Our History
Nagel – technology leader in precision and innovation. For decades, we have been setting global standards in honing and superfinishing technology – with solutions that combine the highest quality, maximum efficiency and technological foresight.
Our strength: continuous innovation. Precise machines, intelligent tools and smart services create real competitive advantages – in the automotive industry as well as in new future fields and sectors.
With over 1,800 employees and international locations on four continents, we combine global expertise with local proximity. In addition to our established core technologies, we are systematically developing new areas of application – from automated robot solutions to modern laser coating and pioneering automation technology.
1941
Friedrich Nagel founds the company in Stuttgart – with a clear mission: to rethink precision.
1944
Relocation to Nürtingen. Despite difficult times, the courage to break new ground emerges – and the company grows.
1950
Construction of the company’s first own production hall. The start of production of horizontal honing machines marks the beginning of a new era.
1953
The portfolio grows: vertical honing machines are added to the range. Innovation becomes a trademark.
1954
80 employees are part of the workforce – a strong team that supports the success.
1955
Development of the first special machines with patented automatic measuring system – a milestone for precision and progress.
1958
Entry into automatic assembly technology for the automotive industry. Plant expansions create space for further growth.
1960
Nagel expands its portfolio with the acquisition of plants in Metzingen and Grötzingen – deep drilling and strip finishing complete the technological spectrum.
1965
International recognition grows. New production halls for toolmaking and honing stone production are built and the company continues to develop dynamically.
1968
Foundation of the sister company Elgan-Diamantwerkzeuge– a milestone towards technological excellence.
1970
The takeover of the English company Permat provides impetus for European expansion.
1971
Stone finishing machines, contacts with the roller bearing industry and major orders for assembly lines open up new markets – Nagel consolidates its role as a technology leader.
1974
With the construction of a plant in São Paulo, Nagel finally becomes a global partner for precision, efficiency and innovation.
1982
Nagel enters the US market with the opening of a sales office in New York – direct, committed and customer-oriented.
1988
The construction of the company’s own factory in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the relocation of the sales office strengthen the company’s presence in North America in the long term.
1992
Foundation of Nagel Special Machines in Bangalore – a bold step towards even greater customer proximity in India.
1995
Takeover of TBT Tiefbohrtechnik – targeted expansion of expertise in the field of high-precision drilling technologies.
1996
The acquisition of KADIA strengthens the company’s leading role in precision machining – the technology portfolio grows in a targeted and future-oriented manner.
2002
Foundation of Nagel Mexico – a clear commitment to global customer proximity.
2006
Establishment of a sales and service company in China – with branches in Beijing and Shanghai, in the heart of the Asian growth market.
2007
Majority shareholding in AOBA, Japan – technological alliance for even more innovative strength.
2016
Investment in Keyou GmbH – active commitment to emission-free drive technologies of the future.
2020
Acquisition of the Gehring Group – combined strength for new standards in precision and mobility.
2022
Participation in the Lambda Resins GmbH – Targeted expansion of expertise in the field of innovative materials.
2022
Majority stake in O.ERRE.PI S.r.l., Italy – expansion of leading technologies in industrial coating.