50 years of item – an idea that took the world by storm
The business started up by two ambitious engineers working on designs in an office in the German city of Solingen back in 1976 is now a leading global supplier of a versatile Building Kit System for industrial applications. What’s more, a whole host of different sectors use our solutions. For over 50 years, our mission has been to help design engineers from all over the world turn their creative ideas into reality.
In the world of engineering, we often come up against physical limits – but at item, we firmly believe that those limits can be pushed. Add Your Dimension: Enhance your projects with the dimension that makes them truly unique.
But how did an idea originating in Solingen, Germany, turn into a Building Kit System that now links design engineers, machine builders and mechanical engineers all over the world?
Screws instead of welds – an idea that gets mechanical engineering moving
For a long time, steel was the gold standard in special-purpose machine building. And yet steel has obvious disadvantages – it is heavy and difficult to machine, which slows everything down. There had to be a better way of building systems faster and more efficiently, but without compromising on strength and stability. Ultimately, in 1980, engineers Gerrit Pies and Wolfgang Rixen hit on an ingenious idea – aluminium instead of steel. And screws instead of welds.
In Solingen, the first drawings were then produced for something completely new and innovative – an aluminium profile designed for mechanical engineering applications. Profile 40x40 and its sister Profile 80x40 with 8 mm grooves on all sides were the basic profiles that would be the starting point for the MB Building Kit System. item immediately filed a patent application for this system that would change the world of mechanical engineering for ever.
Reiner Heller
Reiner Heller joined us as the very first apprentice taken on by item – and he is still part of the team today. Here, he recalls his early days with the company. What was working at item like back then? What has changed and what has stayed the same?
One principle, various building kit systems and endless possibilities
Today, 50 years after the company was founded, the item Building Kit System comprises more than 4500 components for applications in a whole host of different sectors. From ergonomic work benches and conveyor and linear technology to lean production – thanks to the extensive range of specialised components on offer, you can create customised solutions for any kind of application. And, best of all, everything is compatible with everything else. Even profiles dating from 1980 can be combined and extended with the very latest components without any difficulties. What’s more, a timeless design ensures that everything matches visually, too. This system has been growing in line with you and your ideas for the past 50 years – and will continue to do so in the future, too.
From a local German business to a global enterprise
Winner of multiple awards – a timeless look
Our products and solutions have won more than 40 awards for exemplary design. Meet the item design team and find out more here.
Carsten Schulz
Product designer Carsten Schulz joined item in 2002. He and his colleagues are responsible for putting our design philosophy into practice. Here, he takes you behind the scenes to find out more about the item design team. Listen in now!
From CAD to “do-it-yourself” engineering
When computer systems were being introduced across the board in the late 80s, item also set out on the digitalisation pathway. Over the last 50 years, manual drawings and the first CAD solutions have developed into a digital world where user-friendly tools help you create your own solutions with ease. Online configurators such as the item Engineeringtool help you plan your projects – quickly, intuitively and without any need for complex software. In our Online Shop, you will find sample solutions that you can use for inspiration or as a starting point for your designs. item can also help you expand your knowledge online. Digitalisation therefore offers you genuine freedom for your engineering projects – you can plan with ease, create your own designs and immediately turn them into reality.
Diana Diefenthal explains the item Engineeringtool and how it supports designers during project planning.
Innovation as part of our DNA
Innovation has been part of the item DNA for five decades. From automation solutions and factory equipment for clean production to smart products – we are continuously developing new solutions to make your production operations easier, more reliable and more efficient. At the same time, sustainability is becoming increasingly important. By using new, recyclable materials for our WFC profiles, we are opening up new possibilities for responsible engineering. This is just one example of how we are continuously expanding the item Building Kit System and making our existing components more resource-friendly.
The future
The business started by Gerrit Pies and Wolfgang Rixen 50 years ago is still in family ownership. Now in its second generation, the company is in the hands of new Managing Directors, led by Stephan Buchmann, Dr. Heiner Giese, Thomas Neller and Florian Palatini.
The product portfolio is constantly growing, too. Your ideas are worth it.®
Discover the entire world of item – everything you need to know about our product portfolio, exciting news from the industry and real-life practical examples.