Company Portrait

Magnetfabrik Bonn is a medium-sized family-run company founded 90 years ago. From the very beginning, we have been a pioneer in the field of permanent magnet production– a role which we continue to fulfill today.

It is on this unique development and production experience as well as the expertise gained from thousands of real-life cases that we draw on to offer our customers reliable, tailor-made, economic solutions.

Our operations focus on application-related consultancy and the development and manufacture of high-quality products and systems, specifically in the field of polymer-bonded permanent magnets. We rely on research and development, the special skills of our employees, intensive dialogue with our customers and highly automated production at our company site in Bonn.

Management

We are a team of almost 150 highly motivated specialists who offer you a comprehensive range of services.

Discover the variety of our magnetic materials!

History

We have been your expert for magnets for over 90 years.

  • 2019

  • Additional equipment for test centre

    The test centre will be equipped with an additional larger 3D tactile measuring machine

  • 2018

  • Certification of our quality management system

    IATF16949: 2016 Certification of our quality management system according to the new IATF standard

  • Inauguration / move into the new central test centre

    In order to improve the flow of materials and create additional production areas, we have moved our material processing into a newly constructed hall.

  • 2017

  • 85th anniversary

    The 85th anniversary is celebrated in an internal ceremony

  • Restructuring of the management structure and the organizational structure

    Restructuring of the management structure and the organizational structure .

  • 2016

  • Relocation of the material preparation

    Relocation of material preparation to a newly built hall to improve the material flow and create additional production space

  • 2013

  • Construction and occupation of the pilot plant

    Construction and occupation of the pilot plant with own production and testing equipment

  • 2012

  • 80th anniversary

    Magnetfabrik Bonn celebrates 80 year of operation.

  • 2010

  • Death of Georg Grönefeld passes away

    Georg Grönefeld passes away, until his last position as senior director he was a consultant in the company

  • 2009

  • Completion of the extension building for production and toolmaking

    An extension building for production and toolmaking is completed and is occupied

  • 2007

  • 75th anniversary

    Magnetfabrik Bonn celebrates 75 years of operation.

  • 2006

  • ISO 14001:2004

    Certification of our environment management system in accordance with ISO 14001:2004.

  • 2003

  • ISO/TS 16949: 2002

    Certification of our quality management system in accordance with ISO/TS 16949: 2002.

  • 2000

  • QS 9000 & VDA 6.1

    Certification of our quality management system in accordance with QS 9000 and VDA 6.1.

  • 1997

  • DIN ISO 9001

    Certification of our quality management system in accordance with DIN ISO 9001.

  • 1995

  • Completion of the conversion of quality management

    Completion of the conversion of the quality management from the customer-oriented organization according to Q101 to ISO9001

  • 1990

  • Entry of Dr. Martin Grönefeld

    After obtaining a doctorate in natural sciences, Dr. Martin Grönefeld became actively involved in the company.

  • 1986

  • Production of rare earth magnets

    Start of production of rare earth magnets.

  • 1978

  • Measuring device flying to Venus

    Magnetfabrik Bonn supplied a magnet system for a measurement system developed by Professor von Zahn which traveled to Venus with the NASA probe Pioneer Venus 2 and was successfully used to measure the composition of the atmosphere.

  • 1962

  • Start of injection molding production.

  • 1957

  • Production of ceramic hard ferrites

    Start of production of ceramic hard ferrites.

  • 1952

  • Death of the founder

    Death of the founder Gerhard Grönefeld. His 23-year-old son Georg Grönefeld took over the management of the business.

  • 1948

  • Production of AlNiCo magnets

    Setup of a sintering and casting unit. Start of production of AlNiCo magnets.

  • 1947

  • Production resumption

    Resumption of the production of permanent magnets.

  • 1945

  • Termination of production

    Magnet production discontinued due to the lack of raw materials and power. To ensure its economic survival, the company produced household electrical products.
  • 1932

  • Foundation

    Gerhard Grönefeld founded Magnetfabrik Bonn.
The path is the purpose

Strategy of the
Magnetfactory Bonn

To ensure the long-term survival of the Bonn production site in a competitive international environment, we pursue a clear strategy based on two fundamental principles.

Strategy of the Magnetfactory Bonn

1. Concentration

Our development activities actively target tomorrow’s needs. Our focus lies in the production of polymer-bonded permanent magnets and magnet systems. However, we are also able to supply standard magnets at a competitive price.

Strategy of the Magnetfactory Bonn

2. Further development

Magnetfabrik Bonn knows that learning is everything. The aim is always to improve. In our consulting, in the development and production of more competitive products, in the technical support we provide to our customers, in terms of quality and environmental protection.

Magnetfabrik Bonn has therefore developed strategies for all relevant corporate sectors in order to secure this aim and strengthen the company’s core skills. This approach is based on reliable, certified technical and organizational processes. Regular customer satisfaction surveys are conducted and confirm the success of this global strategy.

Markets
Our focal points

Modern life would hardly be possible without magnets. Although usually invisible, they control, regulate and activate important functions in industry, appliances and engines.

Our comprehensive range of services and products forms the crucial basis which enables us to operate successfully in a wide variety of markets. Our focal points:

Automotive

It is precisely in the automotive industry, a sector where magnets are used for an enormous variety of applications, that the employed components need to demonstrate absolute precision, reliable operation and a long service life. As a specialist in the production of polymer-bonded permanent magnets and with our specialist knowledge of sensor technology, we have become established as one of the leading international suppliers.

Typical applications for the use of sensors in automobile construction are:
Steer-by-wire,ABS systems, Window cranks, Sliding roofs, Brake-by-wire, Seat adjustment, Engine speed counters, Position recognition, Shift-by-wire,Locking systems, Beam adjustment, Rear hatch control, Gas-by-wire, Throttle valve, Steering wheel locking, Angle sensors


Machine and motor construction

Nowadays, machine and motor construction would not be possible without magnets. Typical uses for our magnets in this sector are position recognition, distance measurement, engine speed detection, angle measurement and drive technology.


Domestic electrical equipment

Household appliances also make use of products from Magnetfabrik Bonn. Magnets perform control and regulation tasks in washing machines, dishwashers, blenders, drills etc.

Customers

A wealth of experience, comprehensive expertise, outstanding products, versatility and guaranteed deliveries – that is the mix of qualities that our customers know and love. Leading manufacturers and suppliers put their trust in our solutions. With some of our customers we have, for years, been pursuing strategic alliances to ensure our mutual competitive edge.

Here is a selection of our satisfied customers.