Tellen Maschinenbau. Engineering Progress Since 1982.
From a one-man workshop to an international engineering company
What began in 1982 as a small engineering workshop with ambitious ideas has evolved into an internationally active mechanical engineering and automation company.
From the very beginning, growth was driven by technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to developing innovative solutions for customers. Over the decades, Tellen Maschinenbau expanded its production facilities, invested continuously in new technologies, and built a highly skilled team of engineers, technicians, and specialists.
By training its own young talent, the company invested in the future from an early stage. And best of all: the next generation was right at the heart of things from the very start – as if they had never intended to do anything else.
1982–1989 |
Foundation and First Milestones
Organisation
In 1982, mechanical engineer Bernhard Tellen founded the company as a sole proprietorship in Kalkriese – with the support of his wife, Hildegard Tellen. Shortly thereafter, the company relocated to Alfhausen-Thiene.
The first employees joined the company in 1986, marking the beginning of continuous growth.
In 1989, Tellen moved into its first company-owned facility, including a production hall and office building. By then, the team had grown to nine employees.
Product & Technology
In 1986, Tellen developed its first CNC punching machine for thr production of shelf boards and a prototype system for side-gusset formation in plastic film production.
In 1989, cooperation with Windmöller & Hölscher began, laying the foundation for future serial machine manufacturing projects.
1990–1999 |
Growth and International Expansion
Organisation
Throughout the 1990s, the company invested heavily in training and workforce development. Additional production capacity was added with a second production hall in 1991 and a third hall with expanded office space in 1998, for which a nature conservation award for the design of the company premises was received.
Growing demand from international customers increasingly shaped the company’s development.
Products & Technology
Export activities began in the Netherlands, Brazil, and other international markets.
Machine systems became increasingly sophisticated, with a clear focus on complete turnkey solutions for industrial manufacturing.
2000–2009 |
Structuring and Expansion
Organisation
In 2003, the company was incorporated as Tellen Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG.
Production and office facilities were expanded further between 2006 and 2007.
With around 50 employees, Tellen established itself as a strong and reliable medium-sized engineering company.
The next generation joined the business: Lisa Kenning in 2008 and Johannes Tellen in 2009.
Product & Technology
International business continued to grow, with exports reaching approximately 50% of total sales.
Following several years of development, Tellen delivered its first fully automated washing machine drum riveting system in 2006. The technology remains an industry benchmark and is used in manufacturing plants worldwide today.
2010–2015 |
Industrialisation and Capacity Expansion
Organisation
Infrastructure investments supported continued growth, including the expansion of employee facilities (2010) and an increase of production and assembly space to 4,700 m² (2011).
In 2014, Lisa Kenning and Johannes Tellen were granted power of attorney. The company was also recognized as “Trainer of the Year.”
Product & Technology
In 2014, Tellen delivered a high-performance punching system capable of processing 7 mm steel sheets for truck trailers at exceptionally high production rates (600 holes in 5 minutes).
In 2015, the company invested in a 7-meter vertical milling machine to increase manufacturing depth and independence.
2016–2019 |
Automation and international projects
Organisation
By 2018, the workforce had grown to 85 employees, including 15 apprentices.
A Family & Friends Day attended by more than 700 guests highlighted the company’s strong regional roots.
Product & Technology
In 2016, Tellen entered the automation market for TRUMPF sheet metal processing machines.
A large-scale punching and bending line for sheets up to 9 meters in length was commissioned in 2017.
International projects for washing machine drum production followed in Spain and China in 2018.
2020–2022 |
Flexibility and Innovation
Organisation
In 2020, Tellen demonstrated exceptional flexibility by rapidly establishing a production line for FFP2 face masks during the pandemic.
Products & Technology
At the same time, international machine deliveries continued, particularly to China.
In 2021, Tellen was granted two patents related to the optimization of washing machine drum manufacturing processes.
2023–2025 |
High automation and generational change
Organisation
In 2024, production capacity was expanded by an additional 1,500 m², enabling new manufacturing concepts and significantly improving throughput times.
In 2025, the succession process was completed. Johannes Tellen assumed overall responsibility as owner and Managing Director, while Lisa Kenning and Aron Tellen were granted power of attorney.
Products & Technology
In 2023, Tellen delivered a fully automated punching and bending line for sheet lengths up to 4.5 meters with a cycle time of only 30 seconds.
In 2025, the company invested in a new 6-axis Nicolas Correa bed milling machine, further strengthening its technological capabilities.
2026 |
New product segments and a new brand identity
Organisation
In 2026, Tellen introduced a new corporate identity and a completely redesigned digital presence.
Produkt & Technologie
The company expanded its portfolio with two dedicated business segments:
Tellen.Automation – Automation systems for sheet metal processing
Tellen.Convert – Solutions for the converting and finishing of tubular films and films
