Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG
German mechanical engineering company (founded 1943) that invents and manufactures the original Rolling Ring Drive and complementary precision linear drive components, serving wire, food processing, packaging, and industrial automation OEMs across 50+ countries through a global sales partner network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1943
- HeadquartersVilanova I La Geltru, Spain
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG does
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG is a German mechanical engineering company founded in 1943, headquartered in Flintbek (Schleswig-Holstein) since April 2017. The company manufactures precision linear drive components based on its proprietary friction-locked (kraftschlüssig) technology, most notably the Rolling Ring Drive (Rollringgetriebe), which it invented in 1952 and remains the original and market-leading design. The product portfolio centers on converting constant rotary motion of smooth, non-threaded shafts into continuous reciprocating linear motion, and includes the Linear Drive Nut (Wälzmutter), Easylock and U-Clip clamping systems, Z-Drive timing belt drives, the Uhing Motion Drive (a sensorized and intelligently controlled variant), the UMS Measuring System, and in-house-manufactured precision shafts. Manufacturing is TÜV Nord-certified to DIN EN ISO 9001 (certificate number 44100-240565), with 5-axis CNC machining introduced in 2023 under the 'Automated into the future' initiative.
The company sells exclusively B2B to machine builders and industrial OEMs through a dual channel: direct sales in Germany (handled by a named team of sales, technical consulting, and sales-processing staff at headquarters) and a global network of more than 45 authorized sales partner locations across more than 50 countries, established since the first U.S. representation in 1968. Approximately 60% of revenue is generated outside Germany, reflecting deep reliance on the partner network. Target verticals include wire, cable and spring manufacturing (a core segment), food processing and packaging (where the lubricant-free Linear Drive Nut addresses hygiene requirements), general industrial automation, measuring and testing technology, agricultural irrigation, and demanding extreme-environment applications such as polar research drilling. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; quotes are obtained via direct sales contact.
The company is structured as a German Kommanditgesellschaft (KG) with Joachim Uhing Verwaltungs-GmbH as general partner, currently represented by managing directors Melanie Bracker and Tobias Hirt and Managing Director Technology Jörg Wadehn. It has remained family-controlled throughout its 80-plus-year history, with no evidence of outside equity, institutional investors, or M&A activity. Approximately 10% of the workforce are trainees, reflecting an in-house vocational-training model through which skilled workers are retained.
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG
- Legal name
- Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG
- Website
- https://uhing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1943
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- German mechanical engineering company (founded 1943) that invents and manufactures the original Rolling Ring Drive and complementary precision linear drive components, serving wire, food processing, packaging, and industrial automation OEMs across 50+ countries through a global sales partner network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Linear Drive Technology
- NAICS
- Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612), Precision Turned Product Manufacturing (332721)
- SIC
- Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Ball & Roller Bearings (3562)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Linear Motion & Actuation (Linear Motors, Electric Cylinders, Actuators) (IMAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Linear Motion & Mechanical Power Transmission (Ball/roller screws, linear guides, bearings, couplings) (IMAHAGAM), Motion Control Controllers & CNC/Robot Drives (Motion Controllers, Multi-axis) (IMAGACAH), Brakes, Clutches & Couplings (Electromagnetic Brakes, Torque Limiters) (IMAGACAK)
Keywords
Where Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vilanova I La Geltru
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Linear Drive Technology Products: Uhing generates revenue primarily from the manufacture and sale of precision linear drive components and systems. Product portfolio includes Rolling Ring Drives, Linear Drive Nuts, Easylock clamping systems, U-Clip elements, Z-Drive timing belt drives, Motion Drive systems, Measuring Systems, and Precision Shafts. The company operates B2B with an estimated export share of ~60%. Sales are conducted through a combination of direct sales (Germany) and a global network of sales partners in 50+ countries.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG manufactures and sells precision linear drive technology, centred on the original Rolling Ring Drive invented in 1952. The portfolio includes friction-locked (kraftschlüssig) linear drives that convert constant rotary motion of smooth, non-threaded shafts into continuous reciprocating motion, complemented by Linear Drive Nuts (Wälzmutter), quick-clamping systems (Easylock, U-Clip), timing belt drives (Z-Drive), precision shafts, and the sensor-equipped Uhing Motion Drive system.
Product overview
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG is a German mechanical engineering company that offers a portfolio of precision linear technology products, centred on the original Rolling Ring Drive invented in 1952. The core product line consists of Rolling Ring Drives (friction-locked drives converting rotary to linear motion) and Linear Drive Nuts (force-locked screw drives with zero backlash). These are complemented by clamping and tensioning solutions including Easylock quick-release systems and U-Clip clamping elements for smooth shafts. The company also provides automation components (Uhing Motion Drive with sensors and intelligent control, Measuring System), Z-Drive timing belt drives, precision shafts, and accessories. The product ecosystem is designed around smooth shaft technology, with products used in wire, food, packaging industries, and demanding applications including Antarctic research.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Uhing: The company's primary brand name for linear technology products including Rolling Ring Drives, Linear Drive Nuts, and related components.
- easylock
- U-Clip
- Kinemax
- Motion Drive
Products and services
- Rolling Ring Drive (RG) The original Rolling Ring Drive converts constant rotary motion of a smooth, non-threaded round shaft into continuous back-and-forth (reciprocating) linear motion through friction-locked engagement. Available in mechanical, electromagnetic, and pneumatic changeover variants. Used by industrial machine builders in wire/cable winding, food processing, packaging, and other automated systems.
- Linear Drive Nut (Wälzmutter / RS series) Friction-locked linear drive nut for screw drives featuring zero backlash and no internal reversal mechanism. Requires no lubricants, making it suitable for food processing machines with high hygiene requirements and manufacturers of precision measuring machines.
- Uhing-easylock Quick-Clamping System Tool-free quick-release clamping and tensioning element for smooth shafts that minimizes reversal times and enables fast bobbin changes in winding applications. Used as a standalone clamping system alongside Uhing linear drives.
- U-Clip Clamping Element Round clamping element for smooth, non-threaded round shafts. Pushes against components with a smooth movement and locks automatically when released. Available with Elasto-Ring accessory for lower-cost clamping applications.
- Z-Drive Timing Belt Drive Positive linear drive using a toothed belt drive system, characterised by high traverse speeds and accelerations. Used for linear motion applications requiring high dynamic performance.
- Uhing Motion Drive Advanced linear drive system combining proven Rolling Ring Drive mechanics with modern sensors and intelligent control technology. All components are precisely harmonised for automation applications.
- Measuring System (UMS) Measuring system component for automation processes, used in conjunction with Uhing linear drives to provide positioning feedback and process control.
- Precision Shafts (Uhing-Wellen) Precision shafts manufactured from highly alloyed steels, inductively hardened, precision-ground and polished for maximum concentricity accuracy and optimal surface quality. Customised lengths, end processing, and special bores produced to customer specification. Used with all Uhing linear drive products.
- Kinemax (KI series) Compact, lightweight version of the Rolling Ring Drive with plastic housing, developed for applications with lower forces. Offers reduced weight and lower acquisition costs while retaining the same functionality as the classic Rolling Ring Drive.
Quantifiable outcome
- More than 45 sales partner locations in over 50 countries worldwide
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and minor.
- KW Antriebs- & Automationstechnik GmbHcoreExclusive/local sales partner for Uhing products in Germany (Nuremberg region). Provides local customer advisory, sales, and support for Uhing linear drive technology in the Nuremberg area.
- H u. M Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. KGcoreLocal sales partner for Uhing products in Germany (Neukirchen-Vluyn region). Provides local sales and technical support for Uhing products in western Germany.
- Erich Rottmann Technik GmbHcoreLocal sales partner for Uhing products in Germany (Hamburg region). Provides local sales and technical support for Uhing products in the Hamburg area.
- Amacoil Machinery Inc.coreAuthorised sales representative for Uhing products in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Established since 1968 as Uhing's first foreign representation. High strategic importance given Uhing's ~60% export share.
- ISA Technology Pte. Ltd.coreAuthorised sales partner covering Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar for Uhing products.
- Shijiazhuang Kessin M&E Co. Ltd.coreAuthorised sales partner for Uhing products in China (Hebei Province).
- JUNGWOO CorpcoreAuthorised sales partner for Uhing products in South Korea (Yeonsu-gu, Incheon).
- TOMITA Co. Ltd.coreAuthorised sales partner for Uhing products in Japan (Tokyo).
- GMCEO Engineering Services PTY (Ltd)regionalAuthorised sales partner covering South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, and DR Congo for Uhing products.
- Statewide Linear BearingsregionalAuthorised sales partner covering Australia and New Zealand for Uhing products.
- HenzingercoreAuthorised sales partner for Uhing products in Austria (Linz).
- CALDIC Technology (Netherlands & Belgium)coreAuthorised sales partner covering the Netherlands and Belgium for Uhing products.
- New Communication GmbH & Co. KGminorWebsite development and digital services provider for Uhing's corporate website.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Hiwin Technologies: Hiwin is a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of linear guideways, ball screws, and linear actuators serving semiconductor, medical, and industrial automation markets. Comparable to Uhing in linear motion components, but at much higher volume and broader geographic scale across Asia.
- Festo: Festo is a German pneumatics and electric automation specialist offering linear axes, electric cylinders, and mechatronic motion systems. Comparable to Uhing in factory automation and machine building end markets, but with a much broader automation portfolio and global scale.
- Bosch Rexroth: Bosch Rexroth is a global leader in linear motion technology (linear guides, ball screws, linear axes) and broader drive-and-control solutions. Competes with Uhing in factory automation and machine building but as a much larger broad-line incumbent rather than a niche smooth-shaft specialist.
- NSK: NSK is a major Japanese manufacturer of ball screws, linear guides, and bearings for machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing, and automation. Comparable to Uhing in linear motion products and precision positioning use cases, but at substantially larger scale and broader product breadth.
- Schaeffler (INA): Schaeffler, through its INA brand, manufactures linear guides, ball screws, and roller bearings for industrial automation. Comparable to Uhing in linear motion components and target customers, but operates as a much larger automotive and industrial conglomerate with broader portfolio exposure.
Direct peers
- Nook Industries: Nook Industries is a US manufacturer of linear motion components including lead screws, ball screws, and linear actuators. Directly comparable to Uhing's Linear Drive Nut and Rolling Ring Drive in solving rotary-to-linear motion conversion in industrial automation and machine building applications.
- Thomson Industries: Thomson is a long-established specialist in linear motion components, including linear bearings, lead screws, and ball screws used in winding, traversing, and positioning applications — directly comparable to Uhing's Rolling Ring Drive and Linear Drive Nut product families in target use cases and customer base (industrial automation, packaging, wire processing).
- Ewellix (formerly SKF Linear Motion): Ewellix is a dedicated linear motion specialist (formerly part of SKF) offering linear guides, ball screws, and actuators for industrial automation, medical, and mobile machinery — directly comparable to Uhing's linear drive portfolio in both product category and end-market exposure.
- Wittenstein: Wittenstein is a German precision gear and linear system manufacturer offering low-backlash planetary gearboxes, linear actuators, and mechatronic motion systems. Comparable to Uhing as a German high-precision motion component specialist serving machine builders and automation OEMs.
Emerging players
- Rollix (Defontaine Group): Rollix is a French manufacturer of slewing rings, ring gears, and specialty rolling-element components. Partially comparable to Uhing through its use of rolling-element principles in mechanical power transmission, though it focuses on rotary rather than linear motion.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG social profiles
Digital presenceJoachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG
What does Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG do?
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG manufactures and sells precision linear drive technology, centred on the original Rolling Ring Drive invented in 1952. The portfolio includes friction-locked (kraftschlüssig) linear drives that convert constant rotary motion of smooth, non-threaded shafts into continuous reciprocating motion, complemented by Linear Drive Nuts (Wälzmutter), quick-clamping systems (Easylock, U-Clip), timing belt drives (Z-Drive), precision shafts, and the sensor-equipped Uhing Motion Drive system.
Is Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG a public or private company?
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG founded?
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1943. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG based?
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG is headquartered in Vilanova I La Geltru, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG make money?
One revenue line is on record: linear Drive Technology Products.
Who are Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Hiwin Technologies, Festo, Bosch Rexroth, NSK and Schaeffler (INA). Direct peers are Nook Industries, Thomson Industries, Ewellix (formerly SKF Linear Motion) and Wittenstein. Rollix (Defontaine Group) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG have an API?
No public API is recorded for Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG.
What industry is Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG in?
Joachim Uhing GmbH & Co. KG's product category is Linear Drive Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGACAG, Linear Motion & Actuation (Linear Motors, Electric Cylinders, Actuators), with a secondary code of IMAHAGAM, Linear Motion & Mechanical Power Transmission (Ball/roller screws, linear guides, bearings, couplings). Its NAICS code is 333612 and its SIC code is 3559.