ifm turns 50: rapid growth and a strong sense of family

January 14, 2020

The founders developed their first products in their homes. Since then, ifm has grown into an international medium-sized group of companies. But one thing has not changed: ifm has remained a family … quite a large family!

It all began in Robert Buck’s (†) flat. 50 years ago, Gerd Marhofer asked him to develop an inductive sensor for 220 V supply voltage – thus laying the foundation for the family-owned company.

“We gave up using the kitchen as a workshop after devices hardening in the oven started “foaming”, which left the oven soiled with cast resin,” founder Robert Buck remembered.

However, the company’s success is not only based on innovative sensors and systems. ifm is also distinguished by a family atmosphere still esteemed by its employees. Some colleagues still remember ifm founder Gerd Marhofer acting in an obliging way towards every employee – kitchen staff as well as members of the board. He often brought back little souvenirs for his colleagues from his business trips or bought everyone ice cream or dinner to celebrate sales success.

Meanwhile, the ifm group of companies is represented in more than 85 countries and the special atmosphere at work is still praised by its employees.

Important Links Bar.jpg

https://www.ifm.com/us/en/shared/news/ifm50

Related Articles

Network Infrastructure Featured Product Spotlight

PBUS 14 Panduit logo 400

This webinar presented by Beth Lessard and Keith Cordero will be highlighting three Panduit solutions that will optimize network equipment and cabling to ensure that your spaces are efficiently and properly managed to support ever-evolving business needs of today and beyond. Products that will be featured include PanZone TrueEdge Wall Mount Enclsoure, Cable Managers, and Adjustable Depth 4-Post Rack.

REGISTER HERE


Editor’s Pick: Featured Product News

Siemens: SIMOVAC Non-Arc-Resistant and SIMOVAC-AR Arc-Resistant Motor Controllers

The Siemens SIMOVAC medium-voltage non-arc-resistant and SIMOVAC-AR arc-resistant controllers have a modular design incorporating up to two 12SVC400 (400 A) controllers, housed in a freestanding sheet steel enclosure. Each controller is UL 347 class E2, equipped with three current-limiting fuses, a non-load-break isolating switch, and a fixed-mounted vacuum contactor (plug-in type optional for 12SVC400). The enclosure is designed for front access, allowing the equipment to be located with the rear of the equipment close to a non-combustible wall.

Read More


Sponsored Content
Electrify Your Enterprise

Power is vital to production, and well-designed control cabinets are key. Allied Electronics & Automation offers a comprehensive collection of control cabinet solutions including PLCs, HMIs, contactors, miniature circuit breakers, terminal block connectors, DIN-rail power supplies, pushbutton switches, motor starters, overloads, power relays, industrial Ethernet switches and AC drives engineered to keep your operations running safely, reliably and efficiently.

Learn more HERE.


Products for Panel Builders

  • AutomationDirect: WEG CFW320 AC VFDs and SSW900 Soft Starters

    AutomationDirect: WEG CFW320 AC VFDs and SSW900 Soft Starters

    AutomationDirect has added general-purpose WEG CFW320 AC drives and full-featured SSW900 soft starters. The CFW320 series VFDs offer all the features of the existing CFW300, including a compact size, a built-in operator interface (HMI), and an embedded SoftPLC, but provide support for 460 VAC and Ethernet communications. These drives support 230 VAC 3-phase motors up to 5hp… Read More…

  • METCASE: TECHNOMET-CONTROL – New Pole-Mountable HMI Enclosures

    METCASE: TECHNOMET-CONTROL – New Pole-Mountable HMI Enclosures

    METCASE’s premium TECHNOMET-CONTROL enclosures can now be specified with a mounting bracket (accessory) for poles and masts ⌀1.97” mm or larger. Applications include HMI, panel PCs, industrial control, factory processing, security systems, test and measurement, point-of-sale terminals, IIoT and detection equipment. The new pole mounting bracket fits the standard VESA mounting holes on the rear… Read More…