- 1934
The wire race bearing invented by Erich Franke for Zeiss in Jena is patented under the usual name at the time – “wire race ball bearing”.
- 1945
Erich Franke and his family are transferred from Jena to Heidenheim by the US Army as part of an organised “brain drain”.
- 1947
Erich Franke and his business partner Gerhard Heydrich obtain unrestricted use of the patents on the wire race bearing from Zeiss.
- 1948
The articles of association for Franke & Heydrich GmbH are entered into on 18th September. The company is entered in the commercial register on 7th April 1949.
- 1950
The company takes part in the Frankfurt Spring Fair for the first time.
- 1956
A general licence agreement with Hoesch Rothe Erde secures growth.
A production hall with an office and residential building is built in Aalen. - 1965
Erich Franke’s son Egon receives power of attorney on 7th March, his father dies unexpectedly in December.
The company now has 40 employees. - 1968
Wire race bearings for circular knitting machines become the first major series production business.
- 1970
The first linear guides with wire races made of spring steel are developed. This gives rise to a new line of business.
- 1973
A new cooperation agreement with Hoesch Rothe Erde Schmiedag AG (HRS) opens up new opportunities for Franke.
Construction of Plant 2 starts in July. - 1981
Egon Franke retires from the board of management. The shareholder Gerhard Groz succeeds him.
- 1982
Michael Helbig becomes second managing director. In addition, sales are being intensified by establishing new offices.
- 1984
The installation of the first IT system changes everyday working life.
- 1987
The decline of the European textile industry means that Franke has a difficult financial year.
- 1990
The ultra-quiet “Flüsterlager” bearing is launched, a neighbouring plot of land is acquired for Plant 2 and development is separated from construction.
- 1992
Franke develops the aluminium roller guide for linear systems and the “Flüsterlager” bearings for computer tomographs become a worldwide success.
- 1997
In the area of large bearings, Franke is increasingly developing from a one-off manufacturer into a series manufacturer.
- 1998
Franke supplies the 5,000th “Flüsterlager” bearing for computer tomographs (CT bearing).
- 2000
The childless couple Egon and Eva Franke establish the non-profit Erich Franke Foundation.
- 2007
Daniel Groz, the son of Gerhard Groz, and Sascha Eberhard become managing directors of Franke GmbH.
- 2011
Franke wire race bearings are used for the rotation of solar mirrors.
- 2012
The Franke Technicum for training and development is set up in a new hall at Plant 2 and starts a cooperation with Aalen University.
- 2017
Plant 5 is built and the matrix organisation is introduced.
The “Franke 2020” programme points the way to the future with measures and projects in the areas of investment, organisation, culture and digitalisation. - 2023
The company’s mission statement describes the vision of an agile technology company.
On 1st February, the ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of construction of the new Plant 6 at the traditional Aalen site. - 2024
Franke GmbH celebrates 75 years.
