TOBOL

What TOBOL does

TOBOL GmbH is a privately held German industrial automation company founded in 1997 by Tobias Funke and Olaf Beykirch and headquartered in Leinefelde-Worbis, with regional branches in Frankfurt am Main (opened 2014) and Berlin (opened 2018). The company specializes in measurement, control, and regulation (MSR) technology, building automation / building management systems (BMS), and in-house switchgear (Schaltanlagenbau) manufacturing for data centers and commercial and industrial buildings. Its customer base is enterprise-focused, spanning hyperscale, regional, and private data center operators (primary segment), as well as commercial office and industrial building operators, with named or referenced customers including Siemens AG, RITTAL GmbH & Co. KG, STULZ GmbH, CABERO GmbH & Co. KG, and an unnamed construction company that engaged TOBOL on four office building complexes for 2,700 employees.

The company's technology stack is anchored on proprietary control system manufacturing executed at an ultra-modern Plant 2 (Werk 2) facility using EPLAN-based electrical design, digital twin production planning, Perforex laser stations, CNC milling, Secarex cutting centers, and pick-by-light terminal block assembly. On the software side, TOBOL programs PLC, SCADA, and visualization solutions across CODESYS, Schneider EcoStruxure, and Niagara platforms, with IIoT/MQTT integration extending to Edge, Enterprise, and Mobile. Its proprietary Energy Performance Monitoring System (EPMS) tracks energy consumption, integrates waste heat utilization, and documents compliance with the German Energy Efficiency Act. TOBOL has delivered automation for Tier-IV (highest availability class) facilities since 2009.

Revenue is generated through three streams: (1) project-based custom control system manufacturing and MSR installation services (one-time project revenue, multi-year contract cadence, quote-based pricing with no public list); (2) a growing serial/series control system product line targeting broader market segments beyond bespoke work; and (3) recurring maintenance and service contracts following VDMA guidelines. Distribution is exclusively direct enterprise sales executed by Technical Key Account Managers and Sales Managers, with projects spanning Germany and Europe. The company employs 102 people, holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, and is actively executing a capacity-doubling expansion completed in 2025.

Name

TOBOL

Legal name

TOBOL GmbH

Website

https://tobol.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

TOBOL GmbH is a German industrial automation company founded in 1997 that designs, manufactures, and services measurement, control, and regulation (MSR) systems and switchgear for data centers and commercial buildings across Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Data Center Building Automation Services

NAICS

Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313), Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Computer Facilities Management Services (541513)

SIC

Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Control Cabinets & Power Distribution (Panels, Switchgear for Automation) (IMAHAHAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Power Distribution & Switchgear (UPS, PDUs, Busway) (HDABAKAA), Instrumentation, Controls & Automation (DCS/PLC/SCADA, SIS, Metering) (EUAEAFAC), Data Center MEP Operations & Maintenance (Specialized) (BPABACAM), I&C / Controls & Automation Commissioning (DCS/PLC/SCADA) (EUAEAJAD)

Keywords

• Building automation systems
• Data center MSR
• Control panel manufacturing
• SCADA system integration
• Industrial automation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Leinefelde

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Control System Manufacturing (Schaltanlagenbau): Design and manufacture of bespoke, project-specific switchgear and control systems for data centers and buildings. Production of both small and large quantities using flexible production lines. Revenue is project-based, tied to specific client projects, with pricing dependent on complexity, volume, and customization requirements.
2. MSR Installation and Project Services: Design, installation, and commissioning of MSR technology for data centers and buildings, including automation and cooling systems. Revenue is generated through engineering, project management, and on-site installation labor, typically scoped within larger infrastructure projects.
3. Series/Serial Control System Products: Production and sale of serial-ready control system solutions for MSR applications. Actively developing and expanding a dedicated sales channel for serial product lines targeting broader market segments beyond bespoke project work.
4. Maintenance and Service Contracts: Ongoing maintenance of MSR systems and control systems according to VDMA guidelines, including remote and on-site support, troubleshooting, and system optimization to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

TOBOL designs, engineers, manufactures, installs, and maintains MSR (Measurement, Control, and Regulation) technology and control systems for data centers and complex building infrastructure. Its core deliverables are custom switchgear/control panels (Schaltanlagenbau), data center automation, PLC/SCADA control and visualization systems, EPMS-based energy performance monitoring, and IIoT/MQTT integration, all produced in-house at an automated 8,000 m² production facility in Leinefelde-Worbis. The company also provides R&D services for liquid cooling, PUE optimization, and sustainability-focused data center designs.

Product overview

TOBOL offers a unified portfolio of measurement, control, and regulation (MSR) products and services for data centers and buildings. The core offering centers on MSR-Technik (MSR technology) for precise climate control and energy optimization, complemented by in-house manufactured Schaltanlagenbau (control panels) using EPLAN-based digital twin technology. Their Data Center Automation solutions integrate climate monitoring with energy management systems using PLC/SCADA platforms (CODESYS, EcoStruxure, Niagara). Supporting services include maintenance (following VDMA guidelines) and R&D focused on liquid cooling and sustainability. The company operates modern production facilities in Germany with 102 employees serving customers throughout Europe.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MSR-Technik für Rechenzentren (MSR Technology for Data Centers) Measurement, Control, and Regulation (MSR) technology services specifically designed for hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers, covering design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of MSR systems for mission-critical facilities. Intended for data center operators and their engineering and facility management teams across Europe.
• Schaltanlagenbau (Control System Construction) Custom engineering and in-house manufacturing of switchgear and control panels (Schaltanlagen) at an 8,000 m² automated production facility using EPLAN-based digital twin workflow, smart pick-by-light terminal block assembly, and automated wire terminal systems. Delivered as both bespoke custom builds and series/serial products for data center and building automation customers.
• Rechenzentrum-Automatisierung (Data Center Automation) End-to-end automation solutions for data centers, integrating MSR technology, EPMS energy performance monitoring, and IIoT/MQTT-based connectivity to enable centralized monitoring and control of mission-critical building and IT infrastructure. Targeted at hyperscale and colocation data center operators.
• SPS-/SCADA-/Leit- und Visualisierungssysteme (PLC/SCADA/Control and Visualization Systems) Programming, integration, and deployment of PLC (SPS), SCADA, control (Leit-) and visualization systems based on CODESYS, Schneider EcoStruxure, and Tridium Niagara platforms, with IIoT/MQTT integration capability. Used by data center operators and building operators to monitor and control complex MSR installations.
• Wartung MSR-Anlagen (Maintenance of MSR/HVAC Control Systems) Preventive and corrective maintenance services for installed MSR and HVAC control systems in data centers and complex buildings, delivered under recurring service contracts to ensure availability, regulatory compliance, and energy performance. Targeted at owners and operators of MSR installations delivered by TOBOL and third parties.
• Forschung und Entwicklung (Research and Development Services) Research and development services targeting liquid cooling optimization for high-performance data centers, sustainability and energy efficiency improvements, and PUE value reduction. Targeted at data center operators and technology partners seeking advanced MSR and automation innovations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Automated temperature optimization reduces energy consumption in data center cooling systems
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen (Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Nordhausen)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTOBOL cooperates with the University of Applied Sciences in Nordhausen for dual study programs in automation, electrical engineering, and electronics development. This partnership enables TOBOL to attract young talent and support innovative R&D projects while providing students with practical industry experience. The collaboration focuses on pushing technical innovations and developing future expertise in data center automation technology.
• Technical Colleges and UniversitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTOBOL cooperates with technical colleges and universities to support innovative projects and promote aspiring experts in research and development of new technologies and processes. These academic partnerships support TOBOL's R&D focus areas including liquid cooling, sustainability, and energy efficiency in data centers.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Beckhoff Automation: German-based industrial automation specialist offering PLCs, control panels, and PC-based control solutions. Highly comparable to TOBOL's MSR/PLC/SCADA offering for industrial and building applications, with a similarly German Mittelstand profile and focus on engineering-led sales.
• WAGO Kontakttechnik: German manufacturer of automation, I/O, and control products widely used in building automation and industrial control panel construction. Comparable to TOBOL in target customers (panel builders, building automation integrators) and in its privately held, German Mittelstand profile.
• Phoenix Contact: German-headquartered manufacturer of industrial automation, connectivity, and control cabinet components used in MSR, BMS, and switchgear. Comparable to TOBOL in the automation and control-panel value chain and in serving building and infrastructure customers across Europe.
• Weidmüller Interface: German specialist in industrial connectivity, automation, and cabinet building with deep exposure to MSR and switchgear applications. Directly comparable to TOBOL in serving control-panel builders, building automation integrators, and infrastructure customers.
• Bachmann electronic: German/Germanic automation specialist focused on control, SCADA, and condition-monitoring systems for industrial and energy applications. Comparable to TOBOL's PLC/SCADA and MSR work, with a similarly specialized, engineering-led commercial approach.
• ifm electronic: German manufacturer of sensors, controls, and automation systems used in industrial and building automation. Comparable to TOBOL in its MSR instrumentation and control offering, with broader scale but a similar Mittelstand engineering culture.

Broad incumbents

• Schneider Electric: Global incumbent offering EcoStruxure BMS, power distribution, and data center infrastructure solutions. Overlaps directly with TOBOL's BMS/MSR scope but as part of a much wider portfolio, and competes for Tier-IV DC RFPs where TOBOL currently partners with it.
• Siemens Smart Infrastructure: Siemens provides Desigo BMS, building automation, and switchgear at global scale, including solutions TOBOL integrates via CODESYS/EcoStruxure. A named TOBOL customer that also competes for the same BMS and control-panel work.
• ABB: Global automation and electrification incumbent offering control panels, switchgear, and building automation solutions used in data centers and industrial facilities. Competes with TOBOL in MSR and switchgear but as part of a much broader portfolio.
• Vertiv: US-listed data center infrastructure specialist offering integrated power, cooling, and IT management solutions. Adjacent competitor for Tier-III/IV data center BMS and control projects where customers increasingly demand integrated stacks.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@tobol-now
• Facebookfacebook.com/100063596911580
• Instagraminstagram.com/tobol_gmbh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tobol-control-gmbh

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 TOBOL