We deliver. Planning certainty for challenging times. Our statement.

WE COME FROM MACHINING.
FROM THE RUHR REGION.
FROM DORTMUND.

That’s why we’re deeply rooted: in working with heavy machinery.

In our hands-on mentality. And in this location.

MURTFELDT is a family business — now in its 4th generation at our original headquarters.

70 Years of MURTFELDT. 70 Years in Dortmund.

1954

Founding 

In 1954, Germany wins the FIFA World Cup for the first time — and Fritz Murtfeldt founds a trading company with the purpose of distributing industrial goods of all kinds for the mining and heavy industry sectors. At the time, the only plastic-like material used in mechanical engineering was a type of synthetic resin moulded wood, used in very specific areas where this material would later become the standard. 

The business was developed under what would now be considered very modest conditions — but full of energy and entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, product deliveries in Dortmund were made by bicycle.

1958

Launch of Original "S"® green®

In 1958, the success story of a unique ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene begins: Original material "S"®. This green polymer stands out for its excellent wear resistance and outstanding acid resistance — the very properties that inspired its name. Thanks to its high chemical resistance, the first applications were developed primarily for the steel industry. Soon after, MURTFELDT began using Original "S"® in mechanical engineering due to its exceptional abrasion resistance and superior sliding properties.

Explore Our Materials

1963

Start of In-House Production

In 1963, MURTFELDT began building its own production — starting with a circular saw. The first manufacturing operations took place in a converted bakery on Moltkestraße, located in Dortmund’s eastern city center.

The company quickly evolved from a pure trading business into a processing company. By the end of the 1960s, MURTFELDT had completely phased out the trading of other industrial goods.

1967

Introduction of Chain Guide Rails

MURTFELDT begins developing what would become the world-renowned chain guide rails. Until then, roller chains were guided over oil-coated steel rails — noisy and prone to wear.

With the introduction of plastic guide rails made from the highly suitable Original "S"®, a new standard was set: quieter, cleaner, and far more wear-resistant. Since then, chains have glided smoothly and efficiently.

1969

Relocation to Dortmund-Barop

In 1969, MURTFELDT purchased a facility in Dortmund-Barop, which became the new home for production, sales, and administration. This move was intended to provide sufficient space for years to come — but after just three years of successful growth, the site had already reached its limits.

1973

Headquarters built on current site

MURTFELDT acquires a new site in Dortmund-Brackel. The first construction phase on this property is completed in 1973. Finally, the company has the space it needs to adapt its production and warehousing to the steady growth of its business. Additional construction phases would follow. Today, MURTFELDT is recognized as a specialist in materials with outstanding sliding properties and high wear resistance.

1989

In 1989, MURTFELDT acquires the Dutch company Mata Kunststoffen, with whom it had already been cooperating since the 1960s. Mata quickly becomes a key supplier of technical materials for the Dutch mechanical engineering industry.

1992

In 1992, MURTFELDT launches Plasty in the Czech Republic as a trading partner and point of contact for the Eastern European market. As demand grows, the site soon expands to include its own production facilities.

1993

With the founding of the MURTFELDT Italia site in Varese, MURTFELDT responds to the strong position of Italian mechanical engineering. To remain competitive and fast, a large warehouse and local material processing facility are established.

1994

Certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001

As early as 1994, MURTFELDT was certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001, thus underlining its strong commitment to quality from the very beginning. As one of the first companies, the plastics specialist from Dortmund also received the environmental audit according to DIN EN ISO 14001.

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1999

New Building for Mata Kunststoffe

MURTFELDT responds to the positive business development of Mata Kunststoffe with a new building. The facility includes 2,400 square meters of production and storage space as well as 400 square meters of office space. A large warehouse and a comprehensive range of machinery ensure short delivery times and support personalized consulting – a core service feature of Mata Kunststoffe.

2004

MURTFELDT Turns 50

50 years of MURTFELDT: The anniversary is celebrated with employees, year-long prize campaigns, and a 32-page commemorative brochure documenting MURTFELDT’s success story over its first half-century.

2008

New Building for Murtfeldt Plasty

The new building offers 1,800 square meters of production space and an additional 700 square meters for administration. Here, custom parts are milled, sawed, planed, drilled, and turned, as well as machined on CNC-controlled equipment. Standard products and the semi-finished goods needed for further processing are sourced from the parent company in Dortmund.

2013

The Dortmund Site Expands

The expansion of the Dortmund headquarters has been steadily progressing for decades. Starting with a single production hall in 1973, MURTFELDT had a total production area of 17,000 square meters by 2013. Office spaces are also continuously adapted to meet demand.

In addition, the administrative building is being completely renovated by March 2014. Thanks to a new building in the administrative area and a generous expansion of the reception and meeting areas—including façade redesign—MURTFELDT presents itself in a completely new look.

The redesign of the storage area and the construction of a new cafeteria complete the extensive construction work.

2014

<h3 style="text-align: center; color: #ffffff;">Acquisition of Chocolate Factory</h3>

Acquisition of Chocolate Factory

Acquisition of Chocolate Factory

MURTFELDT acquires the neighboring premises of the former Van Netten chocolate factory, including its buildings. This presents an excellent opportunity to further develop and expand the Dortmund-Brackel site. Around 30,000 square meters of the 80,000 square meter Van Netten property are dedicated to production space.

<h3 style="text-align: center; color: #ffffff;">State-of-the-Art Headquarters</h3>

State-of-the-Art Headquarters

State-of-the-Art Headquarters

MURTFELDT completes the extensive new construction and renovation of its Dortmund headquarters, creating ample space and state-of-the-art workplaces for administration as well as future employees. As part of this development, the high-bay warehouse is largely converted into a fully automated flat storage system.

<h3 style="text-align: center; color: #ffffff;">60th Anniversary</h3>

60th Anniversary

60th Anniversary

On the occasion of its 60th anniversary and the completion of the new construction and modernization phase, MURTFELDT invites all employees and their families to a grand summer festival. With guided tours, live bands, and large-scale catering, MURTFELDT celebrates the beginning of a new era.

2019

New subsidiary: carbovation

With the acquisition of lightweight construction specialist carbovation, MURTFELDT expands its portfolio to include lightweight design and fiber-reinforced composites. The company based in Friedrichshafen processes carbon and glass fibers and produces high-quality, technically sophisticated fiber composite products at Lake Constance.

Learn more about Fibre Composites

2020

Acquisition of 3D printing start-up

With the acquisition of the start-up, MURTFELDT expands its traditional industrial expertise with the wide-ranging possibilities of industrial 3D printing. Under the name Murtfeldt Additive Solutions, the subsidiary advises, develops, and supports industrial clients in prototyping, custom manufacturing, series production, and fully assembled components.

Learn more about 3D Printing

2021

CrossLink Strengthens Lightweight Expertise

Since September 21, 2021, CrossLink has been part of MURTFELDT. Together with carbovation, the two companies from Cadolzburg and Friedrichshafen form a perfect team under the name Murtfeldt Composites, specializing in fiber-reinforced lightweight construction. Customers now benefit even more from a broad range of development expertise and manufacturing technologies.

Learn more about the Locations

2025

MURTFELDT grows together

The Murtfeldt Group becomes MURTFELDT. Under one strong brand name, we are combining all our expertise and activities, thereby creating entirely new opportunities for the mechanical engineering of the future.

Learn more