Birthplace of EROWA: Production in Reinach

 

Empowering your production since 1970.

From the idea to the process

What began as a small workshop has become the benchmark in manufacturing automation.
Since 1970, EROWA has stood for Swiss precision, technical innovation, and a clear goal:
to make manufacturing processes more efficient, flexible, and reproducible.

To this day, EROWA remains an independent, owner-managed Swiss company—without shareholders, without stock market dependence, but with a clear philosophy:
to develop standardized solutions that can be individually adapted to customer processes.

Standardization is at the heart of every EROWA solution.

Our zero-point clamping systems form the basis for reproducible accuracy – regardless of machine, manufacturer, or process. The standardized EROWA interface concept allows milling, turning, grinding, measuring, and eroding machines to be flexibly linked. This creates compatibility for decades to come – and enables the modular expansion of every system up to full automation.

Hans Hediger Portrait

The Idea of Flexible Manufacturing

The history of EROWA began in 1970 in a small garage in Reinach (AG), Switzerland.
Company founder Hans Hediger recognized early on the potential of making manufacturing processes more efficient through standardization.
Even then, the core idea of the Flexible Manufacturing Concept (FMC) was born – the principle on which all EROWA solutions are still based today. The name EROWA stands for the German words EDM, toolmaking and automation – three disciplines that have been inseparably linked ever since.

1970s

The Idea of Flexible Manufacturing

The history of EROWA began in 1970 in a small garage in Reinach (AG), Switzerland.
Company founder Hans Hediger recognized early on the potential of making manufacturing processes more efficient through standardization.
Even then, the core idea of the Flexible Manufacturing Concept (FMC) was born – the principle on which all EROWA solutions are still based today. The name EROWA stands for the German words EDM, toolmaking and automation – three disciplines that have been inseparably linked ever since.

EROWA Translator (ISOCUT) Planetary EDM Device for three-dimensional electrode movement

Translator (ISOCUT) Planetary EDM device

The translator developed by EROWA made it possible to move the electrode in three dimensions for the first time. This allowed the eroding process to be carried out over several hours of operation. 

1976

Translator (ISOCUT) Planetary EDM device

The translator developed by EROWA made it possible to move the electrode in three dimensions for the first time. This allowed the eroding process to be carried out over several hours of operation. 

EROWA JetSet water jet wire threader

JetSet Water Jet Wire Threader

The wire could be threaded automatically using the JetSet water jet wire threader.

1978

JetSet Water Jet Wire Threader

The wire could be threaded automatically using the JetSet water jet wire threader.

First advertising poster for patented EROWA ITS

Precision Becomes Standardized

With the growing demand for reproducible accuracy, EROWA developed the first ITS zero-point clamping system, laying the foundation for modern standardization in precision manufacturing. This marked the beginning of a new era of standardization in the tool and mold making industry. The systems enabled fast, precise positioning of workpieces – independent of machine or manufacturer. This technological step established EROWA as an innovation leader in clamping technology.

1980s

Precision Becomes Standardized

With the growing demand for reproducible accuracy, EROWA developed the first ITS zero-point clamping system, laying the foundation for modern standardization in precision manufacturing. This marked the beginning of a new era of standardization in the tool and mold making industry. The systems enabled fast, precise positioning of workpieces – independent of machine or manufacturer. This technological step established EROWA as an innovation leader in clamping technology.

New production building in Büron, 1986

New Production Facility in Büron

Opening of the new production site in Büron, Canton of Lucerne, for the manufacturing and assembly of all EROWA products.
Two years later, the site was expanded with the administrative building in Büron.

1986

New Production Facility in Büron

Opening of the new production site in Büron, Canton of Lucerne, for the manufacturing and assembly of all EROWA products.
Two years later, the site was expanded with the administrative building in Büron.

First EROWA automation device at show fair 1989

Automation Enters Manufacturing

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, EROWA expanded its portfolio to include automated workpiece and electrode handling.
The first EROWA robots – compact, robust and modular – became the core of many flexible manufacturing cells. The combination of clamping systems and automation laid the foundation for what defines EROWA today: seamless processes from workpiece to control.

1987

Automation Enters Manufacturing

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, EROWA expanded its portfolio to include automated workpiece and electrode handling.
The first EROWA robots – compact, robust and modular – became the core of many flexible manufacturing cells. The combination of clamping systems and automation laid the foundation for what defines EROWA today: seamless processes from workpiece to control.

Exterior shot of the EROWA showroom in Büron

EROWA France

Founded to support customers locally with sales, application know-how and service – ensuring close collaboration and fast response times.

1987

EROWA France

Founded to support customers locally with sales, application know-how and service – ensuring close collaboration and fast response times.

Building of the EROWA subsidiary in the USA.

EROWA USA

With growing demand in North America, EROWA established a local presence to ensure direct customer support, technical expertise and fast service.

1987

EROWA USA

With growing demand in North America, EROWA established a local presence to ensure direct customer support, technical expertise and fast service.

Office building of the EROWA subsidiary in Japan.

EROWA Japan

Following its expansion in the USA, Asia quickly emerged as a key market. EROWA Japan was established to meet the high demands of Japanese manufacturing with local expertise and service.

1989

EROWA Japan

Following its expansion in the USA, Asia quickly emerged as a key market. EROWA Japan was established to meet the high demands of Japanese manufacturing with local expertise and service.

EROWA site in Germany.

EROWA Germany

As Europe’s largest manufacturing market, Germany became a key focus for EROWA, ensuring close customer support and technical consulting.

1989

EROWA Germany

As Europe’s largest manufacturing market, Germany became a key focus for EROWA, ensuring close customer support and technical consulting.

EROWA Nordic application center with automation solutions and application engineering

EROWA Nordic

Starting in Sweden and later expanding to Denmark, EROWA Nordic supports customers across the Nordic region with local expertise.

1989

EROWA Nordic

Starting in Sweden and later expanding to Denmark, EROWA Nordic supports customers across the Nordic region with local expertise.

EROWA Singapore with local automation solutions and service

EROWA Singapore

Serving as a regional hub, EROWA Singapore supports customers throughout Southeast Asia with service and application expertise.

1990

EROWA Singapore

Serving as a regional hub, EROWA Singapore supports customers throughout Southeast Asia with service and application expertise.

EROWA location in China with local automation solutions, production and service

EROWA China

With China becoming an important manufacturing market, EROWA ensured local customer support and technical service.

1994

EROWA China

With China becoming an important manufacturing market, EROWA ensured local customer support and technical service.

The first job management system from EROWA

First EROWA JMS Job Management System

From the very beginning, EROWA was convinced that a holistic system guarantees sustainable process optimization—not isolated solutions. This led to the creation of EROWA's first process control system in 1995: the JobManagement System.

1995

First EROWA JMS Job Management System

From the very beginning, EROWA was convinced that a holistic system guarantees sustainable process optimization—not isolated solutions. This led to the creation of EROWA's first process control system in 1995: the JobManagement System.

Exterior shot of the EROWA showroom in Büron

EROWA Iberica

To support customers in Spain and Portugal, EROWA established a local team focused on service, application support and consulting.

1998

EROWA Iberica

To support customers in Spain and Portugal, EROWA established a local team focused on service, application support and consulting.

Measuring process from electrode to EROWA UPC

The Holistic System Approach

At the beginning of the 2000s, the Flexible Manufacturing Concept was further expanded.
EROWA integrated measuring and presetting technology, closing the process chain completely. From workpiece clamping and automatic loading to precise measuring, holistic manufacturing systems were created. This marked EROWA’s evolution from a product supplier to a system partner for industrial manufacturing.

2000s

The Holistic System Approach

At the beginning of the 2000s, the Flexible Manufacturing Concept was further expanded.
EROWA integrated measuring and presetting technology, closing the process chain completely. From workpiece clamping and automatic loading to precise measuring, holistic manufacturing systems were created. This marked EROWA’s evolution from a product supplier to a system partner for industrial manufacturing.

Exterior shot of the EROWA showroom in Büron

EROWA Italy

Italy’s strong tooling and machining industry led EROWA to establish local consulting and service for close customer collaboration.

2001

EROWA Italy

Italy’s strong tooling and machining industry led EROWA to establish local consulting and service for close customer collaboration.

EROWA location in Poland with local automation solutions and service

EROWA Poland & Eastern Europe

With increasing demand in Eastern Europe, EROWA expanded its service and consulting activities across the region.

2006

EROWA Poland & Eastern Europe

With increasing demand in Eastern Europe, EROWA expanded its service and consulting activities across the region.

Opening event of the EROWA subsidiary in India for sales and service.

EROWA India

As India’s manufacturing sector expanded, EROWA established local expertise to support customers on site.

2007

EROWA India

As India’s manufacturing sector expanded, EROWA established local expertise to support customers on site.

Hotel Schlossrued in 2008.

Schloss Rued

Out of regional responsibility, EROWA took over the historic Schloss Rued, carefully restored it and reopened it as a hotel and seminar center.

2008

Schloss Rued

Out of regional responsibility, EROWA took over the historic Schloss Rued, carefully restored it and reopened it as a hotel and seminar center.

The Digitalization of Manufacturing

The new decade brought consistent networking of machines and processes.
With the JMS® process control system, EROWA created the software foundation to visualize, analyze and actively control manufacturing data.
This connected mechanics, electronics and software – a milestone in digital process automation.
The introduction of JMS® 4.0 paved the way for Industry 4.0 in precision manufacturing.

2010s

The Digitalization of Manufacturing

The new decade brought consistent networking of machines and processes.
With the JMS® process control system, EROWA created the software foundation to visualize, analyze and actively control manufacturing data.
This connected mechanics, electronics and software – a milestone in digital process automation.
The introduction of JMS® 4.0 paved the way for Industry 4.0 in precision manufacturing.

EROWA site in Germany.

EROWA Software Services

With increasing digitalisation in manufacturing, EROWA strengthened its software expertise in 2012 (formerly CERTA).

2012

EROWA Software Services

With increasing digitalisation in manufacturing, EROWA strengthened its software expertise in 2012 (formerly CERTA).

Exterior shot of the EROWA showroom in Büron

EROWA Benelux

To serve customers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, EROWA provides local service and application support.

2019

EROWA Benelux

To serve customers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, EROWA provides local service and application support.

The EROWA Robot Dynamic 150 automatically positions a clamping system on the machine table.

Being a Holistic Automation Partner

Today, EROWA is present in over 45 countries worldwide, supporting companies in medical technology, aerospace, automotive, energy, packaging and mechanical engineering.
The Flexible Manufacturing Concept remains the guiding principle – standardized, modular and future-proof. By closely integrating clamping technology, measuring and presetting, automatic loading and process control, EROWA has become a holistic partner for the entire automation process.

2020s

Being a Holistic Automation Partner

Today, EROWA is present in over 45 countries worldwide, supporting companies in medical technology, aerospace, automotive, energy, packaging and mechanical engineering.
The Flexible Manufacturing Concept remains the guiding principle – standardized, modular and future-proof. By closely integrating clamping technology, measuring and presetting, automatic loading and process control, EROWA has become a holistic partner for the entire automation process.

New EROWA building at Grabmattenstrasse 11 in Büron.

Expansion of the Büron Production Site

With the construction of the new EROWA 11 production hall, EROWA reaffirms its strong commitment to Switzerland as a production location.

2024

Expansion of the Büron Production Site

With the construction of the new EROWA 11 production hall, EROWA reaffirms its strong commitment to Switzerland as a production location.

Today and tomorrow.

Empowering your production

Today, EROWA stands as an integrated automation partner for the highest quality, precision and process intelligence - developed, manufactured and tested in Switzerland.
Our systems combine standardization and individuality to create manufacturing solutions that increase efficiency and profitability worldwide.

What began as a vision in 1970 is now a reality in thousands of production facilities:

Empowering your production - yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Our ambition:

innovation, precision, and responsibility.

EROWA stands for high-quality solutions in metal cutting manufacturing—developed to meet the highest standards of precision, productivity, and process reliability. Driven by our own applications, we continuously advance innovation and create flexible, integrated solutions for industry.

Our strength lies in combining quality awareness, entrepreneurial thinking, and strong partnerships. We act with responsibility, communicate openly, and collaborate closely with customers, partners, and suppliers worldwide.

For us, sustainability is not a trend but a responsibility: we develop durable, low-maintenance products and use resources carefully. This creates the foundation for long-term investments and stable partnerships.

Customer benefit is always at the center. With a global network and close market proximity, we enable efficient, transparent, and future-proof production processes.