What DEVO-Tech does

DEVO-Tech AG is a Swiss family-owned mechanical engineering company founded in 1997 and headquartered in Ziefen, canton of Basel-Landschaft. The firm designs and manufactures custom vacuum lifting devices and tunnel construction handling equipment, serving enterprise customers in tunnel/infrastructure, industrial vacuum lifting, wood processing, railway construction, and chemical/pharmaceutical apparatus engineering across more than 45 countries. Its core product portfolio comprises the DVL vacuum lifting device series (8–33 ton payloads, extrados and intrados configurations), DTT/DVT turning tables, DHL/DML mechanical and hydraulic clamps, the DAW 3-in-1 combined stripping unit, TBM attachments and erectors, and the D-T/D-GT industrial vacuum lifting family; alongside resold SmartLift glass-handling devices and Brun Marti Dytan / Kito Erikkila / Konecranes crane systems distributed through channel partnerships.

The company operates a 2,000 m² in-house production facility equipped with Bystronic CNC laser (ByCut Star 4020 12kW fiber), waterjet (ByJet 4022), CNC press brakes, and an automated FMG sheet-metal storage system (110 bays, 333-ton capacity). Manufacturing is held to ISO 9001 (2016) and EN 1090 EXC 2 (2017) certifications. Headcount is approximately 30 specialists; the Vögtli family retains operational control with Paul Vögtli as CEO/owner, Ruth Vögtli as CFO/owner, and next-generation members Joel Vögtli (Head of Automation) and Vanessa Vögtli (Head of Corporate Development & Digitalization) on the executive bench.

DEVO-Tech monetizes through one-time custom equipment sales, commissioning and training services, reengineering/refurbishment contracts (up to 70% cost savings versus new equipment), maintenance and spare-parts revenue, and resale of partner products. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales to major tunnel construction consortiums (Marti, Herrenknecht, STRABAG), complemented by channel partners (KLEVAGE SAS in France/Belgium, Brun Marti Dytan AG, Bystronic AG), trade-show presence (bauma 2025, HOLZ Basel 2025), and a multilingual website/blog. A 2024 ground-breaking for a 3,500 m³ headquarters expansion signals capacity build-out ahead of expected demand. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; financials are estimated to fall in the $10M–$25M band given headcount, project scale (Brenner H53: 12 machines; Koralm KAT3: 42,000+ segments), and 800+ cumulative customers, with confidence constrained by lack of disclosure.

Name

DEVO-Tech

Legal name

DEVO-Tech AG

Website

https://devo-tech.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DEVO-Tech AG is a Swiss family-owned mechanical engineering firm that designs and manufactures custom vacuum lifting devices and tunnel segment handling equipment, serving enterprise customers in tunnel construction, infrastructure, glass, wood processing, and chemical/pharmaceutical industries across 45+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Material Handling Equipment

NAICS

Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing (33392), Conveyor and Conveying Equipment Manufacturing (333922)

SIC

Construction, Mining & Materials Handling Machinery & Equip (3530), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro primary industry

Loading/Unloading & Transfer Equipment (Telescopic Conveyors, Loaders, Tipplers) (IMAHABAI)

Keywords

• Vacuum lifting technology
• Tunnel construction equipment
• Material handling equipment
• Mechanical plant engineering
• Apparatus engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Liestal

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Equipment Manufacturing: Design and manufacture of custom vacuum lifting devices and handling equipment for tunnel construction and industrial applications. Products include DVL, DTT, DML, D-T series, and specialized tunnel handling equipment.
2. Commissioning and Service: On-site commissioning, employee training, trial runs, and final acceptance for delivered equipment. Includes technical documentation, safety briefings, and ongoing support.
3. Equipment Resale: Resale of third-party equipment including Smart Lift vacuum lifting devices for glass handling, Brun Marti Dytan crane systems, Kito Erikkila crane systems, and Bystronic machinery.
4. Reengineering and Refurbishment: Refurbishment and modification of existing handling equipment for new projects, achieving up to 70% cost savings versus new equipment.
5. Maintenance and Spare Parts: Maintenance services and spare parts supply through partnership with KLEVAGE SAS for France and Belgium markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DEVO-Tech AG designs and manufactures custom vacuum lifting devices and tunnel segment handling equipment, including the DVL series (8-33 ton payload), D-T series vacuum lifters (1,000-5,000 kg payload), turning tables (DTT, DVT, D-WT), mechanical and hydraulic clamps (DML, DHL), and the DAW 3-in-1 stripping unit. The company supplies these products to major tunnel construction projects (Gotthard, Brenner, Koralm, HS2) and industrial customers for handling concrete segments, glass panels, timber, and metal sheets, complemented by in-house CNC manufacturing and reengineering services.

Product overview

DEVO-Tech AG offers a comprehensive portfolio of vacuum lifting technology and tunnel construction handling equipment, comprising two core product lines plus services. The vacuum lifting device lineup includes the D-SA Destacking system for automated handling of long workpieces, the D-GT/D-T series (D-GT90, D-TB, D-T180, D-TVR180-e, D-T-5000-HD, D-TV, D-T90, D-TU) for various lifting applications with payloads from 1,000 to 5,000 kg, and D-WT turning tables. The company also resells SmartLift-branded indoor/outdoor vacuum lifting devices (SL 208 through SL 1009) for glass handling. For tunnel construction, DEVO-Tech provides the DVL vacuum lifting devices, DTT/DVT turning tables, DHL/DHL-SF/DML/DML-180E/DML-30T clamps, DVSL forklift attachments, DSL stone block grippers, DHT lifting tables, DPR press frames, the innovative DAW 3-in-1 combined stripping unit, DDF spindle frames, and TBM attachments including erectors and crane systems. The product range is complemented by resold Brun Marti Dytan, Kito Erikkila, and Konecranes crane systems, and supported by comprehensive engineering services including apparatus engineering, sheet metal processing, manufacturing technology, mold construction, mechanical engineering, equipment reengineering, and commissioning/training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DVL Vacuum lifting devices (Tunnel construction) Vacuum lifting device series specifically designed for tunnel segment handling, available in extrados (external) and intrados (internal) suction configurations, with optional 90° rotation and mechanical clamping for safety. Load capacities from 8 to 33 tons. Used by tunnel construction prime contractors on major European infrastructure projects.
• DTT Turning table (Tunnel construction) Turning table for tunnel segment rotation and positioning during production and handling, used together with DVL vacuum lifters on tunnel segment production lines.
• DHL/DML Mechanical and hydraulic clamps (Tunnel construction)
• DAW 3-in-1 Stripping unit Combined machine integrating vacuum lifting, turning (180° rotation), and stacking functions in a single device for tunnel segment demolding and stack formation. Described as the 'Swiss Army knife' of segment production.
• D-T series Vacuum lifting devices (D-T, D-TB, D-T90, D-T180, D-TVR180-e, D-TV, D-TU, D-T-5000-HD)
• D-GT/D-GT90 Vacuum lifting devices
• D-SA Destacking system
• D-WT Turning table
• SmartLift vacuum lifting devices (SL 208, 280, 380, 400, 408, 580, 608, 309, 1009)
• Tunnel construction support equipment (DVSL forklift attachment, DVT vacuum turning table, DSL stone block gripper, DHT lifting table transporter, DPR press frame, DDF spindle frame, TBM attachments, Erector, Tunnel segment crane system)
• Resold crane systems (Brun Marti Dytan, Kito Erikkila, Konecranes) Distribution of third-party light crane systems from Brun Marti Dytan AG and Kito Erikkila (Finland, joined 2021) and Konecranes, complementing DEVO-Tech's vacuum lifting range for comprehensive material handling solutions.
• Apparatus engineering services
• Sheet metal processing services
• Manufacturing technology services
• Mold construction services
• Mechanical engineering services
• Segment handling equipment reengineering services
• Commissioning and training services
• SmartLift rental services

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 70% cost savings through equipment reengineering versus new construction
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kito ErikkilacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Partnership established in 2021 to expand crane system offerings. Kito Erikkila's innovative crane systems from Finland are now available through DEVO-Tech, complementing their existing product range.
• Brun Marti Dytan AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMutual distribution partnership: DEVO-Tech distributes Brun Marti Dytan's light crane systems while customers can purchase DEVO-Tech equipment through Brun Marti Dytan AG. Creates bilateral synergies for customers.
• Bystronic AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing machine purchasing partnership. DEVO-Tech purchases Bystronic laser and bending equipment for their manufacturing. Additionally, Bystronic AG sells DEVO-Tech machines, creating mutual distribution benefits.
• Busch AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership since company founding for vacuum pumps. Busch vacuum pumps are essential components in DEVO-Tech's vacuum lifting devices, guaranteeing efficient and safe customer operations.
• Herrenknecht AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for tunnel segment handling equipment. DEVO-Tech supplies handling equipment for Herrenknecht AG tunnel projects worldwide. Collaborative technology development aims to continuously optimize the segment production process.
• Smart Lift A/SminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProducts from Smart Lift A/S added to range for safe and efficient handling of glass workpieces. Customers have option to rent or purchase these devices from DEVO-Tech.
• KLEVAGE SAScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales partner for France and Belgium. Provides maintenance and spare parts services for handling equipment and tunnel construction in these markets.
• SV-SolarcoreOthersPartnership for solar energy installations. SV-Solar installed 122 kW self-consumption system on existing buildings and is installing 108 m² solar system on new building. Key partner in DEVO-Tech's path toward climate neutrality.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves16 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Schmalz: Schmalz is one of the world's largest specialists in vacuum handling technology, offering vacuum lifters, gripping systems, and ergonomic material handling solutions across industrial applications. Direct competitor to DEVO-Tech's D-T, D-GT, and SmartLift-resold vacuum lifting product lines for glass, wood, metal, and concrete handling.
• Piab: Piab is a Swedish vacuum technology and gripper specialist serving industrial automation, robotics, and material handling. Provides vacuum components and suction systems that compete with elements of DEVO-Tech's vacuum lifting product stack and overlaps in industrial automation handling.
• TAWI: TAWI manufactures vacuum lifting equipment and crane systems for ergonomic material handling across industries including construction and manufacturing. Competes head-to-head with DEVO-Tech's vacuum lifting devices for general industrial and glass/panel handling.
• ANVER: ANVER is a North American manufacturer of vacuum lifting equipment, vacuum tube lifters, and crane systems for industrial and construction material handling. Overlaps with DEVO-Tech's industrial vacuum lifting devices in payload range and use cases.
• AERO-LIFT: AERO-LIFT is a German manufacturer of vacuum lifting devices, crane systems, and industrial handling equipment, including solutions for stone, concrete, and prefabricated parts. Closely overlaps DEVO-Tech's DVL, D-TB, and D-T series for handling concrete elements and heavy panels.

Broad incumbents

• Konecranes: Konecranes is a global leader in lifting equipment, cranes, and material handling services, offering industrial cranes, port solutions, and heavy-duty lifting systems. Already a DEVO-Tech distribution partner, Konecranes overlaps at the broad level on industrial lifting and crane integration.

Regional players

• ABUS Kransysteme: ABUS is a German crane and hoist manufacturer offering light crane systems, bridge cranes, and lifting solutions for industrial applications. Comparable to DEVO-Tech's Brun Marti Dytan, Kito Erikkila, and Konecranes crane distribution and integration offering across European industrial markets.

Emerging players

• Tünkers: Tünkers Maschinenbau manufactures clamping and handling technology, including mechanical and hydraulic clamps for automotive and industrial applications. Overlaps with DEVO-Tech's mechanical DML clamps and hydraulic DHL clamps used in tunnel segment handling.
• H+E Group: H+E Group supplies equipment for tunneling, mining, and bulk material handling, including segment handling systems. Direct overlap with DEVO-Tech's tunnel segment handling product line, particularly around segment logistics and stacking solutions.
• Munk Group: Munk Group (Günzburger Steigtechnik and MUNK) produces ladders, platforms, and lifting solutions for industrial and commercial customers. Comparable to DEVO-Tech's loading platforms and customized handling equipment for chemical/industrial clients.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/devo-tech-ag
• Facebookfacebook.com/devotechteam

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 DEVO-Tech