Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG, established in 1980 by Hans Beckhoff in Verl, Germany, is a recognized leader in the field of industrial automation technology. Starting as a modest system integrator, the company has grown significantly, becoming a global entity with over 5,300 employees by March 2025 and a presence in more than 75 countries through subsidiaries.
Its U.S. operations are managed from Savage, Minnesota. Beckhoff is recognized for its pioneering work in PC-based control systems, advocating for automation solutions that are open, modular, and adaptable across various industries including packaging, semiconductors, automotive, and building automation.
The company has introduced widely adopted industry standards such as PC-based control architectures, the rapid EtherCAT industrial Ethernet protocol, the versatile TwinCAT software suite, and advanced transport systems including XTS and XPlanar, alongside the cabinet-free MX-System.
Battery Technology
Beckhoff Automation plays a significant role in the battery manufacturing sector, particularly for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The company supplies a comprehensive suite of automation solutions and control technologies designed to enhance manufacturing efficiency, precision, and scalability. Beckhoff systems control various stages of battery production, from the creation of electrodes and cells to module and pack assembly, and finally, testing and quality assurance.
The foundation of their contribution lies in their PC-based control architecture and EtherCAT networking. This enables high throughput with rapid cycle times, seamless integration of control, motion, and vision systems, and adaptability to different battery chemistries and formats, including lithium-ion, lithium-polymer, and solid-state options in round, pouch, and prismatic cell configurations. Their software platform supports motion control, data acquisition, and quality monitoring.
Furthermore, Beckhoff provides manufacturing technologies like the XTS (eXtended Transport System) for continuous Z-folding processes in cell production, the XPlanar for material handling, and ATRO, a modular industrial robot for battery cell handling. The MX-System introduces a modular, cabinet-free approach to automation, adding flexibility and reducing space requirements.
Beckhoff’s open architecture facilitates collaboration with automotive and energy storage manufacturers and system integrators, addressing challenges in assembly, quality control, and traceability. Within the battery value chain, Beckhoff is not involved in raw material processing or cell manufacturing directly but provides the essential automation infrastructure that supports production efficiency, quality, and adaptability.
Recent Projects
Beckhoff Automation continuously introduces innovations and updates across its product lines. Notable recent releases include TwinCAT PLC++, the next iteration of their PLC software designed for improved runtime and engineering efficiency. The company has also introduced the EL2574 Digital Output Terminal for cost-effective LED control and the AX1000 Drive Technology, positioned as a competitive, high-performance drive solution. The MX-System is expanding, with 42 modules available in early 2025 and plans to reach up to 150 modules by 2026, aiming to significantly impact automation design. Beckhoff’s strategy for sustainable growth includes expanding its presence in markets such as renewable energy distribution and storage.
Investors
Beckhoff Automation is a privately held, family-owned company led by its founder, Hans Beckhoff. The company’s origins are linked to the Elektro Beckhoff family business. Growth and innovation have been driven internally, without external venture capital, private equity, or public shareholders.
Business Details
Location: Verl, Germany; Savage, Minnesota, USA
Website: https://www.beckhoff.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/62059
