Home Company Profile ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Company Profile

ZF Friedrichshafen AG Company Profile

Manjiri Kanhere Published 20 Mar 2025 Updated 20 Mar 2025

Company Profile

ZF Friedrichshafen AG Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area, and Its Competitors

Sr. No.

Item

Description

1

Company Name

ZF Friedrichshafen AG

2

Website

www.zf.com

3

Established Date

1953

4

Headquartered 

Germany, Europe

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Market Position/ History

ZF Friedrichshafen AG was established in 1953 as a manufacturer of switches and sensors. In 1996, the company started manufacturing of products used in automotive sector and established plant in Bayreuth. In 2008 the German company ZF acquired Cherry Corp. which was founded in 1953. Since then, the former Cherry switch & sensor components continue to thrive under the umbrella of ZF Group with HQ in Friedrichshafen. The product range has been systematically expanding beyond microswitches and now includes sensors and energy harvesting technology. In 2021, the company started its portfolio of Switches and sensors used for the automotive and industrial applications.

6

Sales Area

Worldwide

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Manufacturing Location

Brazil, Mexico, India, China, Germany

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No. of Employees

168,738

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Competitors

  • Rockwell Automation 
  • Emerson Electric Co. 
  • Panasonic Corporation
  • AMETEK. Inc.

10

CEO

Dr Holger Klein

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Ownership Type

Public

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Contact Information

88038 Friedrichshafen, Germany

Tel:  +49 9721 475 60

 

Business Segment/ Overview:

F Friedrichshafen AG is engaged in the manufacturing of switches and sensors, with a product range that has systematically expanded beyond microswitches to include sensors and energy-harvesting technology. The company has integrated management systems based on ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and TS 16949 standards, ensuring that quality and environmental standards are deeply ingrained in its operations.

ZF's comprehensive product range is primarily targeted at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers, and startup companies in the transportation and mobility sectors. The company plays a significant role in electrifying a wide range of vehicle types, contributing to reduced emissions, climate protection, and enhanced safe mobility.

In addition to serving the automotive sector, including passenger cars and commercial vehicles, ZF also caters to market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives, and test systems. In fiscal year 2023, ZF reported sales of EUR 46.6 billion and operates 162 production locations across 31 countries.

Sealed Switches Product Types Specification

Product

Product Description

Pushbutton KF Series

Sealed, snap-in mounted pushbutton switch tested to 100,000 cycle mechanical life

Features

  • IP65 Pushbutton switch
  • AC and DC electrical ratings
  • Single-pole and double-pole configurations
  • Lighted and non-lighted versions available
  • 20 Amps

Rocker KC Series

Sealed, snap-in mounted rocker switch tested to 100,000 cycle mechanical life

Features:

  • Enclosed switch complying to IP65
  • AC and DC electrical ratings
  • Lighted and non-lighted versions available
  • Maintained action and momentary options
  • 16 Amps

Rocker KD Series

Sealed, snap-in mounted rocker switch tested to 100,000 cycle mechanical life

Features:

  • IP65
  • AC and DC electrical ratings
  • Single-pole and double-pole configurations
  • Lighted and non-lighted versions available
  • Maintained action and momentary options
  • 16 Amps

Rocker KG Series

Sealed, snap-in mounted rocker switch tested to 100,000 cycle mechanical life

Features:

  • Enclosed switch complying to IP56
  • AC and DC electrical ratings
  • Single-pole and double-pole configurations
  • Maintained action and momentary options
  • 20 Amps

Rocker KM Series

Sealed, snap-in mounted rocker switch tested to 100,000 cycle mechanical life

Features:

  • Enclosed switch complying to IP56
  • AC and DC electrical ratings
  • Single-pole and double-pole configurations
  • Lighted and non-lighted versions available
  • Maintained action and momentary options
  • 20 Amps

Sub-sub miniature DJ

Sealed switch with very small dimensions complying with IP 6K7 and suitable for actuation angles of up to 40°

Features:

  • Easy installation thanks to connector pins or fastening slot
  • Smallest dimensions
  • Models available for up to 85 °C operating temperature
  • Nominal currents 5 mA to 2 A at 12 V DC
  • Mechanical operating life min. 500,000 operations

Applications:

  • Appliances
  • Automative

Business Strategy

ZF Friedrichshafen AG serves its customers across three key segments: passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology, catering to both original equipment and aftermarket needs. The company's strategic focus is on advancing technologies in electrification, vehicle motion control, automation, and digital networking, integrating these fields to create comprehensive solutions. This approach is part of ZF's "Next Generation Mobility" strategy, which aligns the company with sustainable technologies and growing markets. By continuously developing its offerings and fostering innovation across segments, ZF enhances its position in mobility systems for vehicles and industrial applications. The company prioritizes profitable products and technologies, divesting from less promising areas, and invests significantly in R&D to drive transformation and growth. Key resources include patents, manufacturing facilities, a skilled workforce, and strategic partnerships, all of which support ZF's commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The company expanded its product line through multiple acquisition and introduction of new technology to offer new offering across emerging locations, which leverages the presence of company. Digitalization offers several opportunities and focuses on transformation and on digitalization and networking of actuators and sensors necessary for software-defined vehicles and their chassis and drive systems.

 

 

 

Manjiri Kanhere
Manjiri Kanhere is an experienced market researcher focused on the Pharma & Healthcare industry. With over three years of experience, She has worked with major pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, help…

Profile Details

  • Published 20 Mar 2025
  • Last Updated 20 Mar 2025
  • Reading Time~5 minutes
  • CoverageSWOT, Financials, Key Employees, History

Table of Contents

    • 1.1 About ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    • 1.2 Key Facts
    • 1.3 Key Employees
      • 1.3.1 Key Employee Biographies
    • 1.4 History
    • 1.5 Locations & Subsidiaries
      • 1.5.1 Head Office
      • 1.5.2 Other Locations & Subsidiaries
    • 2.1 Company Overview
    • 2.2 Business Segments
    • 2.3 R&D Overview
    • 2.4 Brands
    • 2.5 Key Company Statistics
    • 2.6 Key Financials (2015–2019)
    • 2.7 Share Holder Analysis
    • 2.8 Regional Presence
    • 2.9 Services Offered
    • 3.1 Strengths
    • 3.2 Weaknesses
    • 3.3 Opportunities
    • 3.4 Threats
    • 3.5 Key Competitors
    • 4.1 Company Metrics
    • 4.2 Key Investors
    • 4.3 Recent Funding & Valuation
    • 4.4 Historical Funding & Valuation
    • 5.1 Acquisitions
    • 5.2 Partnerships
    • 6.1 Latest News & Announcements
    • 6.2 Strategic Initiatives
    • 7.1 Summary of Findings
    • 7.2 Strategic Recommendations

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