igus
igus develops and manufactures high-performance 'motion plastics'—self-lubricating, maintenance-free, and wear-resistant polymer components for moving applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Artur Peplinski
- Team Size
- 5001-10000
- Stage
- Established
- Total Funding
- Bootstrapped
- Latest Round
- Bootstrapped
- Key Investors
- Family-owned
Technology & Products
Key Products
igus specializes in "motion plastics," offering a wide range of polymer-based components including: iglide® plastic plain bearings, drylin® linear bearings and guides, e-chain® cable carriers, chainflex® continuous-flex cables, dryspin® lead screws, and robolink® robotic components. They also provide materials and services for 3D printing.
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
Schaeffler, Festo, Misumi
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Turnover €1.155 billion in 2025 (+4.4% vs 2024); 2024 sales €1.105 billion (−2.5% vs 2023 €1.136B). 5,423 employees worldwide (+185 vs 2024). ~247,000 parts from stock; 857 injection moulding machines; 37 locations.
Major Milestones
1964: Company founded by Günter Blase in Cologne, 1983: Frank Blase joins; reinforced plastic energy chains, 1985: First iglidur polymer plain bearings, 2010s: 3D printing services and low-cost automation, 2022: Surpassed €1 billion sales, 2023: €1.136 billion turnover, Jan 2025: Acquired elko Verbindungstechnik (cable harnessing), 2024: €1.105 billion sales; 60th anniversary; plastic igus:bike world tour, Nov 2025: Converted to igus SE & Co. KG; Frank Blase becomes Chairman; multi-CEO board, 2025: €1.155 billion turnover (+4.4%); Iggy Rob humanoid robot launched
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.