THEILEN is a machine and plant manufacturer based in Varel. We develop, design, and manufacture custom machines, plants, and components for industrial applications—with a high degree of in-house production, experienced specialists, and a streamlined process from concept to finished machine.
We don’t see ourselves simply as a manufacturing company. We want to understand what our customers are trying to achieve. We think along with them, ask critical questions, refine designs, and find solutions that are technically and economically sound.
Because, for us, good machines aren’t created simply by following a drawing.
They are created where people take responsibility for a task.
A good machine isn’t created solely through design. Nor is it created solely through manufacturing.
It is created through the interplay of various areas of expertise.
At THEILEN, engineering, sheet metal fabrication, steel construction, machining, surface treatment, electrical engineering, and assembly work closely together. Many crucial production steps take place directly at our facility in Varel.
This enables short communication channels, quick decisions, and a high degree of technical flexibility—from individual components to complete systems.
For us, this is true vertical integration: not doing as much as possible ourselves, but being capable of doing as much as possible ourselves.
For us, this is more than just a statement of origin.
We believe in industrial value creation in Germany. In modern manufacturing technologies. In training. And above all, in people who know their craft.
In Varel, design engineers, technicians, machinists, welders, electronics technicians, assemblers, master craftsmen, and apprentices work together to develop solutions for customers in Germany and around the world.
In doing so, we combine modern manufacturing technology with something that cannot be automated:
Experience. Responsibility. Expertise.
That’s why we invest not only in machines and technologies, but also in the people who turn them into solutions.
We don’t want to just make machinery anywhere.
We want to do it here.
In Varel. With people who know their craft.
Today, we apply our experience in mechanical engineering across three business areas.
We manufacture complex individual parts, welded structures, and complete assemblies for the mechanical and plant engineering industries.
Laser cutting, press braking, welding, turning, milling, surface finishing, and assembly are all seamlessly integrated into our processes. This allows us not only to handle individual manufacturing steps but also to produce complete assemblies as a one-stop solution.
From the drawing to the ready-to-install assembly.
Drying processes are as varied as the products being processed.
That is why we develop belt dryers and process engineering systems tailored to our customers’ specific requirements. In doing so, we combine decades of expertise in industrial drying technology with our own engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
From a single belt dryer to a complete processing line.
Some tasks cannot be solved with a machine from a catalog.
That is exactly where custom plant engineering begins for us.
Together with our customers, we develop customized machines and systems—from the initial technical concept through design and manufacturing to assembly and commissioning.
In doing so, our customers benefit from the fact that engineering and manufacturing are closely integrated at THEILEN.
If the right machine doesn’t exist yet, we’ll develop it.
Behind every machine are people.
People who design. People who weld, mill, and assemble. People who solve problems for our customers. And people who take responsibility when things don’t go according to plan.
This collaboration defines THEILEN.
We believe in direct communication rather than bureaucratic red tape. In responsibility rather than just job titles. And in the belief that good ideas can emerge regardless of someone’s position within the company.
Many of our employees have been with us for years or even decades. At the same time, we train young people and pass on our knowledge to the next generation.
After all, machines can be bought.
Experience, teamwork, and a sense of belonging must grow.
Our roots date back to 1856.
Since then, markets, products, and technologies have changed time and again. THEILEN has changed as well.
This is precisely where one of our greatest strengths lies.
We preserve the knowledge and experience from our history—without resting on our laurels. We invest in new technologies, develop new products, and tap into new markets.
In 2026, responsibility for the company’s future development was also broadened: Mareike Hagen and Matthias Lefeber assumed additional responsibilities on THEILEN’s executive board.
Together, the management team embodies a blend of experience, continuity, and ongoing development—with a clear goal:
to further develop THEILEN as a high-performing, innovative, and independent German machine manufacturer.