Historical Milestones
- 1850
- 1900
- 1950
- 2000
- 2013
- 1850
Foundation of Leybold Vacuum in Cologne
- 1853
Foundation of the F. Saurer–Stoffel foundry
In 1853 Franz Saurer establishes a small foundry in a suburb of St. Gallen, Switzerland. This paves the way for more than a century and a half of history of the Saurer Industrial Group.
- 1869
Delivery of the first embroidery machine
Delivery of the first embroidery machine in Arbon marks the start of a long-running success story for the Swiss textile production site.
- 1906
Schweizerische Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon (SWO) founded – the predecessor to ...
- 1907
Foundation of SWO
In September, the machine tool factory Schweizerische Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon (SWO) is founded in Oerlikon, a district of Zurich. The workforce numbers 150.
- 1919
Foundation of Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Fairfield Manufacturing Corporation, Inc. is founded as an offshoot of Ross Gear and Tool Company by David Ross to manufacture differential gears for the early automotive industry.
- 1936
SWO becomes Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon&Co.
To spread his commercial risk, proprietor Emil Georg Bührle gradually expands the company by acquiring businesses in other sectors. In doing so, he lays the foundations of the highly diversified Oerlikon-Bührle Group.
- 1939
Pilatus Flugzeugwerke founded.
- 1946
Foundation of Balzers
Gerätebauanstalt Balzers is founded as a business. The object of the new equipment manufacturer is to develop viable industrial applications for the until then under-researched thin-film technology.
- 1946
Saurer makes cotton machinery
Saurer begins manufacturing cotton machines in 1946. The machines knit ladies’ stockings in all patterns customary in the industry, using nylon, Perlon, as well as artificial and natural silk. For the first time, the company is able to supply the market with comprehensive product lines and varied designs.
- 1951
Foundation of Graziano
Graziano is founded as a family firm and starts its activity as a small plant with 15 employees.
- 1952
Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc. becomes North America’s leader in custom gear products
Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc. moves into a new modern facility on US 52, becoming North America’s leader in the production of custom gear products. The company experiences several expansions throughout this decade, including one inhouse heat treat facility.
- 1957
Entry into the vacuum business
Early on, Oerlikon-Bührle invests in pioneering technology. Today it is one of the market leaders in this sector.
- 1968
Entry into the European space industry
The launch of the ESRO-1 research satellite, equipped with Oerlikon components, penetrates a market that remains lucrative to this day.
- 1973
Oerlikon-Bührle Holding floats on the stock market
Now with over 100 member companies, the Group is consolidated under the Oerlikon-Bührle Holding (OBH) umbrella and floats on the stock market with a capital stock of CHF 590 million.
- 1976
Integration of Balzers AG into Oerlikon-Bührle.
- 1978
Marketing of PVD hard coatings
Green light for the development and marketing of PVD hard coatings for tools with BALINIT® A. This innovative coating tech- nology sustainably extends the lifetime of tools subject to mechanical stress.
- 1980
The Oerlikon-Bührle Group employs around 37,000 people – the high-water mark in the ...
- 1983
First coating center in Italy
Opening of the first coating center in Italy. Today a worldwide network of 87 coating centers spans the globe, supplying know-how and service to all Oerlikon customers, wherever they are.
- 1988
Oerlikon Space lifts off
Launch of the first European booster rocket, Ariane 4. The rocket features a payload fairing made of compound material from Oerlikon Space. Ever since, all Ariane rockets have been fitted with Oerlikon Space payload fairings.
- 1991
Decision to focus on technology, consumer goods and customer services.
- 1992
Graziano joins Saurer AG
Graziano becomes part of Saurer AG, the worldwide leader in textile machinery, as Saurer Transmission Systems Division.
- 1994
Oerlikon-Bührle acquires the Leybold Group, specializing in vacuum technology, and ...
- 1996–1997
Graziano moves into automotive market
Graziano concludes a cooperation agreement with Ferrari to develop and deliver a new generation of complete gear systems. These are first used in the Ferrari 360 Modena.
- 1998
The Oerlikon-Bührle Group is split up
Core business is renamed Unaxis.
- 1998
Establishment of a branch in Tianjin, China
Opening its first plant in China, Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum is quick to recognize the vast potential of this expanding economic region in South-East Asia.
- 1999
Foundation of Graziano Trasmissioni India
Building up the plant to produce synchronizers and gears for the agricultural sector.
- 2000
Pilatus sold to a Swiss investor consortium.
- 2000
Inficon spun off and listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and the Nasdaq.
- 2000
Large Area Coating division sold to Applied Films.
- 2000
Acquisition of a majority interest in ESEC to form the new Semiconductors Back End ...
- 2000
Oerlikon-Bührle becomes Unaxis Plasma-Therm (USA), which is acquired and integrated ...
- 2000
Textiles – a foothold in the chemical fibers business
Through its acquisition of the -successful businesses Barmag AG and Neumag GmbH & Co. KG, Oerlikon Saurer Textile gains a foothold in the profitable and rapidly growing chemical fibers business.
- 2000
Balzers succeeds on the automotive market
Components coated with BALINIT® are used in the world’s first massproduced car to consume 3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers traveled (the VW Lupo 3L TDI). The BALINIT®-coated components reduce thermal load and friction drag.
- 2001
Leybold Optics sold.
- 2001
Stake in Unaxis-Nextral (France) increased to 100 percent (Semiconductors Front End ...
- 2001
Nimbus Technology and Engineering Ltd. (Great Britain) acquired by the Data Storage ...
- 2001
SPTec Signal Processing Technologies SA (Switzerland) acquired and integrated in the ...
- 2001
Purchase of Magnetto Group Gear Division
Acquisition of Magnetto Group Gear Division. Growing up of Graziano Trasmissioni Group as the worldwide leader in gearing components.
- 2002
Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc. develops highly efficient compact wheel drive
Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc. develops a high-efficiency, compact wheel drive with the following features: self-contained unit, fully integrated motor, brake, planetary gearing, and mounting arrangement.
- 2004
Full integration of ESEC into the Unaxis Group via merger.
Delisting of ESEC shares.
- 2004
Realignment of the Unaxis Group structure.
The Group’s portfolio now comprises five separate segments: Semiconductor Equipment with the divisions Wafer Processing (previously Semiconductors Front End), Assembly & Packaging (previously Semiconductors Back End) and Display Technology (previously Displays), Data Storage Solutions (previously Data Storage), Coating Services (previously Surface Technology), Vacuum Solutions (previously Leybold Vacuum) and Components and Special Systems with the divisions Optics and Space Technology (previously Contraves Space).
- 2004
Opening of Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum production building in Cologne
Since 2004, the Cologne plant has produced the most modern vacuum solutions, in high volumes, in close liaison with research and development. Innovative products respond to custom requirements.
- 2005
Under the new management the company achieves an impressive and fundamental turnaround ...
Whereas Unaxis suffered a loss of CHF 372 million in 2004, the annual results for 2005 show a profit of CHF 18 million. All business units revert to profitability and growth. For the first time in the company’s history the holding company takes an operating approach and starts the integration and centralization of all segments (“one company”).
- 2005
Reinforcement of Oerlikon business units through focused acquisitions: Space ...
- 2005
At the Unaxis extraordinary general meeting held on June 28, 2005, a new board of ...
Under the leadership of this reconstituted board of directors, headed by CEO Thomas Limberger, and a new management team, the steps necessary for a turnaround at Unaxis are immediately initiated.
- 2005
Opening of the plant in Suzhou, China
Oerlikon opened a new location in Suzhou, China, which has developed to one of the biggest sites for the Group worldwide.
- 2005
Neumag enters the nonwovens business
Neumag enters the nonwovens business and becomes the first provider of comprehensive solutions for all the main processes of manufacture of nonwoven fabrics.
- 2006
With the rebranding to Oerlikon, the company has opened a new chapter in its ...
The name is a clear declaration of belief in the company’s industrial tradition and is associated with typical Swiss values such as quality, reliability, precision, and the capacity for invention.
- 2006
Parallel to the outstanding half-year results, the company announces its new ...
With this move the restructuring period is successfully completed.
- 2006
The proposed change of name from Unaxis to OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon, is ...
Thus the foundations are laid for a new beginning with a name that is resonant of the company’s traditional values and strengths.
- 2006
With the foundation of the new business unit “Solar”, the company enters the ...
This major step marks the end of a promising R&E project and the successful transformation of the former display unit into the completely new business with thin film solar modules. Oerlikon is the only supplier of production equipment for thin film solar modules worldwide.
- 2006
Acquisition of Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc. by Saurer
The Saurer Transmission Systems Division expands with the acquisition of Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc., a US market leader in manufacturing custom gears and special drive solutions for heavy-duty industrial and off-highway applications.
- 2006
Establishment of the Solar Business Unit
Formation of its new Solar Business Unit takes the company into the futuristic market of solar energy. Oerlikon is the world’s only supplier of production plants for thin-film solar panels.
- 2006
Comprehensive rebranding
Renamed Oerlikon, the company stands by its business tradition and its typically Swiss values: quality, reliability, precision, and innovative flair.
- 2007
2007 was the most successful year in Oerlikon`s recent history.
Sales raises by 20 percent to CHF 5.6 million, the EBIT increases to CHF 496 million. The aim of Oerlikon is the re-alignment of R&D with the emphasis on clean technologies and nanotechnology.
- 2007
Oerlikon Solar is becoming a new Segment in the Oerlikon group.
The Oerlikon group as the company continues to expand its commitment in clean technologies. The position of solar as an own segment further strengthens our presence in the emerging solar market and will enable us to extend our leadership in the marketplace.
- 2007
Dr. Uwe Krüger was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Oerlikon group.
During the 34th ordinary Shareholders` Meeting, Vladimir Kuznetsov and Dr. Hanno M. Bästlein were elected as Members to the Board of Directors.
- 2007
Oerlikon extends the Executive Board by two new members.
Björn Bajan assumes the function of General Counsel. Dr. Uwe Krüger enhances the Executive Board as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
- 2007
Oerlikon takes over the operational management of Saurer AG.
Oerlikon is optimizing its corporate structure in the wake of the Sauer integration. The Oerlikon Group, including the former Saurer business areas, will henceforth comprise 5 segments
- 2007
Takeover of Saurer AG
Oerlikon acquires Saurer AG with two business divisions: Textile Machinery and Gears. This means the Oerlikon Group now comprises a total of five segments.
- 2007
P3e/INNOVA: revolutionary coating technology
P3e marks a breakthrough in coating technology by Oerlikon Coating in association with the INNOVA plant. The innovation results in coatings of maximum hardness at low temperatures.
- 2008
Due to the global economic and financial crisis, Oerlikon focuses on its core ...
The portfolio will be streamlined to strengthen the core businesses. In consequence, Oerlikon has sold its Optics business unit in Balzers, Liechtenstein, to the management and other private local investors. Separate discussions are ongoing with respect to the other two Oerlikon Optics businesses in Golden, USA, and Shanghai, China.
- 2008
In the focus of the 35th ordinary Shareholders` Meeting was the election of the new ...
Dr. Urs Andreas Meyer, Kurt J. Hausheer, Hans Ziegler and Carl Stadelhofer were newly elected to the Board of Directors. Vladimir Kuznetsov and Dr. Hanno M. Bästlein remained in the Board of Directors. Vladimir Kuznetsov will preside over the Board of Directors as new Chairman. In addition, Renova Industries Ltd. raised its share of Oerlikon to nearly 40 percent and is the new main shareholder.
- 2008
Sale of Oerlikon Space
Oerlikon sells its space business to the Swiss company RUAG AG.
- 2008
Renova becomes a new key investor
The Renova Group takes over 45 percent of shares (as of end 2008) in Oerlikon, thus becoming the new principal investor.
- 2008
Oerlikon sponsors Swiss-Ski
Oerlikon makes a joint commitment with Pirmin Zurbriggen to sponsor young Swiss skiers.
- 2008
Opening of an office in Moscow and first coating center in Russia
Oerlikon starts to develop the Russian market, opening its first office in Moscow and a coating center in Elektrostal.
- 2009
Oerlikon sells the Esec Business Unit to the Dutch company BE Semiconductor Industries NV.
Furthermore, Oerlikon is divesting its Etch business of Oerlikon Systems to the management. With these steps, Oerlikon is strengthening its alignment to the core competencies.
- 2009
WINGS POY
Oerlikon Textile unveils WINGS POY, a completely new process for the production of chemical fibers. WINGS POY is far more efficient and further improves yarn quality.
- 2010
DRYVAC
Oerlikon Vacuum launches DRYVAC onto the market. The new-generation pumps are of modular design and offer greatly reduced operating costs, with lower energy consumption.
- 2010
Successful recapitalization
By means of a capital writedown, capital increase, and issue of new shares, Oerlikon injects around CHF 1 billion of new capital into its business and thereby places its finances on a firm footing.
- 2010
Oerlikon Balzers takes over German plant constructor Hartec Anlagenbau
This takeover marks the expansion of Balzers into environmentally friendly, decorative/functional coatings for three-dimensional plastic components.
- 2011
Partners in innovation
The Sauber Formula 1 team and Oerlikon Group form a partnership. They set their sights on devising new environmentally friendly initiatives and expanding existing ones.
- 2011
Record earnings before interest and taxes
In 2011 Oerlikon takes its profitability to a new level. EBIT-margin now stands at a record 10 percent. A workforce of 17,000 at over 150 sites in 38 countries generates turnover worth CHF 4.2 billion.
- 2011
New record module by Oerlikon Solar
Oerlikon Solar unveils a new record module with 154 wattspeak stabilized output and 10.8 percent efficiency.
- 2011
HEXAGON – output up to three times higher
The new solution from Oerlikon Systems for the advanced packaging of semiconductors dramatically reduces costs while increasing output up to three times.
- 2011
McLaren, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin fit Oerlikon gears
At the Geneva Motor Show, leading sports car manufacturers unveil new vehicles fitted with Oerlikon Graziano gears.
- 2012
Oerlikon officially opens Chinese headquarters in Shanghai
The Chinese headquarters will consolidate the Company's eight offices currently in operation in Shanghai and unite all business Segments under one roof.
- 2012
Opening of Drive Systems factory and coating center in Suzhou, China
Oerlikon Drive Systems opens its new plant in Suzhou, while Oerlikon Coating launches its expanded coating and expertise center.
- 2012
Dividend
After a gap of eight years, Oerlikon resumed the payment of a dividend (CHF 0.20 per share).
- 2012
Autocoro 8
Oerlikon Textile launches Autocoro 8 at the ITMA textile trade show in Barcelona. The rotor spinning machine, a totally new development, sets a world record of up to 200,000 rotations per minute, per spindle.
