schmidt maschinenbau

What schmidt maschinenbau does

Schmidt Maschinenbau GmbH is a privately held German industrial machinery manufacturer founded in 1926 in Gummersbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, specializing in wire drawing and rewinding equipment for fine and ultrafine wire production. The company operates from a single headquarters site with two expansion phases completed in 1990 and 2008, employing approximately 30 professionals, and is led by Managing Director Walter Brockhorst. Across its nearly 100-year history, Schmidt has delivered more than 1,153 machines to over 223 customers worldwide and is currently marking its 100th anniversary in 2026. The legal entity is a GmbH (German private limited company) with no external investors, parent company, or public listing.

The company's product architecture centers on three core machine families — cone (Konen), disc/capstan (Scheiben), and non-slip (WDM and ES series) wire drawing machines — supplemented by a modular ecosystem of spoolers, automatic bobbin changers, annealing coilers, re-spoolers (SM02, USP, U-ASP), and drum/band coilers. Technical differentiation rests on proprietary slip-reduced and slip-free technologies: individually driven drawing discs decoupled by dancers reduce input slip to under 20% versus roughly 80% in conventional cone machines. All machines integrate Siemens S7 PLCs and Lenze drives, OPC-UA interfaces for Industry 4.0 data acquisition, and Netbiter-based secure VPN remote maintenance; the company operates its own E-PLAN control-cabinet workshop. Recent product launches include the WDM 100 with integrated Roder Engineering rolling mill for flat-strip production (2025), the ES355-6 non-slip single capstan machine (2023), the WDM 400 (2022), and the ES series slip-reduced prototype (2021).

Schmidt generates revenue through four streams: (1) sale of custom-configured wire drawing and spooling capital equipment, (2) machine modernization and refurbishment services including Siemens PLC upgrades, (3) spare parts (supported by a complete archive of all machines ever built), and (4) on-site error analysis plus remote diagnostics. Pricing is quote-based per customer specification, with service pricing published in a 2026 service price list. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales combined with event-driven acquisition at WIRE (Düsseldorf) and INTERWIRE (Atlanta), where the company is represented in North America through its channel partner Niehoff Endex. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification (valid December 2023 to December 2026), has no subsidiaries, and has completed no acquisitions or funding rounds.

Name

schmidt maschinenbau

Legal name

Schmidt Maschinenbau GmbH

Website

https://schmidt-maschinenbau.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1926

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Schmidt Maschinenbau is a privately held German manufacturer founded in 1926 that designs and builds custom-configured wire drawing, spooling, and rewinding machines, serving global fine and ultrafine wire producers with equipment, modernization services, and lifecycle spare-parts support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Wire Drawing Machinery

NAICS

Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351), Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)

akta.pro primary industry

Metal Forming & Fabrication Machines (Presses, Bending, Shearing, Stamping) (IMAHADAC)

Keywords

• Wire drawing machines
• Non-slip drawing technology
• Fine wire processing
• Spooling and rewinding equipment
• Machine modernization services

Headquarters

HQ city

Gummersbach

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Wire Drawing and Spooling Machines: Manufacture and sale of specialized wire drawing machines (cone, disc, non-slip types) and winding/spooling systems. Machines are sold as capital equipment with installation and commissioning services included. Product range includes ultrafine, fine, and medium wire drawing machines
2. Machine Modernization and Refurbishment: Modernization services for wire machines including control technology (Siemens SPS), drive technology, electrical systems, and mechanical overhauls. Drawing cone refurbishing as cost-saving alternative to new purchases
3. Spare Parts Sales: Sale of replacement parts for Schmidt machines. Archive of drawings for all machines ever built enables manufacture of any desired spare part regardless of machine age
4. Error Analysis and Troubleshooting: On-site specialist support for fault analysis and troubleshooting using modern analysis tools and years of experience

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Schmidt Maschinenbau GmbH designs, manufactures, and services specialized wire drawing machines (cone, disc/capstan, and non-slip WDM/ES series) plus winding, spooling, re-spooling, and annealing equipment for fine and ultrafine wire production. The portfolio is sold as custom-configured capital equipment to wire manufacturers worldwide, with accompanying services covering installation, commissioning, modernization, electrical/electronic renewal, spare parts, remote diagnostics, and process consulting. All machines are Industry 4.0 ready via OPC-UA interfaces and support Siemens S7 PLC architectures.

Product overview

Schmidt Maschinenbau is a German industrial machinery manufacturer specializing in wire drawing and processing equipment with over 90 years of experience. The product portfolio centers on three core machine categories: (1) Wire Drawing Machines including Cone Drawing Machines (Konen-Ziehmaschinen) for medium, fine, and ultrafine wire applications; Disc/Capstan Drawing Machines (Scheiben-Ziehmaschinen); Non-slip Drawing Machines (WDM series) with individually driven discs for perfect surface quality; and the ES355-6 non-slip single capstan machine. (2) Winding and Coiling Equipment encompassing Spoolers for Drawing Machines, Automatic Bobbin Changers, Spooling Machines (SM series annealing coilers), Re-spooling Machines (SM02 tabletop, USP high-performance, U-ASP automated), and Drum/Band Coilers. (3) Comprehensive Services including Machine Modernization, Electrical/Electronic Renewal, Error Analysis, Remote Maintenance via Netbiter VPN, and Process Consulting. The modular architecture allows combining drawing machines with various spoolers, automatic changers, and process modules. All machines feature Industry 4.0 connectivity via OPC-UA interface.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cone Wire Drawing Machines (Konen-Ziehmaschinen) Single-wire cone drawing machines configured for medium-duty, fine, and ultrafine wire applications across stainless steel, carbon steel, precious metals, copper alloys, EDM wires, and aluminum. Equipped with fully immersed or sprayed lubrication systems and cardanically adjustable, rotating, water-cooled end-die holders. Sold to industrial wire manufacturers requiring proven cone-drawing technology.
• Disc/Capstan Drawing Machines (Scheiben-Ziehmaschinen) Single-wire disc drawing machines offering reduced wire bending compared to cone machines via constant disc diameters, providing better material loading and smoother wire processing. Includes a new slip-reduced series with individually driven discs and freely selectable wire extension per stage. Sold to fine wire manufacturers seeking better surface quality and process control.
• Non-slip Drawing Machines (WDM Series) Non-slip drawing machines featuring individually driven drawing discs decoupled by dancers, eliminating relative movement between wire and disc for perfect wire surfaces. Available in sprayed (WDM 100, WDM 160) and fully immersed (5x200-40, 7x300-50) configurations for fine to medium wire diameters. Targeted at high-quality specialty wire producers requiring maximum surface quality.
• ES355-6 Non-slip Single Capstan Drawing Machine Non-slip single disc drawing machine featuring latest drive technology without dancers, delivering minimum draw-in length and short setup time. Draws wires from 0.5mm to 5.0mm at speeds up to 6 m/s with highest surface quality. Targets producers of copper, silver-plated copper, CCA, and CCSS wires requiring precision and short changeover cycles.
• Spoolers for Drawing Machines Wide range of spoolers adapted to specific spool geometry, combinable with all Schmidt drawing machines. Includes standard spoolers with flying wave, pinolen spoolers for high speeds, integrated dancers with diameter measurement or straighteners, and laser scanner optical spool measurement for quality assurance. Sold to wire manufacturers needing flexible take-up systems paired with drawing equipment.
• Automatic Bobbin/Spool Changer (Automatischer Spulenwechsler) Fully automatic spool changer for highest productivity and reliability. Intelligent building block concept adaptable to all spool types (cylindrical or biconical) from 100mm to 400mm. Features precision stepper motor control, powerful pneumatics, fully automatic edge correction, and variable spool magazine. Targeted at high-volume wire producers seeking automated changeovers.
• Spooling Machines / Annealing Coilers (SM Series) Next-generation spooling machines for post-drawing heat treatment and galvanizing lines. SM-series annealing coilers combine precision spooling with minimal space requirements. Feature bus-capable controls with central terminal for historical data and trend displays, traversing spools for low-torsion laying, tension measurement and control, and Industry 4.0 readiness. Sold to wire processors operating annealing and galvanizing lines.
• Re-spooling Machines (SM02, USP, U-ASP) Re-spooling machines for rewinding from large to small spools with high precision and performance. SM02 is a tabletop re-spooler for finest wires with 0-10 cN, 10-100 cN, and 40-400 cN tension ranges. USP high-performance re-spooler handles 4 spool positions in parallel for wires 20µm-80µm at speeds up to 30 m/s. U-ASP fully automated for larger wires with 630mm pay-off capacity. Targeted at fine wire producers and cable manufacturers.
• Drum Coilers / Band Coilers (Fasswickler/Bandwickler) Drum coilers and Kronenstock coilers constructed for special annealing processes with additional wire treatment equipment for wire diameters 0.2-2mm. Features separate drives for take-out disc and turntable. Options include powder/oil coating devices, roller straighteners, and oiling. Band winders include laser scan heads for precise laying of flat materials. Sold to specialty wire processors and heat-treatment operations.
• Machine Modernization and Overhaul Service Modernization services for all wire machine brands bringing equipment up to current technical standards. Includes control technology upgrades (Siemens PLC), drive technology renewal, electrical systems, and mechanical overhaul. Drawing cone refurbishing is offered as a cost-saving alternative to new purchases. Sold to existing wire machine operators seeking lifecycle extension.
• Electrical/Electronic Renewal Service In-house electrical workshop for building control cabinets with E-PLAN planning. All electronic devices including PLCs and frequency converters programmed by Schmidt's own automation engineers using Siemens S7 and Lenze. OPC-UA interface available for Industry 4.0 data acquisition. Sold to wire manufacturers upgrading legacy controls.
• Error Analysis and Troubleshooting Service On-site specialist team with extensive experience and modern analysis tools for rapid fault identification and resolution. Service targets wire manufacturers experiencing production downtime or quality issues requiring expert diagnosis.
• Remote Maintenance and Diagnostics Service Remote maintenance via Netbiter VPN tunnel connection for secure contact with machine control. Unique technology for secure access through customer firewall without opening inbound ports. Provides secure tunnel between Ethernet port and Siemens SPS for programming, configuration, and fault resolution using Siemens TIA Portal. Sold as a service subscription to wire machine operators seeking reduced downtime.
• Plant Concepts and Process Consulting Service Expert consultation on all aspects of wire manufacturing with concept proposals for optimal use of Schmidt machines. Includes video conference capability for direct expert communication. Targeted at wire manufacturers planning new production capacity or optimizing existing plants.

Quantifiable outcome

• Input slip reduced to less than 20% compared to approximately 80% in classic cone drawing machines
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Niehoff EndexcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNiehoff Endex serves as Schmidt Maschinenbau's local partner for the North American market. They represent Schmidt at INTERWIRE exhibitions in Atlanta, USA (booth 839). This partnership enables Schmidt to provide local customer support and sales presence in the important US wire manufacturing market.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Maschinenfabrik Niehoff: German manufacturer of wire drawing, bunching, and stranding machines. Closest direct competitor to Schmidt Maschinenbau in fine and ultrafine wire processing equipment, serving the same global wire producer customer base.
• SAMP S.p.A. Italian manufacturer of wire drawing machines, cable machinery, and steel processing equipment. Directly competes with Schmidt in multi-die drawing machines for ferrous and non-ferrous wire production.
• Mario Frigerio: Italian wire drawing machinery specialist focused on copper, aluminum, and steel wire drawing lines. Comparable to Schmidt in serving fine and ultrafine wire producers with customized capital equipment.
• Properzi International (Continuus-Properzi): Italian/European producer of continuous casting and rolling lines for non-ferrous wire rod and drawing equipment. Overlaps with Schmidt in the upstream-downstream wire processing equipment market.
• Graf + Cie AG: Swiss wire drawing machine manufacturer with strong position in fine and ultrafine wire drawing. Comparable to Schmidt in target customer base (global wire producers) and product category (precision drawing equipment).
• O.M. Lesmo: Italian supplier of wire drawing machines, spoolers, and ancillary equipment. Direct competitor in cone and disc drawing machines for fine wire production serving similar industrial customer segments.

Emerging players

• SARKAUSAU (Sarkaus): Manufacturer of wire drawing equipment based in Germany. Smaller-scale participant in the European wire machinery market with overlap to Schmidt's fine wire drawing focus.
• Rautomead Limited: UK-based specialist in continuous casting of non-ferrous wire rod. Adjacent competitor serving wire producers with upstream rod-casting equipment that feeds into the drawing operations where Schmidt machines are deployed.
• Friedr. Löscher GmbH & Co. KG: German manufacturer of wire drawing machines and accessories. Niche participant with comparable fine wire drawing capability and similar customer base of European wire producers.

Others

• Roder Engineering AG: Swiss supplier of precision rolling mills for flat wire production, including the integrated rolling mill Schmidt uses on its WDM 100 system. Adjacent technology partner enabling Schmidt's ultrafine flat-strip processing capability.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smb-schmidt

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 schmidt maschinenbau