Hans Beckhoff, founder and Managing Director of Beckhoff Automation, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for Family Businesses, recognizing his entrepreneurial accomplishments. Since founding Beckhoff Automation in 1980, Beckhoff, now 70, has continually driven innovation in automation across sectors like machine control, building systems, and energy supply.
The prestigious honor was presented on January 29, 2025, during a ceremony in Munich attended by over 170 family entrepreneurs. The event was organized by Handelsblatt, KPMG, and the Stiftung Familienunternehmen (Foundation for Family Business).
Hans Beckhoff’s consistent focus on innovation over the past 45 years has positioned Beckhoff Automation as a leader in technology. His company has been instrumental in shaping the digital transformation, and Beckhoff himself has been a proactive force rather than merely reacting to industry shifts.
A key focus of his work has been addressing global challenges such as climate change, where advanced automation technology plays a critical role in improving sustainability and enhancing energy and resource efficiency. Beckhoff’s mantra, “Engineers must save the world!”, reflects his commitment to these goals.
Beckhoff’s legacy is reflected in his company’s technical breakthroughs, which have set global standards in automation. One of the most notable innovations is the introduction of PC-based control technology in 1986, which merged IT and automation for industrial applications, revolutionizing industries like packaging, semiconductor, and automotive.
Beckhoff further innovated with the introduction of the bus terminal in 1995, enabling modular and customized control systems. The company also launched the EtherCAT communication system in 2003, which has since become a global standard in high-performance automation, with over 8,000 companies now supporting it.
Today, Beckhoff Automation’s comprehensive portfolio continues to offer end-to-end solutions for control tasks, integrating TwinCAT software, industrial PCs, EtherCAT, modular I/O, flexible drive technology, and machine vision, among other innovations. Despite these technological advancements, Beckhoff’s core system philosophy remains steadfast.
As the company celebrates its 45th anniversary, Hans Beckhoff’s vision for innovation and family leadership continues, with his children, Frederike and Johannes Beckhoff, now playing key roles in the company’s operations. Beckhoff Automation remains a proud family business, with a forward-looking approach to the future.
