or as part of fully integrated modules.
• Industrial Hydraulic Solenoids and Sensors (Round, Square, Control, LVDT, Inductive Position, PPCV) Industrial hydraulic component family including round and square (CETOP-2/3/5) solenoids, control solenoids for injection molding and packaging machines, LVDT linear displacement sensors for hydraulic systems, inductive position switches, and PPCV 2.5 proportional pressure control valves for precise hydraulic pressure regulation.
• Energy Technology Solenoids (C-frame, D-frame, Push/Pull) C-frame, D-frame, and push/pull solenoids for energy technology applications including network stabilization, tripping, and industrial actuation.
• Injector Solenoids for Common Rail Fuel Injection Proportional and injector solenoids for common rail fuel injection systems, ensuring regulated injection pressure and precise fuel dosage in diesel engines.
• Pneumatic Solenoid Valves and S400LP Pressure Sensors for Rail Technology Pneumatic solenoid valves for brake control and other rail vehicle applications, and S400LP pressure sensors for rail technology including brake control systems.
• Integrated Actuator-Sensor Modules (combined solenoid valve + pressure sensor) Integrated actuator-sensor modules that combine solenoid valves and pressure sensing in a single component, combining ETO's actuator and sensor expertise. Module combines pressure sensor with five solenoid valves for hydraulic and pneumatic applications.
• Software Development (ETO DYNAMIC Digital, Connect, App Services) Embedded software and digital product development delivered through ETO DYNAMIC Digital GmbH (electronics/PCB, software development), ETO DYNAMIC Connect GmbH and ETO DYNAMIC App Services GmbH in Stockach (software, apps, sensor data visualization, remote actuator control), plus global SAP support via ETO Magnetic India. Targeted at e-mobility, autonomous driving, and smart factory applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions in modern petrol and diesel engines through valve stroke and phase switching technology
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bosch (Automotive Electronics / Solenoid Valves): Massive Tier-1 automotive supplier that produces solenoid valves, actuators, and electronic control modules across all major powertrain, chassis, and safety applications - directly overlapping with ETO's passenger car, commercial vehicle, and industrial product lines. As both a customer (ETO supplies Bosch per disclosed relationships) and a competitor in actuator/valve content, Bosch is the most relevant peer for portfolio-level comparison.
• BorgWarner: Automotive Tier-1 with significant content in engine oil management, variable valve timing solenoids, and drivetrain actuators. ETO's valve-lift, VVT proportional solenoid, and engine oil pump valves are highly comparable to BorgWarner's portfolio.
• Denso Corporation: Japanese automotive Tier-1 that manufactures solenoid valves, sensors, and actuators for ICE, hybrid, and electrified powertrains. Highly comparable to ETO in product categories (engine management valves, thermal management, sensors) and serves globally localized OEM production.
• Wabco (now part of ZF) / ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions: Major commercial vehicle systems supplier for braking, suspension, and drivetrain; overlaps directly with ETO's EBS valve, speed sensor, and air suspension content. Following ZF's acquisition of Wabco, the combined entity is one of ETO's principal competitors in CV pneumatics.
• Continental Automotive: Global Tier-1 supplier with extensive portfolios in vehicle electromechanical components, including solenoid valves, sensors, and actuators used in transmission, engine management, and ADAS systems. Directly comparable to ETO across passenger-car and commercial-vehicle segments with broader systems-level capabilities.

Direct peers

• Parker Hannifin: Major industrial hydraulics and pneumatics component manufacturer that is both an ETO customer (in disclosed relationships) and a competitor in industrial solenoid valves, proportional valves, and hydraulic system components. Strong overlap with ETO's Industry segment (stationary/mobile hydraulics, injection molding, packaging).
• Hoerbiger: Specialist in compression and actuation technology, producing solenoid and pneumatic valves for industrial and mobile applications. ETO's disclosures list Hoerbiger as a customer relationship, indicating both an end-product and components supply overlap with ETO's industrial actuation portfolio.
• Knorr-Bremse: Global market leader for commercial vehicle braking systems - supplies EBS, ABS components, and pneumatic valves. ETO supplies wheelspeed sensors and pneumatic solenoid valves for EBS/ABS to Knorr-Bremse; both compete in the CV braking sensor/valve content space.
• Danfoss: Danish manufacturer of hydraulic valves, solenoids, and sensor solutions for industrial and mobile machinery. Disclosed ETO customer relationships overlap, and Danfoss is a direct competitor to ETO's industry-segment proportional valves, square/round solenoids, and PPCV products.
• Kendrion: European specialist manufacturer of electromagnetic actuators, solenoids, and valve components serving automotive, industrial, and commercial vehicle markets - a particularly close functional comparator to ETO in product technology and customer profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ETO Gruppe