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history

From the mechanical workshop in Weinsberg to highly automated production plants: The milestones of LÄPPLE Automotive.

More than a century of company history - that's more than just a number. It is over 100 years full of ideas, challenges, successes and changes. During this time, the LÄPPLE Group has reinvented itself time and again,

without losing its roots. Our history is a story of technical passion, entrepreneurial courage and a shared desire to shape the future. Discover what has moved - and driven - us since 1919.

LÄPPLE Time travel

Founded on precision – developed alongside the automotive industry

The history of LÄPPLE Automotive begins where the roots of the entire group of companies lie: in 1919, when August Läpple founded a small mechanical workshop with a metalworking shop in Weinsberg.

Early on, the first connections to the automotive industry were established: LÄPPLE won orders in this rapidly developing industry and demonstrated its expertise in sheet metal processing and component manufacturing right from the start. This early commitment laid the foundation for what would later become LÄPPLE Automotive: a highly specialized partner to the automotive industry.

With growing expertise, continuous technological development, and a clear understanding of market requirements, LÄPPLE Automotive developed into a leading Tier 1 supplier. Over the decades, LÄPPLE Automotive has repeatedly and successfully adapted to new technological requirements, market conditions, and customer needs – and remains a strong, flexible partner for the mobility of tomorrow.

Closely linked to the automotive industry since its inception – and still on track today.

Our milestones

2024

Expansion in North America

In September 2024, LÄPPLE Automotive opens a new site in Detroit, triggered by a major spare parts order from an American electric vehicle manufacturer. This revitalized the traditional Mount Elliott plant - a symbolic step in the LÄPPLE Group's international growth strategy.

2023

Entry into prototype production

LÄPPLE Automotive receives its first order in the area of start-up and prototype production. The special expertise in dealing with the production of complex components is transferred from classic production to the challenges of the early vehicle development phase - an important step towards diversifying the product portfolio.

2022
Rohbauanlage in Aktion
Rohbauanlage im LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE Werk in Heilbronn in Aktion

Start of the largest module project

LÄPPLE Automotive begins series production of the largest module project in the company's history at its Heilbronn site. The rear floor for seven derivatives of a well-known OEM is manufactured on a production area of 5,200 m². In the highly automated production line, 101 robots work at a cycle time of 68 seconds - with a daily capacity of up to 1,000 units.

2019

Foundation of LÄPPLE Taicang

The establishment of LÄPPLE Taicang bundles the efforts of all companies in China. The operational business and production can now take place close to the customer. The sales activities of FIBRO and FLT remain separate.

2017

Investment in infrastructure

For the largest order in the company's history, the company is building a hall measuring over 5,000 m², in which vehicle parts will be produced in seven different lines and cells with almost 60 robots from 2018.

2015

Expansion at the Heilbronn plant

A new 2,500-ton transfer press with servo direct technology is built at the Heilbronn site. The press expands the portfolio into the XL press range and enables the production of complex structural parts made of steel and aluminum.

2015

Construction of Unizelle 6

In order to remain competitive in the aftermarket sector, Unizelle 6 was built at the Teublitz site.

2013

Foundation of LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE GmbH

LÄPPLE Blechverarbeitung GmbH is renamed LÄPPLE AUTOMOTIVE GmbH.

2011

Expansion at the Heilbronn plant

Due to the increasing order situation, a new shell construction area with over 3,500 m² is created at the Heilbronn plant.

2007

New coil line in Teublitz

The plant at the Teublitz site was expanded and investments were made in a new coil line.

2004

Expansion at the Heilbronn site

A new L-segment tandem line was put into operation in a newly built hall at the Heilbronn site.

2000

Foundation of LÄPPLE AG

At the end of 2000, the Läpple family retires from operational management. The company is renamed a public limited company. The family still holds 100% of the shares today.

1990

Creation of a new plant in Teublitz

Three years after the closure of the Maxhütte-Haidhof ironworks, LÄPPLE takes over the 400,000 m² site for the sheet metal processing division. After conversion and renovation, production starts in the new plant in May 1991.

1968

Company founder August Läpple dies

Company founder August Läpple dies at the age of 83 on November 6, 1968.

1958

LÄPPLE is the largest independent tool manufacturer in Germany

The company grows rapidly in the 1950s and employs over 1,300 people, producing large tools for car body construction, the motorcycle, helmet and refrigerator industries as well as a wide range of small tools.

1950

Relocation to the new Heilbronn plant

In order to meet the increasing demand for space in the long term, LÄPPLE moves completely to Heilbronn in 1950. A new plant is built on a site on Austraße, where the headquarters of LÄPPLE AG are still located today.

1948

Läpple becomes Porsche's first supplier

With the liberalization of the automotive industry after the currency reform in 1948, the number of orders increases sharply. The company becomes the first supplier to the Stuttgart car manufacturer Porsche, for whom it still produces today.

1948

Takeover by the second generation

August Läpple steps down from operational management. His sons Erich and Helmut Läpple and son-in-law Ernst Fleischmann subsequently take over the management of the company.

1928

First major orders in the automotive industry

As a result of the expansion of the production spectrum, the company enters into toolmaking for various industries and records its first major orders from the automotive industry in 1928.

1919

Foundation of a craft business

On April 1, 1919, August Läpple (1885-1968) founded a small mechanical workshop with a metalworking shop in Weinsberg. There he initially repairs bicycles and agricultural machinery and manufactures cutter bars for mowing machines.