| 1977 | ELGO Electric GmbH was founded by Helmut Grimm and Erwin Ott in Rielasingen as a two‑man engineering office. The early years were characterized by innovations for general measurement technology tasks, such as the detection of temperature, time, speed, distance, and angle. Mainly individual devices or small series were developed and produced. |
| 1982 | The first electronic counter with LED display, capable of counting forwards and backwards, featuring an auto‑reset function and an integrated power supply, is presented at the Hannover Fair in 1982. |
1985 | The microprocessor revolutionizes hardware. With small, compact positioning controllers developed specifically for manufacturers of wood‑ and sheet‑metal processing machines, ELGO succeeds in gaining international recognition. The 85P series – a small, easy‑to‑use single‑axis positioning controller – is presented at the Hannover Fair and conquers the global market. It becomes the foundation for the automation of stops on saws, milling machines, drilling machines, and many other types of equipment. |
| 1992 | The first magnetic‑tape measuring system developed in‑house is entering series production. Designed for incremental linear measurements of up to 100 meters, featuring the smallest evaluation electronics and an accuracy of 0.1 mm. At this point in time, the MIX series is a world first in terms of design, size, and price. |
1997 | The first battery‑powered, magnetic linear measurement and display system is entering the market. This completely self‑sufficient system is ideal for use on moving carriages and stop systems and can operate continuously for up to 12 months. |
1998 | Founding of ELGO Batscale AG in Balzers, Liechtenstein. Initially, Batscale AG is responsible for the production of battery‑powered position displays. |
1999 | First absolute length‑measuring system based on a 3‑track vernier principle with measuring lengths for up to 650 mm. At that time, the FMAX series represents a true innovation in both design and execution. |
2001 | Further development of absolute measurement technology. The EMAX series enables absolute distance measurements of up to 10 meters using a pioneering dual‑track pseudo‑random encoding. |
2002 | Founding of the Japanese subsidiary in Aobaku, Yokohama. |
2004 | Magnetic‑tape‑based shaft information systems conquer the elevator market: In 2004, the first magnetic‑tape‑based positioning system for elevator applications is delivered — absolute measuring, suitable for measuring lengths up to 600 meters, and certified to SIL2. A revolutionary milestone for position detection and safety in elevator systems worldwide. |
2008 | Founding of subsidiaries in the USA and China. |
2011 | At the Interlift trade fair, LIMAX33 Safe is introduced to the broader market. This safe shaft information system fully meets the requirements for car position measurement and the associated switching and control functions, thereby replacing various switches and monitoring systems. |
2012 | Introduction of the guided length‑measuring system GSI, a high‑resolution alternative to the glass scale. |
2013 | The high‑resolution magnetic absolute measuring systems EMAX‑HI and EMAX‑RO for length and angle measurement complete the sensor portfolio. |
2015 | Market launch of LIMAX33 CP at Interlift: Safe, absolute position detection and all safety‑relevant switching and control functions combined in a single housing. The first SIL3‑certified sensor that enables direct and safe activation of electrically triggered safety brakes — setting a new benchmark for elevator safety worldwide. |
2017 | Expansion of the Rielasingen site: We are gaining 2,200 m² of additional production and storage space. |
2017 | Introduction of NMAX, an absolute measuring system with 10/20 m measuring length for 10 mm wide magnetic tapes. |
2018 | P52 – the first application‑specific ELGO positioning controller featuring a LINUX operating system and a 7" or 10.1" touch LCD. |
2019 | High‑resolution absolute magnetic ring measuring system with 19‑bit resolution based on the vernier (Nonius) principle. |
2020 | LIMAX44 RED, an unguided, functionally safe sensor for measuring lengths of up to 768 m, designed for mounting the magnetic tape directly onto the rail. |
2021 | PLMIX – the first compact incremental sensor with an integrated CANopen interface. |
2022 | launch of magnetic encoder systems for automation tasks EMAX with IO‑Link interface, |
