100 Years of Innovation that Moves the World Forward
From Lorenz Braren’s invention of the Cyclo® principle in 1925 to today’s global leadership in drive technology, Sumitomo Drive Technologies has spent the last 100 years pushing the boundaries of precision, reliability, and efficiency. What began as a revolutionary German innovation has grown into a worldwide standard, powering progress across industries and continents.
To celebrate this landmark anniversary, guests from across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Japan gathered at Bavaria’s Dachau Palace for a gala evening. The event honoured not only a century of innovation but also the partnerships, collaboration, and forward-looking vision that will continue to drive Sumitomo’s success into the next 100 years.
Historical milestones: From the Cyclo® principle to a recognized global brand
After Braren's invention in 1925, his visionary work led to a cooperation in 1932 with today's Sumitomo Heavy Industries, which acquired a license to build the Cyclo® gear in Japan. Despite language barriers, it was the shared fascination for technology that established an alliance. Today, Sumitomo Drive Technologies unites all activities in the field of drive technology under a recognised global brand.
With recent acquisitions, such as the Lafert Group in 2018 and Invertek Drives in 2019, Sumitomo Drive Technologies has evolved from a component manufacturer to a complete provider of motion control solutions. The portfolio now consists of precision gears, industrial gears, centrifuges, actuators, motors, variable frequency drives and integrated drive solutions.
The cycloidal gear, the centerpiece of Sumitomo Drive Technologies' product portfolio, has changed drive technology with its unique design. Unlike conventional gears, the Cyclo® principle distributes the load evenly over several pins and discs. This construction minimizes wear, increases load capacity, and significantly reduces maintenance effort.
Looking to the future: Sustainability and social contribution
Sumitomo Drive Technologies sees innovation as the key to a sustainable future. The integration of the latest technologies not only enables more efficient industrial processes but also makes a positive contribution to society and the environment.
The corporate culture, characterised by a passion for technology and a strong team spirit, offers room for continuous development. The needs of customers always remain in focus – with customised solutions for the challenges of modern industry.
"We are proud to have been moving and improving industrial processes worldwide for 100 years. This anniversary is a milestone that underlines both our innovative strength and our commitment to quality and sustainability," says Florian Butzmann, CEO of Sumitomo Drive Technologies EMEIA.
