On the move since 1856.
And we're still a long way from our goal.
For us, more than 170 years of company history does not mean doing the same thing for 170 years.
Quite the opposite.
Our history is shaped by change—by new markets, new technologies, and ever-changing challenges.
What began as a small craft business evolved into a machine manufacturer. Regional manufacturing gave way to international plant engineering. Some business areas were added; others disappeared.
What has remained is our commitment to continuous development.
Since 1856. In Varel.
1856.
It all starts with a yellow foundry.
Our company’s history began in 1856 on Achternstraße in Varel.
There, Anton Heinen founded a brass foundry, laying the foundation for an industrial legacy that continues to this day, more than 170 years later.
What began as a small artisanal workshop continued to evolve in response to the demands of the times.
Even back then, something emerged that continues to shape THEILEN to this day:
The ability to create technical solutions based on craftsmanship.
From the World of Crafts
will be mechanical engineering.
Industrialization is transforming production processes, markets, and requirements.
The company is also continuing to evolve.
Traditional metalworking is increasingly giving way to mechanical engineering. Machines and systems for peat processing become an important business segment.
Manufacturing capabilities expand. Technical expertise is gained. Machines become more complex.
Step by step, the original craft business evolves into an industrially oriented mechanical engineering company.
The products change.
The ability to adapt to new requirements remains.
New markets.
New machines.
The tobacco industry is becoming an important business segment.
With new industrial demands, another chapter in the company’s history begins.
Machines and systems for tobacco processing are developing into a significant business segment.
Over many years, extensive expertise in the development and manufacture of complex processing technology is built up. Machines from Varel are increasingly developed and manufactured for international customers.
This not only expands the company’s technological expertise.
It also raises the bar for engineering, manufacturing quality, and international project management.
Machinery from Varel is making its mark around the world.
2002.
A new chapter begins.
In 2002, the company was founded in its current form.
Building on the technical experience and knowledge that has been accumulated at this location over generations, THEILEN Maschinenbau’s recent history begins.
The coming years will once again be marked by change.
2007.
Take responsibility.
A decisive step followed in 2007.
As part of a management buyout, Heiko Theilen took over responsibility for the company and its future development.
It is more than just a change in ownership.
It is the decision to independently continue mechanical engineering and industrial value creation at the Varel site and to further develop it over the long term.
Investments were made in the years that followed. Manufacturing technologies will be modernized, expertise expanded, and the training of in-house skilled workers consistently continued.
THEILEN continues to evolve.
Tradition gives way to a new beginning.
New technologies.
New possibilities.
As our customers‘ requirements grow, so does our manufacturing capacity.
For decades, modern technologies have complemented traditional craftsmanship.
Sheet metal fabrication, steel construction, machining, surface treatment, electrical engineering, and assembly have evolved into a level of vertical integration that is now one of THEILEN’s key strengths.
It’s never just about owning machines.
What matters most are the people who know what can be achieved with them.
2019.
Expansion of drying technology.
With the acquisition of Binder Dehydration, THEILEN is expanding its technological expertise into another key area.
Many years of experience in industrial drying technology are combined with the engineering and manufacturing capabilities at the Varel site.
Belt dryers and complete processing lines thus become another integral part of our service portfolio.
Once again, a pattern emerges that has characterized our history since 1856:
Preserve existing knowledge. Build new expertise. And use it to create something new.
2026.
Responsibility for the next stage.
170 years after the company’s founding in Varel, a new chapter in its history is beginning.
As part of the company’s ongoing development, Mareike Hagen and Matthias Lefeber will assume leadership roles at THEILEN in 2026.
This will place the company’s leadership on a broader footing while simultaneously paving the way for THEILEN’s long-term growth.
The combination of experience and new perspectives is intended to guide the company into the next phase of its development.
The commitment remains the same—the one that has defined THEILEN for generations:
- Take responsibility.
- Shape change.
- And build an industrial future in Varel.
Today.
Still on the move.
A yellow castings foundry on Achternstraße in Varel has evolved into a modern machine and plant manufacturer.
Technologies have changed.
Markets have changed.
People have changed.
And the machines that leave our facilities today have almost nothing in common with the products from 1856.
But one thing connects the generations:
the determination to turn technical challenges into solutions.
Today, we develop and manufacture components, web dryers, processing technology, and custom systems for customers across a wide range of industries.
And at the same time, we’re already working on the technologies, machines, and business areas of tomorrow.
Because we do not view our history as a closed chapter.
Our story continues to be written every day.
By the people who work at THEILEN today.
By our customers, who present us with new challenges.
And by the ideas that give rise to the machines of tomorrow.
In motion since 1856.
And far from reaching our destination.