The history of EW HOF

Our story includes a number of memorable chapters – both on our company and on technology.

Discover a piece of history, and learn more about the journey of EW HOF and how we became a renowned manufacturer of individual drive solutions. And we’re not done making history, yet – stay up to speed with the latest in drive technology at EW HOF.

Milestones of our history

EW HOF. Our drive. Your solution

  • 1957

    Foundation

  • 1968

    Acquisition by Th. Starke KG, Elektrotechnische Werkstätten Hof
    DC motors, axle heights from 71 – 180

  • 1973

    Explosion-proof motors

  • 1986

    Sale to the Schaltbau Group, Schaltbau GmbH & Co. EW Hof KG

  • 1987

    DC motors, axle heights from 200 – 250

  • 1989

    Battery-operated motors

  • 1990

    Synchronous motors, axle heights from 112 – 160

  • 1991

    Berliner Elektro Holding AG (later AdCapital AG) acquires the Schaltbau Group

  • 1992

    Acquisition of Schaltbau M+B Elektromotoren GmbH, Marktredwitz
    Expansion of the DC motor range

  • 1993

    Acquisition of K+S Schrittmotoren GmbH, Schwabach
    Merger and transformation into EW Hof Antriebe & Systeme GmbH
    Multiphase motors in the sizes 56 – 110, controllers

  • 1994

    Foundation of ESPO s.r.o., Roznov p.R. – Czech Republic

  • 1995

    Acquisition of the product line of Piller GmbH, Osterrode
    Explosion-proof, battery-powered motors, speed controllers

  • 1996

    Acquisition of a licence to produce magnetic motors from MM Starnberg GmbH
    Magnet motors

  • 1997

    Certification of the quality management system (ISO 9001) Certification of the environmental management system (ISO 14000 / EC eco-audit Regulation)

  • 1999

    Strategic alliance with Sicmemotorie S.p.A., Turin – Italy
    Asynchronous motors, axle heights from 100 – 250

  • 2001

    Explosion-proof synchronous motor series

  • 2002

    Pitch drives for wind turbines

  • 2004

    Asynchronous main-spindle torque motors, axle height of 400

  • 2006

    Introduction and switch to SAP

  • 2008

    Water-cooled test stand motors

  • 2009

    Generators for CHP plants

  • 2014

    Synchronous generator for small wind turbines

  • 2017

    Explosion-proof torque motor

  • 2020

    Acquisition of EW HOF Antriebe & Systeme GmbH by JKW GmbH

  • 2024

    Renaming of our subsidiary ESPO
    The company ESPO, s.r.o. is now called EW HOF s.r.o.