What Zoerkler does

Zoerkler Gears GmbH & CoKG is a precision drivetrain engineering and manufacturing company headquartered in Jois, Burgenland, Austria (10,000 m² single-site facility), serving Tier-1 aerospace, automotive, defence, railway and industrial OEM customers. Founded in 1898 as a mechanical workshop and operated through four generations of the Zörkler/Wagner family until its May 2025 acquisition by UK-based Xtrac Limited (a MiddleGround Capital portfolio company), the company today positions itself as an "All-in-One System Partner" delivering fully integrated drivetrain solutions from initial concept through prototype testing to certified series production.

The product portfolio spans helicopter main and tail rotor gearboxes (including the first fully Austrian-developed civil helicopter drivetrain, EASA-certified in 2021), fixed-wing and eVTOL propulsion systems (a co-developed ultra-compact Electric Propulsion Unit with Helix, delivering 400 kW peak at 32.2 kg), jet accessory and actuator gearboxes, automotive transmission prototypes, E-drive systems, railway traction drives, defence drivetrains for land/air/sea platforms, and bespoke industrial gear solutions. Supporting the product lines is an in-house test centre that includes one of Europe's most modern indoor helicopter gearbox test stands, an E-drive test stand (300 kW battery simulator), fatigue and hydraulic test rigs, and materials/metallographic laboratories. R&D intensity is reported at 15% of revenue, with collaborative programmes including LUBGEAR (Clean Sky 2) and VARI-SPEED (with TU Munich and TU Vienna).

The business model is project-based and direct-to-OEM: long-cycle, consultative enterprise sales to global Tier-1 customers, with revenue generated through custom engineering services (design, prototyping, testing) transitioning into series hardware supply contracts on certified programs. Aerospace is the largest disclosed segment at approximately 40% of revenue (2015 figure), with rail, automotive and defence sharing the remainder. Headcount is approximately 100, including 20+ R&D engineers and 8 apprentices, and output is supported by EN9100 (2025), ISO 9001, EANC approval (2023) and Cyber Essentials (2025) certifications.

Name

Zoerkler

Legal name

Zoerkler Gears GmbH & CoKG

Website

https://zoerkler.at

Company type

Private

Founded year

1898

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Zoerkler is an Austrian precision drivetrain manufacturer and Tier-1 supplier designing, prototyping, testing and series-producing gearboxes and transmission systems for global aerospace, automotive, defence, railway and industrial OEM customers, now operating as Xtrac Group's European aerospace hub.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aerospace and Automotive Precision Drivetrain Manufacturing

NAICS

Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (3336), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing (33635), Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Screw Machine Products (3451), Engines & Turbines (3510)

akta.pro primary industry

Propulsion Test, Integration & Certification Services (IMABADAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Aerospace Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Test Systems (IMABAMAL), Passenger Vehicle Transmission & Drivetrain Systems Manufacturing (ICE) (IMACAAAG), Hybrid Powertrain Integration Manufacturing (ICE-HEV/PHEV modules) (IMACAHAJ), Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

Keywords

• Precision transmission systems
• Helicopter gearbox manufacturing
• Aerospace drivetrain components
• Automotive transmission prototyping
• Defence gearbox systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Jois

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom drivetrain development and prototyping: Zoerkler provides end-to-end engineering services from initial concept to prototype, covering design, simulation, prototyping, and testing of bespoke transmission systems for aerospace, automotive, defence, and railway OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
2. Series production of precision transmission components and systems: Following prototype validation and certification, Zoerkler transitions to series manufacturing of gears, gearboxes, shafts, and complete drivetrain systems. Revenue is generated through long-term supply contracts with enterprise customers.
3. Testing and certification services: Zoerkler operates state-of-the-art test facilities for endurance testing, performance validation, and certification of drivetrain systems. These services are offered both internally and to external customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Zoerkler designs, develops, prototypes, tests, and manufactures high-precision transmission systems and drivetrain components for helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, eVTOLs/UAVs, automotive vehicles, defense platforms, rail vehicles and industrial machinery. As an all-in-one system partner, it delivers complete gearboxes, shafts and drivetrain assemblies from a single 10,000 m² facility in Jois, Austria, leveraging proprietary test stands and EN9100-certified processes. Its offerings span both series production of certified aerospace drivetrains and bespoke engineering services for prototype development.

Product overview

Zoerkler is an all-in-one system partner for advanced drive technology, offering a comprehensive portfolio of precision transmission systems and gear solutions. The product portfolio centers on core manufacturing capabilities across five main sectors: Aerospace (helicopter, fixed-wing, jet, and eVTOL/drone transmission systems), Automotive (transmission prototypes, E-drives, and automatic transmissions), Railway (drive systems for trains and trams), Defense (military land, air, and sea gearboxes), and Industry (plant automation, agricultural, construction, and shipping applications). Supporting these core products are state-of-the-art testing services including helicopter gearbox test stands, E-drive test stands, fatigue test stands, hydraulic test stands, and material laboratory services. The company provides complete lifecycle support from research and development through prototype manufacturing, assembly, testing, and series production—all from a single source at their Jois, Austria facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Helicopter Transmission Systems High-performance main and tail rotor gearboxes plus complete drivetrain systems for civil and commercial helicopters, including a fully EASA-certified drivetrain for a 6.5-ton class transport helicopter. Developed for global helicopter OEMs.
• Fixed-Wing Aircraft Components Precision engine components and drive systems for fixed-wing aircraft including propulsion systems, auxiliary gearboxes and E-propeller gearboxes for fixed-wing aircraft OEMs.
• Jet Propulsion Components Accessory gearboxes for actuators, generators, hydraulic and fuel pumps, including high-speed gearboxes with turbine wheels for hydraulic systems used in jet propulsion.
• eVTOL / Drone Drive Systems Precision gearboxes for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including thrust gearboxes with integrated electric motors and lift gearboxes; also includes an ultra-compact Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU).
• Automotive Transmission Prototypes Development, manufacturing, and testing of dynamic transmission prototypes for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and motorsport, from concept to serial production; tested on test benches up to 700 Nm.
• E-Drive Systems Electric drive systems for automotive electromobility including construction, calculation, production, assembly and dedicated test rigs for E-drives.
• Automatic Transmissions Prototype development for automatic transmissions including complete manufacturing and assembly, with testing on test benches up to 700 Nm for OEM and Tier-1 customers.
• Railway Drive Systems Mechanical and hydraulic drive systems for high-speed trains, regional trains and trams, developed from initial concept through prototype to serial production for European railway OEMs and system integrators.
• Defense Drive Systems High-performance gearbox solutions for military land, air and sea applications including armored vehicles, tanks, UAVs/UGVs, fighter jets, helicopters and naval platforms; includes complete gearboxes, gear components, oil pumps, positioning systems and precision gears.
• Industrial Gear Solutions Custom drive components and complete systems for plant construction, automation, agricultural machinery, special vehicles, construction machinery and shipping applications, including backlash-free, explosion-proof, cleanroom and robotics gearboxes.
• Helicopter Main Gearbox Test Stand Indoor testing facility for endurance and performance testing of conventional and coaxial helicopter main gearboxes under real flight conditions, offered to internal programmes and external customers.
• E-Drive Test Stand Test bench for E-axles with a 300 kW battery simulator providing realistic testing conditions for gearboxes and E-motors in single-stage configuration.
• Universal Transmission Test Stand Flexible test stand for tail gearboxes, intermediate gearboxes, automotive transmissions, and adaptable configurations for E-mobility gearboxes and electric motors.
• Fatigue Test Stand Testing of highly stressed drive shafts and gears for torque strength limits and lifetime analysis up to 1500 Nm mean load and ±500 Nm amplitude at approximately 6 Hz test frequency.
• Hydraulic and Pump Test Stand Testing of hydraulic components and complete systems for dry run capacity, leak rates and flow under variable oil pressure and temperature conditions.
• Rotor Brake Test Stand Test stand with rotating mass inertia simulation for testing vibrations, concentricity and stability, plus evaluation of rotor brake systems for performance and endurance.
• Material Laboratory Services Comprehensive materials testing including metallographic examinations, material sample testing, performance and failure analyses, surface condition evaluation, hardness testing, and case hardening depth analysis.
• Research and Development Services Consulting, project support, fundamental research and pre-development including calculations, simulations and technical documentation for customer drive systems.
• Prototype Manufacturing Rapid prototype production with close coupling between development and manufacturing, enabling quick and precise implementation of customer prototypes.
• Series Production Serial production of complex high-performance drive systems with high delivery punctuality, consistent quality and complete documentation for OEM customers.
• Assembly Services Precision assembly of prototypes, series production units and service work for drivetrain components, with digital support, documentation and real-time monitoring.
• Task Force Services Emergency production support team providing rapid technical analysis, short-term manufacturing capacity and precision work when supply chains are disrupted or quality issues arise.

Quantifiable outcome

• First fully Austrian-developed and manufactured drivetrain for a manned civil helicopter, successfully certified in 2021
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HelixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Zoerkler co-developed an ultra-compact Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) with Helix, a UK-based specialist in high-performance electric motors. The EPU targets next-generation eVTOL and eVOL aircraft, combining Helix's electric motor technology with Zoerkler's lightweight, high-efficiency gearbox. The collaboration is within the Xtrac Group ecosystem and targets scalable solutions for electric aviation.
• TU Wien RacingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Zoerkler sponsors TU Wien Racing, providing precision gearbox components for their Formula Student electric racing vehicle EDGE16. The team achieved 1st place in Acceleration, 2nd place in Skidpad, and best efficiency at Formula Student Italy 2025. Zoerkler parts are central to the vehicle's drivetrain performance.
• FH Joanneum Graz Racing (Weasels)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Zoerkler sponsors FH Joanneum Graz Racing, providing highly durable, precisely engineered drivetrain components for their Formula Student electric racing vehicle JR25. The team achieved two overall victories at Formula Student Austria and Formula Student Czech Republic 2025.
• Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKO / Austrian Federal Economic Chamber)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Zoerkler is listed on the WKO platform for Security & Defence, positioning the company as part of the Austrian defence industry ecosystem. WKO connects Zoerkler with domestic and international defence procurement opportunities. Zoerkler also exhibits at WKO-coordinated events such as the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
• CIDETEC Surface EngineeringminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Coordinator of the LUBGEAR European research project. CIDETEC contributes expertise in high-added-value surface development, including self-lubricated surfaces, and coordinates European Commission-funded aviation research projects. Zoerkler participates as a manufacturing and design partner.
• AC2T Research GmbH (Austrian Excellence Center for Tribology)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021AC2T is one of Europe's largest private tribology research centres and is responsible for the LUBGEAR test campaign, creating a unique database and extending contact modelling tools for gear and lubrication systems in aviation engines.
• Technical University of Munich – FZG (Gear Research Centre)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021FZG is internationally recognised for gear and transmission design, optimisation and testing. In the LUBGEAR project, FZG validates the most promising gear solutions for off-design operating conditions on a TRL3 test rig.
• Avio Aero (GE Aviation)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Avio Aero is the Topic Manager for the LUBGEAR project, appointed by the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking (CSJU). With over 5,000 employees across 7 production sites in Italy, Poland, and the Czech Republic, Avio Aero designs, manufactures and maintains civil and military aviation components and systems. It is a GE Aviation business.
• Technical University of Munich and Vienna University of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Collaboration since 2014 on the VARI-SPEED project for variable rotor speed transmission systems in rotorcraft. Supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG, TAKE-OFF programme) and the German Ministry of Economics (LuFo programme). Research results were published internationally in Springer's CEAS Aeronautical Journal and at major rotorcraft conferences.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Liebherr-Aerospace: Liebherr-Aerospace manufactures flight control and drivetrain systems, gearboxes, and hydraulic components for commercial, military, and helicopter platforms. Comparable as a European Tier-1 aerospace transmission and gearbox supplier with EN9100-certified operations.
• Voith Group: Voith produces drivetrain systems for rail vehicles, helicopters, and industrial applications, including the certification of helicopter gearboxes. Comparable as a multi-vertical precision transmission manufacturer with strong rail overlap.
• Collins Aerospace (RTX): Collins Aerospace designs and manufactures a broad portfolio of aerospace power and drivetrain systems, including gearboxes and accessory drives. Overlaps with Zoerkler across helicopter, fixed-wing, and military transmission applications.
• ZF Friedrichshafen (Aerospace & Industrial): ZF is a global Tier-1 automotive transmission supplier with growing aerospace activity and industrial gearbox lines. Comparable as a precision drivetrain manufacturer serving automotive, rail, and aerospace customers.
• Bosch Rexroth: Bosch Rexroth manufactures precision gearboxes, drive systems, and automation components for industrial and mobile applications. Comparable as a precision gearbox supplier serving factory automation and specialty industrial customers.
• Safran Transmission Systems: Safran Transmission Systems is a global leader in helicopter main and tail rotor gearboxes, supplying all major helicopter OEMs. Directly comparable as a Tier-1 certified helicopter drivetrain supplier at vastly larger scale than Zoerkler.

Emerging players

• Helix (Electric Motor Specialist): Helix is a UK-based high-performance electric motor specialist that co-developed the EPU eVTOL propulsion system with Zoerkler. Comparable as an emerging eVTOL/electric aviation propulsion supplier targeting the same next-generation platform market.

Direct peers

• Triumph Group: Triumph Group designs and manufactures aerospace structures, gearboxes, and mechanical components for commercial and military platforms. Comparable as a Tier-2/3 aerospace component manufacturer serving similar OEMs.
• Renk Group: Renk is a German specialist in high-precision gearboxes, transmissions, and powerpack systems for military vehicles, naval, and industrial applications. Highly comparable as a European precision gearbox manufacturer serving defense and industrial markets.
• Xtrac Limited: Xtrac is the parent company of Zoerkler and itself a specialist transmission manufacturer for motorsport and high-performance automotive applications. It is directly comparable as a precision gearbox / drivetrain Tier-1 supplier with shared engineering methodology and overlapping customer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Zoerkler