elobau

What elobau does

elobau GmbH & Co. KG is a privately held German sensor technology manufacturer founded in 1972 and headquartered in Leutkirch im Allgäu, operating under the ensian group conglomerate. The company designs, develops, and produces contactless electronic sensors, operator controls, machine safety components, and level measurement devices for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of mobile off-highway machinery — including agricultural vehicles, construction equipment, and industrial trucks — and for industrial machine manufacturers. Underlying technologies include magnetic actuation, Reed-contact, Hall-effect, MEMS (tilt/angle), RFID, and CAN-bus communication, with proprietary sub-brands such as eloProtect (RFID safety), eloLance (suction-based level measurement), and eloFlex/eloProg (configurable safety systems).

The product portfolio is organized into four categories: Operator Controls (joysticks, push buttons, multifunction handles, steering column switches, hand throttles, and modular armrests configurable for up to 68 functions via CAN-bus); Machine Safety (magnetically actuated and RFID safety sensors, ATEX-certified sensors for explosive atmospheres, safety interlocks, emergency stop buttons, and configurable safety evaluation units); Level Measurement (miniature, hinged, and immersion float switches, suction lances, and continuous reed-based level sensors); and Sensor Technology (MEMS tilt sensors N6/N7, Hall-principle angle sensors, and reed-based proximity, vane, and plunger switches). Products are developed and manufactured in-house in Germany, and the company has operated climate-neutral production since 2010. The 2026 acquisition of Hamburg-based recalm extends the portfolio into audio, voice, and Active Noise Cancelling technologies.

Commercially, elobau runs a sales-led, B2B motion combining direct enterprise engagement with OEM design and engineering teams for custom solutions and the elo.store e-commerce platform for standard catalog products, supported by a network of 48 branch offices and distribution partners across Europe, North America, and South America. Pricing is quote-based for custom programs and unit-based for standard articles through elo.store. The customer base is anchored on named off-highway OEMs including AGCO, Caterpillar, Case IH, and STILL, with awards such as AGCO Supplier of the Year 2022 and the Caterpillar SQEP Award underscoring supplier status. Reported revenue is approximately €160M with roughly 1,100 employees, and certifications include ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001-aligned environmental management.

Name

elobau

Legal name

elobau GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://elobau.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

elobau is a German sensor technology company founded in 1972 that designs and manufactures contactless sensors, operator controls, machine safety systems, and level measurement devices for off-highway machinery OEMs in agriculture, construction, and industrial trucks, with approximately €160M in annual revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Sensor Technology and Machine Safety

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive ECUs/Control Modules & Embedded Electronics Manufacturing (IMACAJAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Automotive E/E Architecture Components Manufacturing (Domain/Zonal Controllers, Gateways, Network Switches) (IMACAJAI)

Keywords

• Sensor technology manufacturing
• Machine safety components
• Operator control systems
• Level measurement devices
• Industrial automation components

Headquarters

HQ city

Leutkirch

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

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. Product Sales: elobau generates revenue through the sale of electronic components and systems including operator controls (joysticks, buttons, steering column switches, hand throttles), machine safety products (sensors, safety relays, emergency stop buttons), level measurement devices (float switches, suction lances), and sensors (tilt, angle, proximity). Both custom/specific solutions and standard product catalog are offered.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

elobau manufactures and sells contactless sensor technology, operator controls (joysticks, modular armrests, push buttons, steering column switches, hand throttles), machine safety products (magnetic and RFID safety sensors, safety relays, configurable safety systems, emergency stop buttons, ATEX-certified sensors), and level measurement devices (float switches, suction lances, reed-contact level sensors) for manufacturers of mobile working machines (agricultural vehicles, construction machinery, industrial trucks) and industrial equipment. The company offers both engineered custom solutions and a standard catalog including its own elo.store e-commerce platform.

Product overview

elobau is a German sensor technology company founded in 1972, offering sustainable electrical engineering solutions for mobile (Off Highway) and industrial applications. The product portfolio consists of four main categories: Bedienelemente (Operator Controls) including joysticks, push buttons, multifunction handles, steering column switches, hand throttles, and modular armrests (up to 68 functions via CAN bus); Maschinensicherheit (Machine Safety) comprising safety sensors (magnetic, RFID, ATEX-certified), safety interlocks, emergency stop buttons, configurable safety systems (eloFlex, eloProg), and safety relays; Füllstandsmessung (Level Measurement) featuring miniature and hinged float switches, immersion float switches, suction lances (eloLance SL2D, SL2R), and continuous level sensors; and Sensorik (Sensor Technology) including tilt sensors (N6/N7), angle sensors (424 series with CANopen/J1939), proximity switches, vane switches, and plunger switches. Products are developed and manufactured in-house in Germany (Leutkirch). The company also operates elo.store e-commerce platform and elocompanion sustainability consulting subsidiary.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• elo.store: Online shop for standard elobau products
• eloLance
• eloProtect
• eloFlex
• eloProg
• elocompanion
• eloLounge

Products and services

• Robust Joystick JE Robust multi-axis joystick for mobile working machines, designed for armrest installation in agricultural vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial trucks; flagship product launched at bauma 2025 and winner of the Red Dot Design Award.
• Modular Armrest 225MA midi Plug-and-play modular armrest with CAN-bus connectivity, configurable with up to 68 functions for controlling mobile machines; targeted at Off-Highway OEM cabs.
• Multifunktionsgriffe (Multi-function Handles) 341G/342G, 361G/362G Modular configurable multi-function handles with CAN-bus capability for ergonomic directional control and operation of various attachments on mobile working machines.
• Multiaxiale Joysticks (Multi-axis Joysticks) J2, J4 Basis, J4F Multi-axis joysticks designed for use in small control panels and rough environmental conditions in mobile machinery.
• Einachsige Joysticks (Single-axis Joysticks) J3, JFT, J7 Single-axis joysticks available in robust standard and fingertip designs for off-highway vehicles and industrial equipment.
• Taster (Push Buttons) Reed- and Hall-effect based push button switches, including micro buttons, nano buttons, and power take-off (PTO) buttons for off-highway vehicles.
• Lenkstockschalter (Steering Column Switches) Steering column switches with compact design and standardized mount for direct mounting on the steering column of off-highway vehicles.
• Handgas (Hand Throttle) 351H008 Hand throttle for regulating engine speed, installed in control panels and armrests of mobile working machines.
• Daumenräder (Thumbwheels) Hall-based illuminated thumbwheels with ergonomic design for integration in multifunction handles and control panels.
• eloFlex Configurable Safety Evaluation Unit Configurable safety evaluation unit for up to 4 sensors, providing flexible monitoring and diagnostics for machine safety applications.
• eloProg Safety System Modular safety control system comprising base modules, expansion modules, bus transfer modules, and relay modules for comprehensive machine safety.
• Magnetic Safety Sensors (153, 165, 114, 120, 122, 166) Magnetically actuated safety sensors for monitoring movable guards, available in various sizes and configurations for machine safety applications.
• RFID Safety Sensors eloProtect E (153ESK, 165ESK) RFID-based safety sensors (153ESK, 165ESK) offering highest manipulation protection for monitoring movable guards on machines.
• ATEX Safety Sensors 671 Safety sensors with ATEX approval per Directive 2014/34/EU for use in gas and dust explosion-risk environments.
• Not-Halt-Taster (Emergency Stop Buttons) Emergency stop buttons and contact elements available in various versions (NHT01D–NHT05D, NHT04S) for machine safety applications.
• Safety Interlocks (Sicherheitszuhaltungen) ZS, ZD, ZM Safety interlocks (ZS, ZD, ZM series) preventing unauthorized access to machines through various actuator and design configurations.
• Safety Control Units / Safety Relays 46212 Safety relays (46212 series) that reliably perform safety-related functions and monitor a variety of machine safety functions.
• Tilt Sensors N6/N7 MEMS-based tilt sensors for static and dynamic measurement; N6 in static analog and CAN versions, N7 in dynamic CAN versions for mobile and industrial applications.
• Angle Sensors (424 Series) Non-contact Hall-principle angle sensors with long service life and robust housing; 424C with CANopen and SAE J1939 protocols, 424A with current/voltage output, and 424R with IP67 protection.
• Proximity Switches (Reed-contact based) Reed-contact based proximity switches for space-saving position detection in mobile and industrial applications; includes models 115, 120, 122, 12261, 125, 126, 128, 133, 151SG0, and 153.
• Vane Switches (Schlitzschalter) 1405, 147 Compact vane switches without additional actuating magnet, with IP6K7 protection rating for demanding environments; series 1405 and 147.
• Plunger Switches (Stößelschalter) 144 Extremely robust plunger switches (series 144) for position detection of shafts or pistons, modifiable per requirements.
• Miniature Float Switches Compact float switches for horizontal and vertical use in small tanks for limit level measurement; includes stainless steel and PVC variants.
• Hinged Float Switches (Klappschwimmerschalter) 204KS, 205KS, 207KS Compact hinged float switches for horizontal use in small containers, with options including Teflon joints and sealing cuffs; series 204KS, 205KS, and 207KS.
• Immersion Float Switches (Eintauch-Schwimmerschalter) Customer-configurable and flexible immersion float switches, now available in stainless steel and PVC variants for level measurement applications.
• eloLance Suction Lances (SL2D, SL2R) Suction lances for level measurement with integrated extraction; SL2D and the new SL2R with continuous level measurement signal.
• Continuous Level Sensors (Füllstandssensoren 2..2 / 2..3) Continuous level measurement sensors based on reed-contact technology (series 2..2 and 2..3) with optional LCD display for industrial and mobile applications.
• elo.store E-commerce Platform Online shop for ordering standard elobau articles quickly and easily; available in DACH region, Benelux, France, and Scandinavia.

Quantifiable outcome

• Products designed to withstand harsh conditions in agricultural vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial trucks
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• recalmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026elobau acquired Hamburg-based startup recalm via asset deal. recalm develops audio, voice, and Active-Noise-Cancelling technologies, expanding elobau's portfolio in acoustic solutions for machinery applications.
• Bibus BVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 February 2026Bibus BV appointed as official distribution partner for the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), extending elobau's sales network in Western Europe.
• elocompanioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary company offering sustainability consulting services to other companies. elocompanion provides elobau's accumulated sustainability knowledge to help other businesses pursue sustainable practices.
• ensian groupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of elobau. The ensian group encompasses elobau and its subsidiaries, operating under shared values and compliance frameworks.
• KTEGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative development of KTEG HighSpec Joystick, unveiled at bauma 2025. Represents strategic product collaboration in joystick technology.
• STILLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of STILL Easy Drive steering wheel - a novel steering solution for industrial trucks.
• Hochschule KemptenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership exploring future tractor operation technologies, investigating next-generation operator control concepts.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Euchner: German specialist in industrial safety engineering, including safety switches, interlocks, and safety relays with RFID and magnetic technologies. Directly comparable to elobau's safety-sensor and machine-safety evaluation portfolio, serving similar machine-builder customers across Europe.
• RAFI: German manufacturer of operator controls, HMI systems, push buttons, and joysticks for industrial and off-highway applications. Highly comparable to elobau's Bedienelemente portfolio (joysticks, multi-function handles, modular armrests) and shares the same German Mittelstand DNA and target OEM customers.
• Schmersal: German family-owned manufacturer of machine safety products including safety switches, interlocks, safety relays, and emergency-stop devices. Closely comparable to elobau's Maschinensicherheit portfolio (magnetic and RFID safety sensors, eloFlex, eloProg, Not-Halt buttons) and serves the same industrial machinery OEMs.
• Balluff: German family-owned sensor and connectivity specialist serving industrial automation, with products in position sensing, level measurement, and industrial networking. Comparable to elobau's Sensorik portfolio (tilt, angle, proximity, Reed-contact devices) and shares the German Mittelstand engineering culture.
• Banner Engineering: US-headquartered manufacturer of industrial sensors, machine safety products, and vision systems. Comparable to elobau's sensor and safety portfolios and represents one of the few direct non-European peers with comparable product breadth in off-highway and industrial markets.
• ifm electronic: German-based manufacturer of industrial sensors (position, level, flow, temperature), IO-Link connectivity, and safety products. Comparable to elobau's Sensorik and Füllstandsmessung lines, with a similar B2B sales motion into industrial and mobile machinery OEMs.
• SICK AG: German sensor manufacturer specializing in industrial automation sensors, safety solutions, and identification systems. Overlaps with elobau's sensor and machine-safety portfolios, particularly in safety light curtains, encoders, and proximity devices for industrial machinery.
• Turck: German industrial sensor and field-IO specialist with a broad portfolio including proximity switches, level sensors, and connectivity solutions. Comparable to elobau's sensor and level-measurement lines and serves overlapping industrial and mobile-machinery end markets.
• Wenglor: German manufacturer of smart sensor technologies including photoelectric, inductive, and ultrasonic sensors, plus 2D/3D vision and safety products. Overlaps with elobau's industrial sensor portfolio and machine-safety evaluation offerings for industrial OEMs.

Broad incumbents

• Siemens (Digital Industries): Global automation incumbent whose SIMATIC and SIRIUS portfolios include safety relays, controllers, sensors, and operator controls sold to industrial and off-highway OEMs. Represents the broader incumbent competitive set against which elobau competes, particularly on integrated safety architectures.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/elobau_DACH
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/elobauWorld
• Facebookfacebook.com/elobauDACH
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elobau-uk-ltd
• Instagraminstagram.com/elobau_official

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

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 elobau