From the outset, the young company demonstrated strong technological ambition. In 1933, Grob developed its first thread milling machine, marking its entry into machine tool engineering. Just a few years later, it achieved another technological leap with its own process for chipless metal forming. The ability to rethink manufacturing processes would become a recurring pattern throughout the company’s history.
Special-purpose machines and transfer technology
In 1952, when Burkhart Grob of the second generation took over management, the company entered a phase of technical specialisation. The focus shifted to special-purpose machine tools for large-scale production. During the 1960s and 1970s, Grob set benchmarks in transfer machine technology. Multi-path and multi-station machines, along with flexible transfer systems, enabled significant productivity gains.
In 1970, just three years after opening the Mindelheim site, the company realised its first fully in-house developed transfer line – a clear commitment to its own engineering capabilities. In 1976, the Munich plant was closed and the company headquarters relocated entirely to Mindelheim.
The move towards universal machines
With the technological shift of the 1990s, Grob recognised the growing demand for flexible manufacturing solutions. The introduction of dynamic machining centres with compact designs, followed by the use of linear motor drives, marked the transition from rigid production lines to modular concepts.
In 1998, Grob presented one of the first machining centres with linear motors – a key step towards high-speed machining. Another milestone followed in 2004 with the launch of the modular G-series. The concept: a consistent machine platform combining flexibility, precision and industrial robustness. Within a few years, several thousand machines were installed worldwide.
At an early stage, Grob also advanced the integration of automation and digitalisation. Flexible manufacturing systems, linked production solutions and proprietary automation components were continuously developed. This led to the creation of an Industry 4.0 platform connecting machines, processes and data. Automation solutions such as pallet storage systems, robot cells and automated guided vehicles turned Grob into a full-system provider.
Electromobility: from machine builder to system provider
A defining chapter in recent years began in 2016 with GROB’s entry into electromobility. The company expanded beyond traditional machine tools and developed complete production and system solutions for electric motors, battery cells, battery modules and fuel cells.
Technologies such as hairpin winding, needle winding, stator and rotor production, battery cell assembly and cell-to-pack concepts have positioned Grob among the leading providers for industrial e-mobility production.
With the development of liquid metal printing machines, Grob has also entered the field of additive manufacturing. This complements conventional machining and series production, particularly for functional components, prototypes and new materials.
Technology with a long-term mindset
Despite its high-tech focus, people remain central at GROB. Apprenticeship programmes, a high level of in-house manufacturing and strong engineering capabilities are deliberate choices that continue to ensure quality, independence and the capacity to innovate.
The company has been family-owned from the outset. Since 2016, it has been led by Christian Grob as part of the third generation, while the fourth generation, represented by Florian Grob, is already active in the business and being prepared for future responsibility.
Internationalisation as a consistent growth path
Alongside its technological development, Grob has steadily expanded its international presence. What began as the export of individual machines has evolved into a global production and service network. With subsidiaries, manufacturing sites and technology centres across Europe, North and South America, and Asia, the company follows a clear principle: proximity to its customers.
The anniversary year also serves as a forward-looking milestone. Grob underlines its position as an innovation leader with several technological premieres, including the 5-axis portal machining centre GP1350 for even larger workpieces, the GRC-M60 robot cell for efficient machine utilisation and future-proof production processes, and the MES/MOM system “Grob Cosera”, which connects machines, automation and IT to enable data-driven manufacturing.
From 17 to 20 March 2026, the Grob in-house exhibition offered visitors the opportunity to experience the company’s development from its beginnings in 1926 to the present day and to explore its technologies first-hand.
