Schuler Group

Schuler Group is a German industrial machinery manufacturer specializing in forming technology, particularly presses and production systems for shaping sheet metal and other metal components. Headquartered in Göppingen, Baden-Württemberg, the company is associated with the development and supply of large-scale equipment used in automotive body-panel production, metal packaging, coin minting, household appliances, electrical products, forging, energy equipment, aerospace and railway applications. Its machinery is also used to make sinks, large pipes, electric-motor components, beverage cans and aerosol cans. The business traces its origins to 1839, when Louis Schuler founded the company. Schuler produced its first sheet-metal forming machines in 1852 and began exporting minting presses to China in 1895. Its early history included several technology milestones that helped establish its position in industrial forming: the company presented what it describes as the world's first transfer press at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, and delivered its first body-panel press for mass production in 1924. International expansion began in 1961, gradually turning the company from a German machinery maker into a global supplier. Schuler's product and technology portfolio expanded significantly in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. The company entered laser technology through its 1999 acquisition of Held Lasertechnik. In 2007, it acquired Müller Weingarten AG, including Umformtechnik Erfurt and other businesses. That transaction substantially broadened Schuler's forming-technology capabilities and contributed to a leading global position in metal processing. Schuler introduced ServoDirect Technology for presses in 2007 and later developed TwinServo Technology, launched in 2014. These technologies are associated with electronically controlled press drives and high-productivity forming lines. Andritz AG became Schuler's controlling shareholder after acquiring 38.5 percent of Schuler AG shares from the Schuler-Voith family in May 2012 and making a public offer to other shareholders. By February 2013, Andritz reported ownership of 93.57 percent after regulatory approvals. Schuler subsequently moved away from its former public-company structure. In 2014, its executive board decided to seek delisting from the regulated stock exchange. In November 2021, the operating parts of Schuler AG were transferred to Schuler Group GmbH, while Schuler AG continued as a financial holding company and was later renamed Andritz Deutschland Holding GmbH. The group has production facilities in Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States and China, and maintains a presence in approximately 40 countries through its own sites and representatives. Its international customer base includes vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, industrial producers, mints and manufacturers in several heavy-industry sectors. The group has also participated in major production projects, including a press shop developed jointly with Porsche near Halle (Saale), where body-part production began in 2021. Schuler has undergone restructuring as manufacturing economics and global demand shifted. In 2019 it announced plans to eliminate 500 jobs in Germany, discontinue production in Göppingen and expand production in China and Brazil. In September 2024, the company announced a further reduction of 474 jobs across Germany and the closure of the Weingarten site. In 2025, Schuler announced that it would operate under the name Andritz Schuler, reflecting its integration into the Andritz industrial group while retaining the Schuler name and its forming-technology identity. The company also supports technical education, research and community initiatives, including activities associated with the Louis Schuler Fund for Education and Science.

Schuler was founded in 1839 by Louis Schuler in Göppingen, Germany. The company initially developed metalworking capabilities and produced its first sheet-metal forming machines in 1852. Its early international business included the export of minting presses to China in 1895. At the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, Schuler presented a transfer press, an important step in the development of automated metal-forming production. In 1924, it delivered its first body-panel press for mass production, helping establish a long-term connection with the automotive industry. Internationalization began in 1961. Over subsequent decades, Schuler expanded its activities beyond conventional presses into integrated forming systems and specialized industrial applications. In 1999, the acquisition of Held Lasertechnik in Dietzenbach brought the company into laser technology. In 2007, Schuler acquired Müller Weingarten AG, together with Umformtechnik Erfurt and other businesses. The transaction created a broader global supplier of forming technology for metal processing and strengthened Schuler's position in automotive and other high-volume manufacturing markets. Schuler launched ServoDirect Technology in 2007. The system used a servo-based drive concept for press applications and subsequently became widely adopted in the industry. TwinServo Technology followed in 2014. These developments supported Schuler's focus on productivity, controllability and energy-conscious operation in large forming lines. The company's ownership structure changed substantially after Andritz AG acquired 38.5 percent of Schuler AG from the Schuler-Voith family in May 2012 and made a public offer for further shares. Andritz reported a 93.57 percent stake by February 2013 after competition authorities approved the transaction. Schuler later sought delisting from the regulated market. When the public float fell below 10 percent in 2012, Schuler left the SDAX index. In 2014, the board decided to apply for delisting from the regulated stock exchange; the shares were subsequently traded only on the Munich open market. Schuler continued to develop international production and customer support. Its facilities and representatives extended its reach to roughly 40 countries, with production sites in Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, the United States and China. Its markets included automotive, household appliances, electrical equipment, forging, energy, aerospace, railway and minting. A historic Schuler double-lever deep-drawing press built in 1928 remained preserved at Automobilwerk Eisenach and was displayed outside the Automobile Welt museum as a technical monument after operating until 1998. In 2017, Schuler opened its Innovation Tower at its Göppingen headquarters. The company also supported education, research and community projects at its locations, including initiatives connected with the Louis Schuler Fund for Education and Science. From 2019, the group pursued a significant restructuring of its German manufacturing footprint, announcing 500 job cuts, the end of production in Göppingen and increased production in China and Brazil. Schuler also worked with Porsche on a 13-hectare press-shop project at Star Park near Halle (Saale), where body-part production began in June 2021. In November 2021, Schuler's operating activities were transferred to Schuler Group GmbH. Schuler AG remained as a financial holding company and was renamed Andritz Deutschland Holding GmbH in December 2021. Further German restructuring was announced in September 2024, including 474 job reductions and closure of the Weingarten site. In 2025, the business announced that it would operate as Andritz Schuler, aligning its market identity with its parent group while continuing to use the Schuler name for its forming-technology activities.

1. 2025Andritz Schuler name announced

   The company announced its future operation under the Andritz Schuler name.

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2. 2021Halle press shop begins production

   The Porsche-Schuler press shop near Halle began producing automotive body parts.

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3. 2021Operating business transferred to Schuler Group GmbH

   Schuler's operating activities were placed in Schuler Group GmbH.

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4. 2017Innovation Tower opens

   Schuler officially opened its Innovation Tower at the Göppingen headquarters.

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5. 2014TwinServo Technology introduced

   Schuler followed its servo-drive development with TwinServo Technology.

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6. 2007Müller Weingarten acquisition and ServoDirect launch

   Schuler acquired Müller Weingarten and introduced ServoDirect Technology for presses.

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7. 1999Entry into laser technology

   The acquisition of Held Lasertechnik expanded Schuler into laser technology.

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8. 1961Internationalization begins

   Schuler began a more systematic international expansion.

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9. 1924First mass-production body-panel press

   Schuler delivered its first press for mass production of automotive body panels.

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10. 1900Transfer press presented in Paris

    Schuler presented the world's first transfer press at the Exposition Universelle in Paris.

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11. 1895Minting presses exported to China

    The company exported its first minting presses to China, an early example of its international business.

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12. 1852First sheet-metal forming machines

    Schuler produced its first machines for forming sheet metal.

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13. 1839Company founded

    Louis Schuler founded the company in Göppingen, establishing the business that later became Schuler Group.

    Source

A global specialist in high-performance metal-forming technology, positioned around large industrial presses, complete production lines, automation and application-specific systems for automotive, packaging, minting and other demanding manufacturing sectors.

• Mechanical and servo pressesIndustrial presses2007

  Schuler supplies presses for high-volume metal forming, including systems used to stamp and shape automotive body panels, structural parts and components for appliances and electrical equipment. Its ServoDirect and TwinServo technologies represent major stages in the company's development of electronically controlled press-drive systems.

• Automotive press shopsAutomotive manufacturing equipment1924

  Schuler designs and supplies complete press-shop solutions for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. These systems can include large presses, transfer or line equipment, automation and production technology for forming body panels and other vehicle parts. The company contributed to the Porsche-Schuler press shop near Halle, which began body-part production in 2021.

• Metal packaging systemsPackaging machinery

  Schuler's forming equipment is used to manufacture metal packaging such as beverage cans and aerosol cans. The systems address high-throughput production requirements in which repeatability, material utilization and integration with downstream processes are important.

• Minting pressesMinting equipment1895

  The company produces specialized presses for coin and medal production. Minting is one of Schuler's oldest international applications, with documented exports of minting presses to China in 1895.

• Laser technologyLaser manufacturing technology1999

  Schuler expanded into laser technology through its acquisition of Held Lasertechnik in 1999. This broadened its offering beyond conventional forming machinery and supported applications requiring laser-based processing in industrial production.

• Deep-drawing and forming systemsMetal-forming equipment1852

  Schuler manufactures deep-drawing and related forming systems for producing complex parts from sheet metal. Applications include sinks, pipes, vehicle components and parts for industrial, energy, household-appliance and electrical products.

• 2019Porsche-Schuler press shop

  Germany · Automotive

  Schuler and Porsche developed a joint press shop at Star Park near Halle (Saale), covering a 13-hectare site and intended for automotive body-part production.

  Outcome. Production of body parts began in June 2021.

  Source
• 2017Innovation Tower

  Germany · International

  Schuler opened its Innovation Tower at the Göppingen headquarters as a visible platform for engineering, research and technology development.

  Outcome. The facility became part of Schuler's innovation and technology profile.

  Source
• Louis Schuler Fund for Education and Science

  Germany · Local communities

  Schuler supports trainees, educational institutions and technology-related education through the Louis Schuler Fund for Education and Science and related local sponsorship activities.

  Outcome. The initiative supports technical education and community engagement; a specific outcome was not provided.

  Source

• 2025Adoption of the Andritz Schuler nameOther

  Schuler operates as part of Andritz and announced a name aligned with its parent group's identity.

  What changed. The business announced that it would operate under the name Andritz Schuler.

  Aftermath. The announcement reinforced the company's integration into Andritz while retaining the established Schuler brand.

  Source
• 2024Further German restructuring and Weingarten closureStrategy

  Schuler announced another adjustment to its German operations.

  What changed. The company announced 474 job cuts across Germany and the closure of the Weingarten site.

  Aftermath. The announcement indicated a further consolidation of the German manufacturing footprint; a final implementation outcome was not provided.

  Source
• 2021Operating-business reorganizationStrategy

  Following its integration into the Andritz Group, Schuler reorganized its legal and operating structure.

  What changed. The operational parts of Schuler AG were transferred to Schuler Group GmbH, while Schuler AG remained a financial holding company and was later renamed Andritz Deutschland Holding GmbH.

  Aftermath. Schuler's industrial operations continued under the GmbH structure within the Andritz Group.

  Source
• 2019German manufacturing-footprint restructuringStrategy

  Schuler announced a restructuring of its manufacturing network amid changes in its international production strategy.

  What changed. The company planned to cut 500 jobs in Germany, discontinue production in Göppingen and expand production in China and Brazil.

  Aftermath. The decision reduced the role of the traditional Göppingen production site and shifted emphasis toward selected international facilities.

  Source
• 2014Regulated-market delisting decisionStrategy

  The public float had fallen substantially after Andritz built its ownership position, and Schuler had already left the SDAX after the float fell below 10 percent in 2012.

  What changed. Schuler AG's executive board decided to apply for delisting from the regulated stock exchange.

  Aftermath. The shares were subsequently traded on the Munich open market rather than the regulated stock market.

  Source
• 2012Andritz takes a controlling positionM&A

  Schuler AG was publicly traded, while Andritz sought to expand its industrial technology portfolio through a strategic investment.

  What changed. Andritz acquired 38.5 percent of Schuler shares from the Schuler-Voith family and made an offer of €20 per share to other shareholders.

  Aftermath. Andritz reported a 93.57 percent stake by February 2013 after competition-authority approval.

  Offer price per Schuler share. €20 (2012 offer)

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• 2025Schuler adopts the Andritz Schuler name

  Schuler announced that it would operate under the name Andritz Schuler, emphasizing its identity within the Andritz Group.

  Leadership change
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• 2025Business adopts the Andritz Schuler name

  The company announced that it would operate under the Andritz Schuler name, making its relationship with Andritz more explicit.

  Leadership changeOther
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• 2024Schuler announces further German restructuring

  The company announced that 474 jobs would be eliminated across Germany and that its Weingarten site would close.

  Other
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• 2024Further German restructuring and Weingarten closure announced

  Schuler announced that 474 jobs would be eliminated across Germany and that the Weingarten site would close.

  Other
  Source
• 2021Porsche and Schuler open body-part production at joint press shop

  A press shop developed by Porsche and Schuler near Halle (Saale) began producing automotive body parts.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2021Schuler operating business transferred to Schuler Group GmbH

  The operational parts of Schuler AG were moved into the newly established Schuler Group GmbH, leaving Schuler AG as a financial holding company.

  Other
  Source
• 2021Joint Porsche-Schuler press shop starts body-part production

  The press shop developed by Porsche and Schuler began producing vehicle body parts.

  Product launch
  Source
• 2021Schuler transfers operating business to Schuler Group GmbH

  The operational activities of Schuler AG were transferred to Schuler Group GmbH, while Schuler AG remained as a financial holding company.

  Other
  Source
• 2019Schuler announces German job reductions and production changes

  The company announced plans to cut 500 jobs in Germany, end production in Göppingen and expand production capacity in China and Brazil.

  Other
  Source
• 2019Schuler announces German job reductions and production restructuring

  The company announced plans to cut 500 jobs in Germany, end production in Göppingen, and expand manufacturing in China and Brazil.

  Leadership change
  Source
• 2019Porsche and Schuler begin joint press-shop project

  Porsche and Schuler began developing a joint press shop on a 13-hectare site at Star Park near Halle, Germany.

  M&AProduct launch
  Source
• 2017Schuler opens Innovation Tower

  The Schuler Innovation Tower at the Göppingen headquarters was officially opened as a facility associated with engineering, innovation, and development activities.

  Other
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• 2014Schuler seeks regulated-market delisting

  Schuler's executive board decided to apply for delisting of the company's shares from the regulated stock exchange.

  Other
  Source
• 2014Schuler applies for stock-market delisting

  Schuler AG's executive board decided to seek delisting from the regulated stock exchange after Andritz had become the dominant shareholder.

  Other
  Source
• 2013Andritz reports majority ownership of Schuler

  Following regulatory approvals, Andritz reported that its stake in Schuler had reached 93.57 percent.

  M&A
  Source
• 2012Andritz acquires control of Schuler AG

  Andritz AG acquired 38.5 percent of Schuler AG shares from the Schuler-Voith family and offered to purchase additional shares at €20 per share.

  M&A
  Source

1. Schuler Group