JW FROEHLICH

What JW FROEHLICH does

JW Froehlich Maschinenfabrik GmbH is a privately held German special machine engineering company founded in 1965 by Josef W. Fröhlich in Leinfelden-Echterdingen with the invention of the 'micro-leck-test' leak test panel. The company designs and builds custom-engineered assembly and test systems primarily for automotive OEMs and their suppliers, with secondary applications in medical technology and industrial markets. Approximately 350 employees operate across seven locations in Germany (Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Plochingen, Stetten), the UK (Laindon), the USA (Sterling Heights, MI) and China (Shanghai + Dalian), supplemented by a worldwide network of independent sales representatives and distributors covering Europe, Asia and Latin America.

The core product portfolio is organised around end-of-line (EOL) test stands for electrified powertrain components — electric drive units (EDUs), inverters, stators, e-axles, single-flank gear testing, high-voltage batteries and fuel cell stacks — alongside established test systems for combustion engines, turbochargers and transmissions. Two proprietary software modules, SOLVISO® (test and analysis) and SOLCOR® (measurement data acquisition), are tightly integrated with the test hardware. Notable technical performance includes throughputs of up to 2,000 EDUs per day, 1,000 HV batteries per day and 150 truck e-axles per day, helium leak detection down to approximately 2.5 cm³ at 50 mbar, and bidirectional load testing up to 300 kW. Production-IT cybersecurity solutions (JWF SecureClient and JWF 2-Factor Authentication) were added in early 2026 to address emerging regulatory requirements such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act.

The business model is predominantly project-based enterprise sales of custom-engineered systems with multi-year contract cycles (commonly 14 months from project start to production start), complemented by a standalone product line of leak test panels (e.g., the 500-series launched 2017) and recurring after-sales service, training and spare-parts revenue. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; engagements proceed through dedicated product-line sales teams (Team Compressors, Team E-Mobility, Team Batteries, Team Leak Test Panels) and a global distributor network. The customer base is anchored by long-term relationships with major German automotive OEMs, evidenced by supplier awards from GM (1995), Ford (2000) and DaimlerChrysler (2002), and recurring large-volume orders such as 30 helium leak test stands for a German OEM's truck battery programme by end-2024.

Name

JW FROEHLICH

Legal name

JW Froehlich Maschinenfabrik GmbH

Website

https://www.jwf.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Short description

JW Froehlich Maschinenfabrik GmbH is a privately held German special machine builder, founded in 1965, that designs custom-engineered assembly and end-of-line test systems for automotive OEMs and suppliers, with approximately 350 employees across Germany, the UK, the USA and China.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Test and Assembly Systems

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Test & Measurement Equipment (Oscilloscopes, DAQ, signal analyzers, calibration benches) (IMAGAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Test, Measurement & Calibration Equipment Manufacturing Services (ATE, DAQ, metrology electronics) (IMAGAGAH), DER Compliance, Certification & Testing (Commissioning, Ride-Through) (EUADALAN), Testing, Commissioning & Electrical Safety (NFPA 70E/Arc Flash) (EDAOABAM), Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) Readiness & Drive-Cycle Verification (TLAKANAH)

Keywords

• Automotive test systems
• End-of-line testing equipment
• Leak test panels
• Electric drive test rigs
• Custom assembly systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Leinfelden-echterdingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Assembly and Test System Sales: One-time engineering and sale of bespoke assembly and test systems for electric drive units (EDUs), batteries, fuel cells, compressors, combustion engines, transmissions, and inverters. Large project durations of 14 months and more are typical.
2. Leak Test Panels and Devices: Sale of standalone leak test panel series (e.g., 500 series launched 2017) developed in-house for automotive, medical, and industrial applications.
3. Service, Training, and After-Sales: Recurring service offerings including expert support, workshops and online events, service requests, downloadable data sheets and operating instructions, and ongoing customer service through worldwide locations.
4. Local Service Centers (China): Shanghai office and LTG service centre, plus Dalian support centre offering local service and support for leak test panels and assembly/test systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

JW Froehlich designs, engineers and manufactures custom assembly and test systems for the automotive industry, covering electric drive units (EDUs), inverters, stators, e-axles, high-voltage batteries, fuel cells, electrical air compressors, turbochargers, transmissions and combustion engines. Its portfolio also includes a proprietary line of leak test panels founded on the 1965 'micro-leck-test' invention, complemented by in-house SOLVISO® test/analysis software and SOLCOR® measurement data acquisition, plus digital production-IT security solutions (JWF SecureClient and 2-Factor Authentication).

Product overview

JW Froehlich Maschinenfabrik GmbH offers a portfolio of specialized assembly and test systems for alternative and conventional drive technologies rather than a single unified SaaS product. The portfolio is organized around domain-specific test stands (electric drive units/inverters/stators/e-axles/gears, high-voltage batteries and truck batteries, electrical air compressors and turbochargers, transmissions and combustion engines) and a line of leak test panels used across drive, medical and industrial applications. Software is delivered as two proprietary modules that accompany the test stands: SOLVISO® (test and analysis software) and SOLCOR® (measurement data acquisition system). For production-IT security, JW Froehlich ships digital solutions including JWF SecureClient and JWF 2-Factor Authentication. Customer-facing integrations include VECTOR automotive tools (CANoe, CANalyzer, CANdela, vFlash) for inverter testing, the Discom NVH measurement system with a TAC sensor for gear testing, and the Inficon XL3000flex mass spectrometer for helium leak testing of truck batteries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SOLVISO®: User-centred test and analysis software platform developed by JW Froehlich.
• SOLCOR®

Products and services

• Custom Assembly and Test Systems for Electric Drive Units (EDU) Custom-engineered end-of-line and development test stands plus assembly and test fields for electric drive units, inverters, stators, e-axles and gears; intended for German and global automotive OEMs building electric mobility powertrains.
• Functional and Leak Testing of High-Voltage Batteries (Car) End-of-line test field combining high-resolution mass-flow leak testing of HV battery packs with differential-pressure leak testing of the cooling circuit, plus HV safety tests, LV tests, bidirectional load tests and restbus simulation. Designed for high-volume passenger-car HV battery production.
• Functional and Leak Testing of Truck Batteries (Helium Leak Test) Helium leak test stands for high-voltage truck battery packs using an Inficon XL3000flex mass spectrometer with a robot-controlled sniffing lance to detect leaks down to approximately 2.5 cm³ at 50 mbar.
• Fuel Cell Stack Test Bench Test bench for fuel cell stacks capable of analysing stacks with electrical outputs up to 10 kW across the full operational range, controlled via customer research software (ZSW) in close interaction with JW Froehlich PLC software; milestone toward series-production fuel cell stack test benches.
• End-of-Line Test Field for Inverters Automated end-of-line test field for automotive inverters with 30-second cycle time, integrating leak testing, sensor calibration, load testing, HV testing, firmware flashing and bus-communication diagnostics using Vector CANoe, CANalyzer, CANdela and vFlash.
• Compact Stator Test System Three-position parallel turntable stator test stand with optimised cycle times for different stator power classes; performs weight measurement (pre-/post-impregnation), surge voltage, partial discharge, insulation resistance, HV-AC, winding resistance with non-contact temperature compensation, and inductance/capacitance measurement.
• Single-Flank (Rolling) Test Stand for Electric Drive Gears Production test system that performs single-flank (rolling) testing on electric drive gears against a master wheel under load with sub-35-second cycle time, robotic loading via double gripper and integrated NVH measurement using Discom's TAC sensor.
• Function Test Stand for Electrical Air Compressors End-of-line function test stand for electrical air compressors used in fuel-cell stacks; supports single-stage, two-stage and compressor+turbine variants, with magnetic-field-probe rotational speed measurement, up to 45 kW electrical supply, CAN ECU readout, and compact machine-bed design.
• Function Test Stand for Turbochargers Function test stand for fully assembled turbochargers performing automated filling with temperature-controlled oil, leak testing (turbine, compressor, water and oil chambers), function testing with conditioned air and lubricating oil, NVH measurement, and sensor/actuator testing for wastegate or VTG; analysis via SOLVISO.
• Assembly and Test Systems for Transmissions Individual assembly and test systems for transmission production, including end-of-line test systems and seat-and-guide machines for which JW Froehlich describes itself as the world's leading supplier of EOL test systems in transmission production.
• Combustion Engine Test Systems Test systems for combustion engines, including cold test rigs developed for Daimler-Benz that enable engine testing without starting the engine; hybrid, hydrogen-engine and electrification variants remain in focus alongside conventional combustion development.
• Leak Test Panels (Lecktestgeräte) Family of leak test panels/equipment developed by JW Froehlich, in production since the company's founding in 1965 with the 'micro-leck-test' invention; latest generation is the 500 series (launched autumn 2017), used for drive technologies, medical and industrial applications.
• Leak and Function Test Measurement Systems (Aktor-Sensortest) High-resolution measurement systems and in-house-developed analysis software used for differentiated quality analyses alongside mechanical, sensor and actuator tests, including noise analysis and turbocharger testing; modular test stations for engine production.
• Assembly and Test Bay for Truck E-Axles One-stop-shop assembly and test field for heavy goods vehicle e-axles, integrating crane-fed conveyor, manual cable pre-assembly, automatic leak testing across five test spaces, oil filling of gearbox and e-motor, two HV test stations, EOL functional tests and dispatch preparation; capacity up to 150 axles per day in three-shift operation.
• SOLVISO® Test and Analysis Software Proprietary user-centred test and analysis software used to evaluate measurement data during the testing process, to assess functional capability and quality of components (e.g., turbochargers, inverters, batteries), and to support condition monitoring on the production line; sold bundled with JWF test stands.
• SOLCOR® Measurement Data Acquisition System Proprietary measurement data acquisition system used to capture extensive measurement data during testing and feed it into SOLVISO for quality assurance analysis; sold bundled with JWF test stands.
• JWF SecureClient Central security instance within production IT that bundles security-critical operations such as key generation, challenge-response authentication and flash encryption into a controlled, protected server core; designed to help automotive customers meet regulatory requirements such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
• JWF 2-Factor Authentication Identity-based access security solution for the production line, part of JW Froehlich's 'Digitale Lösungen' (digital solutions) portfolio.
• Service, Training and After-Sales Recurring service offerings including expert support, workshops and online events, service requests, downloadable data sheets and operating instructions, and ongoing customer service through worldwide locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 2,000 EDUs tested per day via JWF EOL test stands
• +8 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, supporting and minor.

• DiscomcoreTechnology or IntegrationDiscom provides a complete measuring system (including TAC sensor for NVH noise/vibration/harshness analysis) integrated into JW Froehlich's single-flank rolling test stand for electric drive gears. The TAC sensor enables direct vibration measurement on the rotating gear under load, which conventional methods cannot do. Discom software performs the analysis.
• Vector (Vector Informatik)coreTechnology or IntegrationVector components (CANoe, CANalyzer, CANdela, vFlash) are used by JW Froehlich to control and simulate inverter communications, flash firmware and apply established diagnostic/calibration protocols (UDS, XCP) over CAN, CAN-FD, FlexRay and LIN bus systems in end-of-line inverter testing.
• InficoncoreTechnology or IntegrationInficon mass spectrometer XL3000flex is integrated into JW Froehlich helium leak test stands for truck batteries. Enables concurrent subsurface measurement, nozzle measurement of sniffer lance, calibration leak test and capillary leak test.
• ZSW (Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg / Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupported by the state of Baden-Württemberg, JW Froehlich and ZSW jointly commissioned a fuel cell stack test bench at ZSW in Ulm for prototype testing of fuel cell stacks up to 10 kW. The test bench combines ZSW proprietary control software with JW Froehlich PLC software, and is intended to lay the foundation for series-production fuel cell stack test benches.
• HubSpotcoreTechnology or IntegrationHubSpot is used as the integrated marketing/CRM platform powering email marketing (newsletters and automated mailings), social media publishing and reporting, traffic reporting, contact management/CRM segmentation, landing pages, contact forms, and the live chat 'Messages' feature.
• Google (Google Analytics, AdWords, reCAPTCHA, Maps, YouTube, Web Fonts)supportingTechnology or IntegrationGoogle services used across the website for analytics, conversion tracking and remarketing (Analytics + AdWords + DoubleClick), form security (reCAPTCHA), location display (Maps), font rendering (Web Fonts), and embedded video (YouTube).
• Atelier Rosenberger (Eva Rosenberger, Stuttgart)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerStuttgart-based atelier responsible for the conception and design ('Konzeption und Gestaltung' / Information design) of the JW Froehlich website.
• wolter e-marketing GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDigital marketing agency responsible for the technical implementation (Technische Umsetzung) of the JW Froehlich website.
• DEKRA-ITS Certification Services GmbHsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExternal certification body auditing JW Froehlich's quality and environmental management systems at regular intervals, with numerous re-certifications confirming the high-quality standard.
• Immanuel-Kant-Gymnasium (IKG) Leinfelden-EchterdingenminorOthersEducational partnership supporting the 'Day of Professional Future' (Tag der beruflichen Zukunft), application training, the JW Froehlich Scholarship and exclusive internship positions to inspire young talents into special machine engineering.
• Immanuel-Kant-Realschule (IKR) Leinfelden-EchterdingenminorOthersEducational partnership supporting the 'Markt der Möglichkeiten' career fair, application training by apprentices and exclusive internship positions for Realschule students.
• Tecmi Srl (Italy)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian sales representative for JW Froehlich assembly and test systems, located in Turin with contact Marco Maglione.
• GIRA Automation, S.L. (Spain / Portugal)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales representative for assembly and test systems in Spain and Portugal, based in Las Rozas (Madrid) with contact Julio Iglesias.
• TeSys Engineering (Korea)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKorean sales representative for assembly and test systems, located in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do with contact S. M. Sung.
• GSN MexicosupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMexican sales representative for assembly and test systems, based in Querétaro with contact Oscar García (Sales Manager).
• CTIPL / Cimworks Technologies (I) Pvt Ltd (India)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndian representative for leak test panels and service, located in Mumbai with contact Rajendra Pradhan.
• BIURO TECHNICZNO-HANDLOWE TESTING SPÓLKA Z OGRANICZONĄ ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCIĄ (Poland)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPolish service representative for leak test panels, located in Katowice with contact Jacek Urbańczyk.
• S.C. TXP Advisers SRL (Romania)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRomanian service representative for leak test panels, based in Bucharest with contact Costin-Eugen Enache.
• ARC MAKINA TAK.San.Tic.Ltd.Sti (Turkey)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTurkish service representative for leak test panels, based in Istanbul with contact Selcuk Arica.
• autec (Austria)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAustrian service representative for leak test panels, based in Bad St. Leonhard with contact Stefan Kollmann.
• TM Technik s.r.o. (Czech Republic / Slovakia)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCzech/Slovak service representative for leak test panels, based in Brno with contact Tomáš Pavlik.
• ATS NV (Belgium / Benelux)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBenelux service representative for leak test panels, BU ATS Contracting based in Gent, Belgium with contact Patrick Rabaut.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AVL List GmbH: AVL is the largest privately owned company for the development, simulation and testing of powertrain systems, with a global network of test facilities for engines, transmissions, EDUs, batteries and fuel cells. It directly competes with JW Froehlich in end-of-line and development test systems for automotive OEMs, including e-mobility and combustion powertrains.
• HORIBA: HORIBA's Automotive Test Systems division supplies engine, driveline, brake and emissions test systems as well as battery and fuel cell test solutions to global OEMs. It is one of the largest direct competitors to JW Froehlich in powertrain and electrified-component test systems, particularly in the EOL test stand segment.
• FEV Group: FEV is a leading international engineering service provider for automotive powertrain and vehicle development, with significant testing and EOL equipment capabilities across engines, transmissions, e-drives and batteries. It competes with JW Froehlich in bespoke test rig and assembly solutions for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• ATS Automation Tooling Systems: ATS Automation designs and builds custom automated manufacturing and test systems for the automotive, energy and industrial markets, with capabilities in assembly lines, EOL test and complex mechatronic systems. It is a direct peer of JW Froehlich in custom-engineered assembly and test systems, with overlapping customer base among global automotive OEMs.
• Marposs S.p.A. Marposs manufactures precision measurement, inspection and test solutions for manufacturing quality control, including leak testing, dimensional gauging and in-process monitoring used in automotive production lines. It competes with JW Froehlich particularly in leak testing and in-process measurement for automotive components.

Broad incumbents

• KUKA AG: KUKA is a global supplier of robotics, automation and production solutions, including automotive assembly systems and test cells integrated with industrial robots. As a much larger automation incumbent, it competes with JW Froehlich in the broader custom assembly and EOL test cell market, particularly where robotic automation is required.
• ABB Ltd. ABB provides industrial automation, robotics and electrification solutions including automotive manufacturing test systems through its Robotics & Discrete Automation business. As a broad incumbent, it competes with JW Froehlich for large-scale automotive EOL test and assembly contracts, particularly with global OEMs.
• Bosch Engineering GmbH: Bosch Engineering is a subsidiary of Robert Bosch providing engineering services and customized solutions for automotive powertrain, chassis and e-mobility, including test and validation systems. It competes with JW Froehlich in customized test solutions, drawing on Bosch's larger scale and broader automotive portfolio.
• Dürr AG: Dürr AG is a global mechanical and plant engineering group whose automotive division includes paint, final assembly and testing systems. While its primary focus is on paint shops and final assembly, its testing capabilities overlap with JW Froehlich's assembly and test field offerings to automotive OEMs.

Emerging players

• Inficon Holding AG: Inficon is a specialist in leak detection (helium and refrigerant sniffing) and is already integrated into JW Froehlich's helium leak test stands for truck batteries (Inficon XL3000flex mass spectrometer). It is an emerging direct competitor in automotive leak test applications, particularly for HV battery IP67 verification.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries4 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 JW FROEHLICH