HSTec
HSTec (CHIRON Croatia d.o.o.) designs and manufactures high-speed motorized spindles and industrial automation solutions, including the SMART Spindle and HSR1800 robotic cell, primarily serving CNC machine tool builders and industrial automation customers across Europe and Asia-Pacific.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersZadar, Croatia
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What HSTec does
HSTec (legal entity CHIRON Croatia d.o.o.) is a Croatian manufacturer of high-speed motorized spindles and industrial automation solutions, headquartered in Zadar, Croatia. Founded in 1997 as a spin-off, the company employs more than 100 staff, including 25 engineers, and operates two interconnected product lines. HSM (High-Speed Motorized Spindles) covers grinding spindles up to 90,000 rpm, milling spindles up to 100 kW, lathe spindles with torque up to 500 Nm, robot-mountable spindles, and direct drives. HSA (Advanced Industrial Automation) comprises the HSR1800 universal robotic cell, 2D/3D machine vision systems, automated inspection systems, and custom hydraulic and pneumatic clamping devices. The SMART Spindle is the AI-enabled evolution of the HSM line, integrating real-time sensor monitoring of bearing temperature, vibration, and rotor speed, an active balancing system, and spindle axial thermal growth compensation to enable predictive maintenance and Industry 4.0 connectivity.
HSTec also operates an authorized representation business for global automation brands including Balluff, Bosch Rexroth, Hofmann, Wittenstein Alpha, and Mitutoyo across the Croatian market, and provides comprehensive spindle repair, redesign, and optimization services for spindles from all global manufacturers. The go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales from Zadar with channel partners RS Tec GmbH in Germany and Shanghai YIMO Technology Ltd. in Asia-Pacific (hstecspindle.cn). Revenue streams span one-time equipment sales (spindles, automation cells), authorized representation resale, and professional services for spindle repair and refurbishment.
In August 2022, CHIRON Group (Tuttlingen, Germany; approximately 1,900 employees) acquired 90% of HSTec, with former CEO Mladen Šarlija retaining a 10% stake and continuing as Managing Director of CHIRON Croatia d.o.o. The company serves machine tool manufacturers, CNC machine tool shops, and broader industrial automation customers across Central and Southeast Europe, with selected reach into the Asia-Pacific region.
HSTec firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- HSTec
- Legal name
- CHIRON Croatia d.o.o.
- Website
- https://hstec.hr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- HSTec (CHIRON Croatia d.o.o.) designs and manufactures high-speed motorized spindles and industrial automation solutions, including the SMART Spindle and HSR1800 robotic cell, primarily serving CNC machine tool builders and industrial automation customers across Europe and Asia-Pacific.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
HSTec industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Automation Equipment
- NAICS
- Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612)
- SIC
- Motors & Generators (3621), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spindles & High-Speed Drives (Machine Tool Spindles, High-speed Motors) (IMAGACAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Motion Control Electronics & Controls (Controllers, Drivers, Feedback Interfaces) (IMAHAGAJ)
Keywords
Where HSTec is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zadar
- HQ country
- Croatia
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
HSTec 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
- High-Speed Motorized Spindles Sales: Design, manufacturing, and sale of high-speed motorized spindles including grinding, milling, lathe, robot machining spindles, and direct drives. Ranges from grinding spindles up to 90000 rpm to high-power milling spindles up to 100 kW.
- Industrial Automation Solutions: Customized solutions for industrial automation including machine tending robot cells, vision systems, specialized machines for process automation, assembly and quality inspection machines.
- Spindle Service and Repairs: Comprehensive spindle repair, redesign, and optimization services for spindles of all global manufacturers. Includes vibration analysis, high-voltage insulation testing, sensor testing, and complete refurbishment.
- Authorized Representation Products: Sales of represented brands including Balluff sensors, Bosch Rexroth drives, Hofmann balancing solutions, Wittenstein Alpha gearboxes, and Mitutoyo measuring instruments for Croatian market.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
HSTec product offering
Product offeringCore offering
HSTec designs, manufactures, and sells high-speed motorized spindles and industrial automation systems for the CNC machine tool industry. The HSM product line covers grinding, milling, lathe, robot machining spindles, and direct drives (up to 90,000 rpm, 100 kW). The HSA line delivers machine tending robot cells (HSR1800), 2D/3D vision systems, automated inspection systems, and customized clamping devices. Comprehensive spindle service and repair is offered for spindles from all global manufacturers.
Product overview
HSTec offers two interconnected product lines: HSM (High-Speed Motorized Spindles) and HSA (Advanced Industrial Automation). HSM encompasses a comprehensive portfolio of motorized spindles including grinding spindles (HSM050AA through HSE150SD), milling spindles (HSM070SC through HSM112SB), lathe spindles, spindles for robot machining, and direct drives—all engineered for CNC machine tools with Industry 4.0 compatibility. The SMART Spindle represents an AI-enabled evolution of the HSM line featuring real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and active balancing. HSA provides complementary industrial automation including the HSR1800 universal robotic cell for machine tending, 2D/3D vision systems, automated inspection systems, and custom clamping devices. Together, these product lines serve the machine tool industry from spindle manufacturing through complete automation solutions, supported by comprehensive spindle repair and optimization services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HSM (High-Speed Motorized Spindles): Innovative motorized spindles product line including grinding spindles, milling spindles, lathe spindles, spindles for robot machining, and direct drives.
- HSA (Advanced Industrial Automation)
- SMART Spindle
- HSR1800
Products and services
- HSM High-Speed Motorized Spindles Innovative motorized spindles for CNC machine tools, including grinding spindles (up to 90,000 rpm), milling spindles (up to 80 kW), lathe spindles (up to 500 Nm torque), spindles for robot machining, and direct drives. Designed for high-precision machining meeting Industry 4.0 standards.
- HSA Advanced Industrial Automation Advanced industrial automation solutions including machine tending robot cells (HSR1800), 2D/3D vision systems, automated workpiece measuring and inspection systems, specialized machines for process automation, assembly and quality inspection machines, and custom hydraulic/pneumatic clamping devices. Designed to meet Industry 4.0 safety and sustainability standards.
- SMART Spindle AI-enabled motorized spindle with real-time monitoring of bearing temperature, vibration, and rotor speed; integrated active balancing system; spindle axial thermal growth compensation; and communication with the machine tool control system for predictive maintenance.
- HSR1800 Universal Robotic Cell Universal robotic cell for machine tending applications with flexible pallet sizes, suitable for all turning and milling machine tool brands, featuring reach up to 2,000 mm and load capacity up to 35 kg.
- Spindle Service and Repairs Comprehensive spindle repair and optimization services for motorized, belt-driven, and direct-driven spindles from all global manufacturers, including redesign, vibration analysis, high-voltage insulation testing, sensor testing, and complete refurbishment using original spare parts.
- Authorized Representation of Automation Brands Official authorized distribution and representation of globally renowned automation and drive technology brands including Balluff (sensors), Bosch Rexroth (electric drives), Hofmann (balancing machines), Wittenstein Alpha (gearboxes, servo drives), and Mitutoyo (precision measuring instruments) for the Croatian and broader Southeast European market.
Quantifiable outcome
- Spindle speeds up to 90000 rpm for grinding applications
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use HSTec
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
HSTec technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
HSTec partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- BalluffcoreBalluff offers high-quality and precise sensors and systems for every application and requirement, from displacement measurement and identification to object detection and fluid measurement. HSTec is authorized representative of Balluff for the Croatian market.
- Bosch RexrothcoreRexroth is the leading expert in electric drives and controls as well as servo drives, part of BOSCH Group. HSTec is authorized representative of Bosch Rexroth for the Croatian market.
- HofmanncoreHofmann provides development, production, and assembly of universal balancing machines, complex balancing systems for high-volume production as well as high-speed balancing and over-speed testing installations. HSTec represents Hofmann intelligent balancing solutions in Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
- Wittenstein AlphacoreWittenstein Alpha develops and produces mechanical and mechatronic servo drive systems for sectors that require maximum precision. HSTec is authorized representative of Wittenstein Alpha for the Croatian market.
- MitutoyocoreMitutoyo is one of the world's leading manufacturers of precision measuring equipment, offering products from micrometers, calipers, and dial gauges to hardness testers, vision measuring systems, and 3D coordinate measuring machines. HSTec is authorized representative of Mitutoyo for the Croatian market.
- RS Tec GmbHcoreRS Tec GmbH serves as HSTec Sales&Service representative for spindle solutions in Germany. Contact: [email protected], www.rs-tec.net
- Shanghai YIMO Technology Ltd.coreShanghai YIMO Technology Ltd. serves as HSTec Sales&Service representative for spindle solutions in Asia-Pacific region. Contact: [email protected], www.hstecspindle.cn
- CHIRON GroupflagshipCHIRON Group, headquartered in Tuttlingen, Germany, acquired 90% of HSTec in August 2022. CHIRON Group specializes in CNC-controlled vertical milling and turning machining centers, turnkey and automation solutions, digital products and services. The acquisition strengthens CHIRON Group's spindle development, production, and assembly capabilities while HSTec benefits from engineering expertise and global presence. CHIRON Group has approximately 1,900 employees worldwide.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
HSTec competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Siemens: Major supplier of CNC controls, drives, and spindle motors under the SINUMERIK and SIMOTION platforms. Comparable to HSTec as a broader incumbent in motion control and machine tool automation.
- CHIRON Group: HSTec's 90% parent company, specializing in CNC machining centers and turnkey automation. Comparable as a parent, customer, and broader-industry incumbent in CNC machine tools and automation.
- Bosch Rexroth: Global leader in electric drives and controls, including servo drives and motion control for machine tools. Overlaps with HSTec's spindle and automation offerings through much broader portfolio and global scale.
- Fanuc: Global leader in CNC controls, servo motors, and industrial robots. Comparable to HSTec in CNC spindle motors and machine-tending robot cells, operating at much larger scale and broader scope.
Direct peers
- Weiss Spindeltechnologie: German manufacturer of high-speed spindles for grinding, milling, and special applications. Comparable to HSTec in spindle product range, precision engineering, and European CNC OEM customer base.
- IBAG Switzerland: Swiss high-frequency spindle manufacturer for milling, grinding, drilling, and boring. Directly comparable to HSTec in high-speed spindle design, custom engineering, and CNC machine tool focus.
- GMN (Paul Müller GmbH): Produces high-speed spindle technology including bearing assemblies and motorized spindles. Highly comparable to HSTec's HSM line in precision, rpm ranges, and machine tool industry customers.
- Kessler Group: Specializes in motorized spindles and motor spindles for CNC machining centers. Closely comparable to HSTec in spindle engineering, OEM customer base, and aftermarket spindle service.
- Fischer Precise Group: Manufacturer of high-speed motorized spindles, rotary tables, and machine tool components. Directly comparable to HSTec's HSM product line in spindle technology, performance range, and end customers in CNC machining.
- Step-Tec (Team Fair): Develops and produces high-speed motor spindles for the CNC machining industry. Directly comparable to HSTec in spindle products, OEM relationships, and Industry 4.0-ready spindle technologies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
HSTec social profiles
Digital presenceHSTec financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
HSTec leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
HSTec funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
HSTec 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 HSTec
What does HSTec do?
HSTec designs, manufactures, and sells high-speed motorized spindles and industrial automation systems for the CNC machine tool industry. The HSM product line covers grinding, milling, lathe, robot machining spindles, and direct drives (up to 90,000 rpm, 100 kW). The HSA line delivers machine tending robot cells (HSR1800), 2D/3D vision systems, automated inspection systems, and customized clamping devices. Comprehensive spindle service and repair is offered for spindles from all global manufacturers.
Is HSTec a public or private company?
HSTec is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was HSTec founded?
HSTec was founded in 1997. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is HSTec based?
HSTec is headquartered in Zadar, Croatia, in the Europe region.
How does HSTec make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. High-Speed Motorized Spindles Sales are the primary driver. The others are industrial Automation Solutions, spindle Service and Repairs and authorized Representation Products.
Who are HSTec's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Siemens, CHIRON Group, Bosch Rexroth and Fanuc. Direct peers are Weiss Spindeltechnologie, IBAG Switzerland, GMN (Paul Müller GmbH), Kessler Group, Fischer Precise Group and Step-Tec (Team Fair).
Does HSTec have an API?
No public API is recorded for HSTec.
What industry is HSTec in?
HSTec's product category is Industrial Automation Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGACAL, Spindles & High-Speed Drives (Machine Tool Spindles, High-speed Motors), with a secondary code of IMAGABAG, Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers). Its NAICS code is 333612 and its SIC code is 3621.