igus
igus develops and manufactures high-performance 'motion plastics'—self-lubricating, maintenance-free, and wear-resistant polymer components for moving applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Frank Blase
- Team Size
- 5000+
- Stage
- Active
- Latest Round
- Bootstrapped
- Key Investors
- Family-owned
Technology & Products
Key Products
["e-chain systems (energy chains)","chainflex cables","iglidur plain bearings","drylin linear technology","igubal spherical bearings","robolink low-cost automation","iglidur 3D printing filaments and printing services"]
Technological Advantage
igus's primary advantage is its deep expertise in materials science and extensive in-house testing (over 15,000 tests annually), which allows for predictable service life of its components. They also offer a vast array of online tools for configuration, simulation, and ordering, simplifying the design process for engineers. Their business model focuses on a huge catalog of stock items and fast delivery.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
To improve the technical performance of machines and applications while reducing costs and maintenance by providing innovative, lubrication-free, and long-lasting polymer solutions.
How They Differentiate
igus differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on polymer-based solutions, offering a massive range of products and materials tailored for specific applications. Unlike competitors who may offer both metal and plastic solutions, igus champions the 'plastics for longer life' mantra. Their extensive online tools and direct-to-customer sales model also set them apart from traditional component manufacturers.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Engineers, designers, and manufacturers across a wide range of industries who require reliable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective components for motion systems.
Industry Verticals
["Automotive","Industrial Machinery","Aerospace","Medical Technology","Packaging","Robotics & Automation","Renewable Energy"]
Competitors
GGB (a Timken company); Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics; Thomson Industries
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Achieved a turnover of €1.136 billion in 2023. The company reported a 6.7% increase in customer numbers in the same year.
Major Milestones
["1964: Company founded by Günter Blase","1983: Frank Blase joins the company and introduces reinforced plastic energy chains","1985: First iglidur polymer plain bearings are introduced","2010s: Introduction of 3D printing services and low-cost automation solutions","2022: Surpassed the €1 billion sales mark for the first time","2023: Maintained growth with €1.136 billion in turnover"]
Notable Customers
BMW (Automotive); Siemens (Industrial Automation); Airbus (Aerospace); Krones (Packaging Machinery); Numerous small to large manufacturing and engineering firms globally, showcased in over 200,000 application examples on their website.