Marquardt Group

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Marquardt, a family-run company founded in 1925 and based in Rietheim-Weilheim, Germany, is a manufacturer of electromechanical and electronic switches and switching systems. The products of the company are used by customers in the automotive industry and include operating components, vehicle access, driver authorization systems and battery management systems. Additionally, the company's products are used in household appliances, industrial applications, as well as power tools. In total, the Marquardt Group employs approximately 10,600 people in 20 locations across four continents. There was a sales revenue of 1.2 billion euros generated by the company in fiscal year 2020, according to company reports. In terms of research and development, Marquardt invests approximately ten percent of its revenues each year into it.

History[edit]

1925-1945[edit]

In 1925, businessman Johannes Marquardt (1885–1963) and technician Johannes Marquardt (1889–1942), who share the same name but are only distantly related, established a factory specialising in electrical supplies and precision mechanics in Rietheim. They developed built-in switches for electrical appliances and power tools.^[2]

In 1926, Marquardt products were introduced to the household appliance industry. The first switches with roller contacts were utilised in handheld vacuum cleaners and radios.

The global economic crisis of 1929 and its aftermath resulted in significant losses for the young company in the early 1930s. The 60-member workforce was retained through substantial sacrifices. Despite a decrease in orders and the implementation of short-time work, no layoffs occurred.

In the mid-1930s, the company experienced growth, increasing its workforce to 160 employees. However, the Second World War introduced new challenges: nearly all male employees in construction and production were drafted into the Wehrmacht, and many perished in the war. During the final years of the war, production was primarily maintained by women.

1945-1965[edit]

After the war, all Marquardt offices were initially occupied by the staff of a French commander and were only released after six months. Nearly all furnishings, machines, and tools were dismantled and taken to France, leaving Marquardt without the technical means for production and facing a collapsed market. The company seemed on the brink of collapse. However, war damage to electrical installations caused supply shortages for plaster-mounted light switches in the French occupation zone and in France. Using the few machines that remained, Marquardt began producing toggle switches, which formed the foundation for the company's rebuilding efforts.

In 1953, Marquardt began producing snap-action switches, marking a significant development in their product line. Two years later, in 1955, a new branch plant was constructed in Böttingen, and by 1959, the existing plant at the Rietheim headquarters was expanded. In 1963, the company further innovated by developing switch keypads for washing machines.

The management team also saw changes during this period: Heinz Marquardt joined in 1949, followed by his brother Erich Marquardt in 1965. Jakob Marquardt had been responsible for production and human resources as managing partner since 1955, and Ewald Marquardt joined the management team in 1965.

1965-1985[edit]

1985-2005[edit]

2005-2000[edit]

Products[edit]

The business unit “Automotive” develops and implements, among other things, drive authorization systems (such as drive authorization via smartphone, electronic keys and electronic ignition start switches, electronic steering locks, start-stop systems), operating components (such as seat adjustment switches, rotary light switches, door and convertible top control panels), ultra-wideband communication (UWB), and dynamic lighting systems. The "Mechatronic Devices" business unit develops, manufactures and sells, among other things, switching systems for power tools, sensors, systems and switches for the home and for industrial and electrical applications. The "Power and Energy Solutions" business unit has bundled the Marquardt competencies in the field of e-mobility since the beginning of 2021 and develops, produces and sells battery management systems from twelve to 800 volts, charging and converter systems for battery electric vehicles, as well as control units, sensors and electromechanical components for fuel cell vehicles.

Locations[edit]

The Marquardt Group operates at a total of 20 locations^[3] in 14 countries on four continents.

Europe[edit]

• Rietheim-Weilheim, Germany, Headquarters (location for production, sales and development)
• Böttingen, Germany (location for production)
• Ichtershausen, Germany (location for production)
• Trossingen, Germany (Independent lab for measurements of electromagnetic compatibility)
• Harrislee, Germany (location for production and sales)
• Sibiu, Romania (location for production and development)
• Lieusaint, France (location for sales and development)
• Veles, North Macedonia (location for production)
• Torino, Italy (location for sales)
• Warwick, Great Britain (location for sales)

America[edit]

• Cazenovia, USA (location for production, sales and development)
• Rochester Hills, USA (location for sales and development)
• Irapuato, Mexico (location for production)

Africa[edit]

• Tunis, Tunisia (location for production)

Asia[edit]

• Shanghai, China (location for production, sales and development)
• Weihai, China (location for production)
• Mumbai, India (location for production, sales and development)
• Pune, India (location for production, sales and development)
• Seoul, South Korea (location for sales)
• Tokyo, Japan (location for sales)

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marquardt-Gruppe.

• Website Marquardt - Germany
• Marquardt product catalogue

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