History

What began in 1947 has evolved into a story of progress, precision, and innovation in sensor technology.

Then - Now - Tomorrow

Our Company History

Since 1947, Novotechnik has been shaping the field of measurement technology with a pioneering spirit and the highest precision. Starting with the first fine-wire potentiometers, the company in Ostfildern evolved into an internationally recognized specialist in position and angle sensor technology—with milestones such as the introduction of potentiometers in general mechanical engineering in the 1950s and the later development of wear-free, contactless measurement systems. Our history demonstrates how technical curiosity, consistent quality, and bold innovations have set standards over the decades.

1947 - 1983 Foundation and expansion

Novotechnik was founded in 1947 as a trading company in Lindau (Lake Constance) by Mr. Wilhelm Offterdinger. In 1952, the company relocated to Stuttgart-Sillenbuch. Market demands and the resulting rapid growth in the sensor industry necessitated the construction of an administrative and production facility in Ostfildern-Ruit in 1956.

In the years that followed, Novotechnik developed into an internationally recognized measurement and control technology company.

The 1958 product line was based on high-performance fine-wire potentiometers. The line was supplemented by:

Transducer
DC servo motors
Motor potentiometer
Miniature moving-coil relay
Miniature variable resistors
Punch-card program memory

1956

Novotechnik in 1956

1960

First extension in 1960

1962

Second extension in 1962

1984 - 1989 Upheaval and a new beginning

In 1984, Novotechnik was sold to the Siedle Group. From then on, Horst Siedle also managed Novotechnik’s operations within the Siedle Group. Under his leadership, Novotechnik became a rapidly growing company with a global reputation. He expanded exports, established the company’s strong focus on design, and initiated groundbreaking innovations.

To expand its market presence in the United States, Novotechnik U.S. was founded in Southborough, Massachusetts, in 1987.

1986

New construction of the administration building in 1986, Ostfildern Horbstrasse

1986

Bright rooms, friendly working atmosphere - this is how Novotechnik presents itself from 1986.

1987

Novotechnik U.S., Southborough: Responsible for the markets in the USA, Canada and Mexico since 1987

1990 - 2009 Growth and globalization

In 1990, an additional new building was constructed, and the headquarters in Ostfildern was expanded to include a state-of-the-art production facility. Demand in China also called for greater market coverage, so in 2006 we opened a Novotechnik representative office in Shanghai, which gave rise to Novotechnik Sensors Trading Shanghai as early as 2009.

1990

New Production and Logistics Facility

2006

Novotechnik Sensors Trading (Shanghai) Co, Ltd, partner for China and parts of Asia

2009

Torsten Wegner Managing Director Marketing and Sales since 2009

2010 - today present and future

As early as 1997, Novotechnik set new standards in the field of non-contact sensor technology. We began exploring the physical phenomenon of magnetostriction at an early stage, and today we utilize this technology in a wide range of linear linear position transducers.

Another milestone is the development of contactless multiturn angle sensors based on the GMR (Giant Magnetoresistance) effect.

In 2015, the contactless position sensor portfolio was expanded to include inductive technologies. Innovative products designed for highly dynamic positioning tasks in harsh environments are a highlight of our linear sensor portfolio.

2010