We are WITTE - for more than 125 years

At WITTE Automotive, we shape the future of mobility with innovative locking and operating systems. Our passion for precision and technology is reflected in customized solutions that perfectly combine functionality, safety, and comfort. Together with our customers, we turn visionary ideas into reality, creating value that moves – reliably, globally, and always one step ahead.

 

  • Innovative since 1899

  • Now with 17 locations worldwide

  • Family-owned company with more than 5,100 employees

  • Approximately 850 million euros in revenue in 2024

Innovative

Today, we create the products for the vehicles of tomorrow

Our products

Worldwide

You’ll find us wherever you need us

Our Locations

Competent

One of our greatest strengths is our experienced team of engineers and technicians with many years of expertise. The result of their engineering work is highly sophisticated products that uniquely combine mechanics, electrical systems, and electronics.

Our competencies

Perfectly Connected

Always the right partners by our side: We maintain strong connections with research and development organizations, benefiting everyone in the end – including our customers

Our network

A business partner recently told me that WITTE Automotive, alongside all its technical expertise, acts remarkably human and constructive – both internally and externally. That made me very happy.

Rainer Gölz
CEO of WITTE Automotive and great-grandson of the company founder

Milestones in our company's history: 1899 to 2016...

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1899: The Beginning of a Vision

Ewald Witte founded the company in Velbert, laying the foundation for our success story. Specializing in suitcase locks, our journey began—a journey that continues to be defined by precision and innovation to this day.

1935: Entering the Automotive World

WITTE Automotive supplied door handles to the automotive industry for the first time, including for the legendary VW Beetle. This milestone marked the beginning of our close connection to the mobility sector.

1950s: From Craftsmanship to Industry

With the establishment of our own die-casting department, we significantly expanded our product portfolio. Our expertise in the automotive sector grew, laying the foundation for our specialization in locking and latching systems.

1992: Internationalization through WITTE Nejdek (CZ)

The establishment of our location in Nejdek, Czech Republic, opened the door to international markets. This expansion strengthened our position as a globally operating company.

1993–2006: Global Presence through Strategic Partnerships

WITTE Automotive established its global presence in 1993 through an agreement with a company in Taiwan. This foundation was expanded with the formation of the strategic VAST alliance, created with the American companies STRATTEC (in 2000) and ADAC Automotive (from 2006). This alliance later became known as the VAST Automotive Group.

2002: VAST in China

VAST began production in China and, in 2011, opened its own facility in Taicang (pictured). In 2020, VAST China launched another facility in Jingzhou.

2008: Expanded Product Portfolio

In 2008, we significantly expanded our product portfolio with the acquisition of FINGSCHEIDT Automotive in Velbert and Wülfrath, as well as the Power Products division from Delphi. Prior to this, WITTE had already grown through earlier acquisitions and majority stakes in Riewer Kunststoff GmbH (RIKU) in Bitburg (1995), KROSTA Metalltechnik GmbH (1996), and PRINZ WITTE GmbH in Stromberg (1999), forming a corporate group with a diverse range of competencies and technologies.

2008/2014: Growth in Bulgaria

Following the establishment of WITTE Automotive Bulgaria in 2008, we initially began production in rented facilities. By 2014, we had launched our own plant in Ruse, Bulgaria, increasing our manufacturing capacity in Europe and strengthening our market position.

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... and from 2016 to today

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2016: New Locations in the Czech Republic and Sweden

The establishment of WITTE Automotive Sweden and the start of production at our first integrated outer door handle plant in Ostrov, Czech Republic, highlight our commitment to innovation and continued growth.

2018: Step into the Digital Future

With the founding of WITTE Digital, we advanced the development of modern key and data management systems. At the same time, acquiring shares in the Czech electronics developer IMA strengthened our expertise in the field of electronics.

2019: Doubled Capacities in Bulgaria

With the expansion of our facility in Ruse, we significantly increased our production capacity, ensuring our long-term competitiveness.

WITTE Automotive Bulgaria building

2020: WITOL Goes Global

With the establishment of WITOL Automotive USA and a new location in Kunshan, China, we continued our expansion and introduced our innovative tolerance compensation system, WITOL, to the global market.

2021: Expanded Electronics Expertise

The full acquisition of the electronics developer IMA enabled us to further strengthen our expertise in electronics and develop forward-looking solutions for our customers.

2023: Acquisition of the VAST Automotive Group

On June 30, 2023, we expanded our global presence in the world’s largest automotive markets—China, India, and Japan—through the acquisition of the VAST Automotive Group. ADAC took over VAST's operations in Brazil, and STRATTEC assumed control of operations in South Korea. We continue to collaborate with our North American partners, enabling us to meet the global needs of our customers wherever they need us.

2024: Expansion of Production Facilities in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria

With the full acquisition of the Bulgarian plastic injection molding specialist Forez Bulgaria, the WITTE Group welcomed another member. Additionally, we began expanding our plants in Ruse, Bulgaria, and Ostrov, Czech Republic. The start of operations is planned for 2025.

Today: Shaping the Future, Revolutionizing Mobility

WITTE Automotive is a technology leader in the field of mechatronic locking systems. Together with our customers, we develop groundbreaking solutions for the vehicles of tomorrow—innovative, reliable, and sustainable. For more than 125 years.

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