Turning visions into reality: iwisions

It often only takes a tiny step – a creative brainwave – to make entire technologies obsolete overnight, which is why we are already thinking about tomorrow’s world today. We know from experience that true development pioneers must free themselves from conventional ways of thinking and mental barriers.

Our constant wish and desire is to redefine the boundaries of what is possible – and what is not – in the field of automotive and industrial drives. We may not be able to predict the future, but we can help to shape it by turning visions into reality: iwisions!

iwis production site in Landsberg

Company profile

Company profile

About iwis

iwis is one of the world’s leading companies in the industry and a globally active technology leader in the field of high-precision, top-quality chain drive systems for automotive and industrial applications. Learn more
iwis Corporate Culture

Corporate culture

Corporate culture

We are those who stride ahead

Our philosophy and company mission statements describe what drives us, what makes us, and what is important to us: our motivation, our goals and the principles on which our actions are based. Learn more
iwis drive systems

Products and Brands

Products and Brands

iwis is versatile 

Technical perfection of highest quality for your success - that is our claim. For over 100 years iwis has stood for a wide range of sophisticated products and services. Our technology and chain design are focused on practical application requirements all over the world. Learn more
iwis Environmental Management and Sustainability

Environmental Management

Environmental Management

We are aware of our responsibility

iwis is a leading European company that always acts in accordance with the principles of sustainability: environmental protection is an integral part of iwis corporate policy. Learn more
iwis management

Our Directors

Blending the experience of previous generations and the expectations of those to come, our family firm – now in its fourth generation – is managed with an eye to long-term sustainability. Acting responsibly and adhering to strong values today to shape the world of tomorrow.

locations worldwide

individual components produced every day

employees

chain versions in the iwis portfolio

Awards

We're proud of our awards. They show recognition of our work and performance, and are an incentive to achieve even more milestones.

Our history

What began as a bicycle chain workshop rapidly grew into a successful, friendly family company – and eventually became a globally active technology leader in the field of high-quality chain system solutions and engineering services: iwis.

1884
1885 Foundation of Wanderer-Werke
Foundation of Wanderer-Werke

It all began in Chemnitz...

1916
1916 Foundation Johann Winklhofer-Maschinenfabrik
Johann Winklhofer-Maschinenfabrik

Foundation of our company Dec. 7th Johann Baptist Winklhofer (1859 – 1949) in Munich 

1920
1920 Name change to Joh. Winklhofer & Söhne
Name change to "Joh. Winklhofer & Söhne”

The two eldest sons Hans (1887–1933) and Fritz (1888–1972) Winklhofer join.

1922
1922 Production of bicycle chains begins
Production of bicycle chains begins

It all started with bicycle chains...

1933
1933 End of sales activities for Wanderer-Werke goods
End of sales activities

for Wanderer-Werke goods

1934
1934 Introduction Rudolf and Otto Winklhofer
The sons join their father

Dr. Rudolf (1890 – 1977) and Otto (1900 – 1990) Winklhofer

1936
1936 Doubling of production space
Doubling of production space

due to the new building the Albert-Roßhauper-Street.

1937
1937 Production start iwis timing chains
Production start iwis timing chains

for the automobile brands Adlerwerke, BMW, DKW and Hanomag

1945
1945 Shutdown and restart of production
Production resumes

Company is shut down; production resumes on July 26th

iwis time journey

100 years iwis

The guiding principles for the future also applied in the past. The iwis of today and tomorrow is based on 100 years of living history and hands-on experience. Here at iwis, we have always believed in striding ahead – and by maturing as a company, we have gained additional strength and broader horizons. The family company iwis is now more sustainable and innovative than ever before, yet it is still our history – the sum of our experiences, defeats and triumphs – that give us stability.

Our cooperation partners

For us, working together with our partners means we can always rely on valuable synergies. Cooperation agreements with associations, foundations, local communities and cultural institutions are an integral part of our vibrant, colourful corporate culture. They also allow us to take on responsibility and make commitments to science, research and the local community at our respective locations.

iwis Partner bayme vbm
VBM/BayMe
Die bayrischen Metall- und Elektro-Arbeitgeber
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iwis Partner invest in bavaria
Invest in Bayern
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iwis Partner TU Munich
Technische Universität München
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iwis Partner vdr
VDR
Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement e.V.
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iwis Partner Deutsches Museum
Deutsches Museum
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iwis Partner TUM Stiftung
Gründungsstifter der TUM
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iwis Partner district München
Landkreis München
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iwis Partner provincial capital Munich
Stadt München
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Oktoberfest
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iwis Partner Stadt Siegen
Stadt Siegen
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iwis Partner Stadt Wilnsdorf
Stadt Wilnsdorf
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iwis Partner Landsberg am Lech
Stadt Landsberg am Lech
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Contact

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