HOFMANN

Thermal engineering

ISO 9001 : 2015

Company history

History of HOFMANN Wärmetechnik in Linz and Hellmonsödt

Since 1946 HOFMANN Wärmetechnik has been there for the concerns of its customers. Over the years - first in Linz, later in Hellmonsödt - we have been involved in every step of the technological development of furnaces for industry and production. Extensive experience as well as expertise in the most innovative fields is what we put at your disposal.

1946

In 1946, Dipl. Ing. Hofmann founded the company in Linz in an old flag hall from the post-war period.

Initially, irons and simple heaters were built.

Materials for ovens were scarce in those years.

The first housings for ovens were built from cookie tins. The demand for larger ovens increased significantly over time, so it was decided to push oven construction.

1950

In the 1950s, larger furnaces were already developed and partly exported. At that time, the steel and ceramics industries were the main customers.

1960

In the mid-60s, the first orders from the aluminum industry came from Norway.

1972

In 1969 Mr. Hermann Gründl joined the company as plant manager, in 1972 he took over the business and also expanded it significantly in Linz.

During this time, several patents were registered, which triggered a revolution in heating technology.

The export quota reached over 75%.

Countries on all continents had become aware of Hofmann.

1974

The Wegscheid site is completely rebuilt, and the production area is expanded to 1500 m².

1988

The company is renamed HOFMANN Industrieofenbau GesmbH & Co KG.

1994

Completion of the new plant at the Hellmonsödt site

1994

The world's largest aluminum curing furnace with a useful volume of over 2 x 650 m³ was built. The aluminum profiles up to 65 m in length could be fed directly into the furnace from the press.

1998

During this time, other types of furnaces had already been successfully developed.

1999

New forms of metal processing, such as the extrusion of aluminum, opened up a growing market for aluminum curing furnaces, but also for air circulation furnaces for heating tools for aluminum processing. In addition, the demand for nitriding furnaces for the provision of resistant tool surfaces increased.

In 1999 Mr. Gründl went into well-deserved retirement and Mr. Wolfgang Niederländer took over the company, which was renamed HOFMANN Wärmetechnik GmbH.

2003

HOFMANN stoves can now be found on every continent.

2005

Now it was time to look for further challenges. After the automotive industry had been relying on aluminum alloys in engine production for quite some time, HOFMANN set another milestone in the company's philosophy by developing heat treatment equipment for such components.

Orders for the construction of furnaces for the heat treatment of landing flap components for the European wide-body jet AIRBUS A380 created challenges for a renewed increase in quality in the mechanical, but above all also in the control technology segment. The technical staff was also increased during this period.

2006

New design and development of an air circulation furnace

Specialization in heat treatment in the field of aluminum casting

2008

Development of a new plant concept for aluminum foundries, integrated air shower for cylinder heads

In 2008, the plant in Hellmonsödt also proved to be too small. Therefore, a hall was built for testing purposes to give customers the opportunity to accept completed furnaces in production operation.

2009

Expansion of activities in the aviation industry, completion of hall construction.

2011

In 2011 the auto industry approached us with the requirement to replace conventional steel components with aluminum chassis parts. The impetus came from weight savings.

Conventional chamber furnaces were not suitable for this purpose due to the enormous capacity requirements. A continuous furnace concept therefore had to be implemented.

2012

Development of a vacuum furnace for polyimide plates

GERMANY

Continuous furnace

VR CHINA

Laboratory furnace

AUSTRIA

Welding powder dryer

2014

SWITZERLAND

Overhead plant for quenching and tempering aluminum parts

AUSTRIA

Overhead plant for heat treatment of aluminum parts

GERMANY

Continuous oven for curing silicone seals

GERMANY

Air circulation furnace for heat treatment of process molds made of

2015

In 2015, it was decided to enter the Chinese market as well.

AUSTRIA

Overhead plant for heat treatment of aluminum parts

CZECH REPUBLIC

Overhead plant for heat treatment of aluminum parts

ITALY

Pressing furnace for heat treatment of saw blades

2016

This year, the company celebrates its 70th anniversary. More than 50 people are now employed at HOFMANN. Existing for 7 decades means having the right people on the team, being responsive to customers' needs, and always paying attention to servicing existing equipment as well.