What Schlote Holding Gmbh does

Schlote Holding GmbH, headquartered in Harsum, Germany, is a private industrial group founded in 1969 that manufactures precision-machined metal components and series-produced parts, primarily serving automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers in the drivetrain and transmission category. The group operates two business divisions: (1) Industrial Metal Processing, which delivers high-precision series manufacturing of gearbox housings, transmission components, and other machined parts under automotive-grade quality standards (IATF 16949); and (2) Schlote Technology, which provides engineering services including fixture construction, prototyping, small-series production, custom machine construction, automation technology, and die-casting moulds. The group historically ran multiple production sites across Germany (Harsum, Wernigerode/GAW, Harzgerode, Brandenburg, Saarbrücken), the Czech Republic, and China, and employed approximately 1,500 people including 40+ apprentices.

Schlote generates revenue through two principal streams: (1) Component Manufacturing & Supply — long-term contractual series supply of machined metal components to OEMs at negotiated per-component pricing, and (2) Technology & Engineering Services — project-based professional services for fixture/tooling, prototyping, automation, and custom machines. Distribution is exclusively direct B2B sales to enterprise OEMs and industrial customers; there are no consumer or marketplace channels. The company has established supply relationships with the Volkswagen Group (AUDI DL382 transmission housings at Wernigerode; formerly VW DQ500 DSG housings in Tianjin). Co-development partnerships, including with aluminium producer Trimet Aluminium SE in Harzgerode and NEHER (announced 2024), underscore the engineering services motion.

The company is currently operating under self-administration (Eigenverwaltung) restructuring proceedings filed in 2024 across multiple entities including Schlote Holding GmbH, Werk Harsum, and Werk Saarbrücken, with bond restructuring underway for the 2019/2024 Anleihe. In July 2026, the group completed a strategic exit from the Chinese market via the divestiture of its Tianjin facility (approximately €45M in annual revenue and 300 employees). The operating footprint going forward is Germany and Czech Republic, serving automotive and adjacent industrial verticals including commercial vehicles, agricultural and construction machinery, railway, and special-purpose vehicles.

Name

Schlote Holding Gmbh

Legal name

Schlote Holding GmbH

Website

https://schlote.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Schlote Holding GmbH is a German precision metal machining and series manufacturing group founded in 1969 that produces transmission components and engineered metal parts for automotive OEMs (notably VW Group) and Tier-1 suppliers, operating from multiple German and Czech production sites under IATF 16949 certifications and currently in restructuring.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Precision Metal Manufacturing & Machining

NAICS

Turned Product and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing (33272), Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3329)

SIC

Metalworkg Machinery & Equipment (3540)

akta.pro primary industry

Metal Cutting Tools, Tooling & Workholding (Cutters, Inserts, Chucks, Fixtures) (IMAHADAB)

Keywords

• Precision metal machining
• Automotive series manufacturing
• CNC series production
• Industrial automation solutions
• Die casting moulds

Headquarters

HQ city

Harsum

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Component Manufacturing & Supply: Schlote manufactures and supplies precision-machined metal components (gearbox housings, transmission components, and other machined parts) to automotive OEMs and industrial customers on a project/contract basis. Revenue is generated through long-term supply agreements with automotive manufacturers, producing components in series (serial production). The recently divested Chinese facility generated approximately 45 million euros in annual revenue.
2. Technology & Engineering Services: Schlote Technology division provides engineering services including fixture construction (Vorrichtungsbau), small series production, prototype construction, designed components, custom machine construction, and automation technology. These services complement the manufacturing business and generate revenue through project-based professional services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Schlote is an industrial manufacturer specializing in precision metal machining (Zerspanung) and series production of complex metal components such as gearbox and transmission housings for automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. Through its Schlote Technology division it also provides engineering services including fixture construction, prototyping, small-series production, custom machine construction, automation solutions, and die-casting moulds, serving automotive, commercial vehicle, agricultural machinery, construction, railway, and special vehicle industries.

Product overview

Schlote Holding Gmbh operates as a precision metal processing and manufacturing group with two main divisions: Industrial Metal Processing (series manufacturing) and Industrial Technology Solutions (Schlote Technology). The company offers comprehensive manufacturing capabilities including CNC machining, component construction, automation, fixture construction, die casting moulds, prototype development, and custom machine construction. Their services extend across industries including automotive, commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction vehicles, railway engineering, and special vehicles. The product portfolio is unified under the Schlote brand, with Schlote Technology serving as the technology and automation subsidiary, while the core metal processing division handles industrial series production applying automotive-industry quality standards to diverse industrial clients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Schlote Technology: Industrial technology solutions including automation, fixture construction, tool and mould making, prototyping, custom machine construction, and die casting moulds.

Products and services

• Industrial Metal Processing & Series Manufacturing (Metallverarbeitung in industrieller Serienfertigung) High-precision series production of machined metal components such as gearbox housings and transmission parts applying automotive-grade (IATF 16949) quality standards, supplied to automotive OEMs and industrial customers on multi-year contract basis.
• Component Construction (Komponentenbau) Manufacturing solutions that turn individual parts into complete system components for industrial customers.
• Schlote Technology Division (Industrial Technology Solutions) Engineering and technology division providing automation, fixture construction, tool and mould making, prototyping, custom machine construction, and die-casting mould services to industrial customers.
• Fixture, Tool & Mould Making (Vorrichtungsbau) Custom fixture, tool and mould making to support industrial manufacturing processes.
• Prototype Construction (Prototypen) Prototype development and manufacturing services for testing and pre-series validation.
• Small Series Production (Kleinserie) Single-component and small-batch production for individual customer requirements.
• Designed Components (Zeichnungsteile) Custom-manufactured components produced strictly according to customer technical drawings.
• Custom Machine Construction (Sondermaschinen / Sonderanlagen) Design and build of custom special-purpose machines and systems for specialized manufacturing needs.
• Automation Technology (Automatisierung) Custom automation solutions for manufacturing processes, including robotics and process automation.
• Die-Casting Moulds (Druckgussformen) Design and manufacture of die-casting moulds used for precision metal forming.
• End Control / Quality Inspection (Next Level für Ihre Endkontrolle) Advanced quality control and final inspection services for manufactured components.
• Quality Management Services (Qualitätsmanagement) Quality management services ensuring compliance with automotive (IATF 16949) and industrial standards across production.
• Total Lifecycle Solutions Comprehensive lifecycle support covering component design, production, quality control, and delivery for industrial customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• ~280 employees planned at full ramp-up of China facility (before divestment)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• NEHERminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Schlote and NEHER entered an innovative collaboration in the SME sector to revolutionize manufacturing processes. The cooperation combines Schlote's manufacturing expertise with NEHER's capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for customers.
• G. A. RödersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchlote exhibited jointly with G. A. Röders at the Euroguss trade fair (international die-casting industry fair) in 2018, showcasing combined capabilities in die-casting and precision machining.
• Trimet Aluminium SEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchlote partnered with aluminium producer Trimet Aluminium SE to construct a new 6,500 sqm manufacturing hall on Trimet's site in Harzgerode. This strategic partnership enabled Schlote to expand its production capacity in close proximity to a key raw material supplier, with joint investment in the new facility.
• Bikeleasing-Service GmbH & Co. KGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSchlote partnered with Bikeleasing-Service to offer employees bike leasing for business and private use, enhancing employee benefits.
• BARMERminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSchlote partnered with BARMER health insurance for the 'FitForUs' corporate health management program, providing employees with comprehensive health and wellness support.
• Hildesheim InvadersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSince 2019, Schlote has sponsored the Hildesheim Invaders American football team as its first major sponsorship initiative, gaining brand visibility in the regional sports community.
• Hochschule Harz (University of Applied Sciences)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchlote sponsors students in the automation/IT field at Hochschule Harz and builds a bridge to future skilled workers. The partnership supports talent acquisition and student development in relevant technical disciplines.
• University of Hildesheim — IT Working GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince June, Schlote has been an official partner company of the IT working group at the University of Hildesheim. As a partner, Schlote offers interesting project assignments and supports academic-practical collaboration in IT.
• datenschutz nord GmbHminorOthersExternal data protection officer (Datenschutzbeauftragter) for Schlote, providing GDPR compliance advisory services. Located at Konsul-Smidt-Straße 88, 28217 Bremen.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Leiber Group GmbH: German manufacturer of aluminum and steel precision machined components for automotive drivetrain, chassis, and commercial vehicles. Direct comparable in aluminum-intensive machined components (gearbox housings, structural parts) supplied to European OEMs with automotive quality certifications.
• Handtmann Holding GmbH & Co. KG: German aluminum die-casting and machining group serving automotive and commercial vehicle OEMs with lightweight components. Comparable to Schlote's mix of die-casting moulds, series machining, and component manufacturing for automotive drivetrain applications.
• Hirschvogel Holding GmbH: German automotive forging and machined components supplier serving drivetrain and chassis applications for European OEMs. Closely comparable to Schlote as a precision metal components Tier-2 supplier with IATF certification and similar German footprint.
• Feintool International Holding AG: Swiss-German fineblanking and precision forming specialist supplying automotive drivetrain and powertrain components. Overlaps with Schlote in precision metal forming/machining for transmission and drivetrain applications at automotive-grade quality.
• Wittenstein SE: German manufacturer of precision mechatronic drive technology and gearbox components. Directly comparable to Schlote's GAW (Getriebe- und Antriebstechnik Wernigerode) drivetrain precision machining for automotive and industrial applications.

Broad incumbents

• Mubea Group: Large German automotive supplier of precision components (chassis, drivetrain, body) with global operations. Broader incumbent offering overlapping capabilities with Schlote in drivetrain and chassis precision components but with much wider product portfolio and scale.
• ElringKlinger AG: German automotive supplier specializing in lightweight components, drivetrain technology, and e-mobility solutions. Comparable as an automotive Tier-1/2 supplier with precision metal components in drivetrain applications and German-based series production.
• Rheinmetall AG (Automotive Division): German industrial group with automotive division producing precision metal components including pistons, cylinder liners, and structural parts. Overlaps with Schlote in automotive-grade machined metal components, though at much larger scale.
• Benteler International AG: Austrian-German automotive supplier with components, modules, and steel processing divisions. Comparable as a broad European automotive metal components manufacturer serving similar OEM customers (VW Group), though at significantly larger scale and scope.

Regional players

• Fritz Winter Eisengießerei GmbH & Co. KG: German iron foundry and machining group producing cast and machined components primarily for commercial vehicle and automotive OEMs. Comparable German/European automotive Tier-2 supplier using metal casting and machining, though with a different primary metal (iron vs. aluminum/steel).

Market position

Strengths2 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries7 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 Schlote Holding Gmbh