1866
Company founder Ferdinand Joseph Tillmann is born in Sundern.
We are 5
Highest quality, reliability and process-oriented work
The Tillmann Group comprises of five companies: Tillmann Profil GmbH, Kirchhoff & Lehr GmbH, Tillmann Werkzeugbau Profiltechnik GmbH, Wilhelm Bertrams GmbH & Co. KG and Tillmann Group Netherlands B.V. Together we combine strong expertise in the production of profiles, stamping parts and components. The Tillmann Group concentrates on customer specific and complex profiles – also laser-machined and laser-welded – as well as the assembly of complete subsystems for a large variety of industries.
The management
Committed to our customers and employees
The managing directors embody the tradition of the family-owned Tillmann Group: Quick and transparent decisionmaking is part of our management DNA.
Sustainable management in the fields of HR, ESG and strategic decision making at the Tillmann Group build the fundation for our technological leadership and customer satisfaction.
Our history
Metal in top form - since 1866
1909
1901
Kirchhoff & Lehr found a metalworking company in Arnsdorf. The company Kirchhoff & Lehr is born.
1927
Foundation of the company “BER-LEI-FABRIKATE” by the businessman Wilhelm Bertrams, born 09.09.1899 in Leichlingen/Rhineland.
1931
Relocation of the Tillmann company from Sundern to Dörnholthausen. Takeover of the company by Ferdinand Tillmann II.
1945
After the Second World War, new factory halls are built in Leichlingen step by step until 4 large halls are constructed. After that, more than 160 people are employed on the 20,000 m² site.
1936
In Leichlingen/Rhineland, Wilhelm Bertrams buys a sawmill on Hochstraße and founds the production facility that still exists today. More than 25 people are already employed.
1959
Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Tillmann Metallwarenfabrik company. State (GDR) participation in the Kirchhoff & Lehr company in Arnsdorf.
1961
Purchase of the first roll forming machine in Dörnholthausen.
1971
Wilhelm Bertrams dies in 1971, and various shareholders and subsequent company managements continue to break new ground.
1964
Almost complete loss of the company in Dörnholthausen due to a major fire. Subsequent reconstruction.
1975
In Arnsberg-Herdringen, “Tillmann Werkzeugbau” is founded with 10 employees, initially as a department of the company “Tillmann Profil” Sundern.
1977
Ferdi Tillmann, Hans-Dieter Böhm and Günter Fingerhut found Tillmann Werkzeugbau GmbH. Initially, cutting, punching and drawing tools are manufactured for external companies. This is soon followed by the production of components and welded assemblies for the computer and automotive industries, in particular by cold roll-forming.
1988
Fundamental expansion of toolmaking in Herdringen with the purchase of CNC-controlled lathes, milling machines and wire erosion machines. Conversion of the design department to CAD/CAM systems.
1984
Celebration of the 75th anniversary of Tillmann in Dörnholthausen. A new 1,000 m² production hall with office wing is built in Herdringen. Four profile rolling mills are now available, on which all cold-formable materials are also produced in perforated versions and with three-dimensional bends.
1990
The Kirchhoff & Lehr company is reprivatized to the former owners. Construction of the first hall at the new Sundern site by Tillmann-Profil.
1991
Tillmann Group's participation in the Kirchhoff & Lehr company. The participation was celebrated with all employees and their families.
1997
Complete relocation of production from Dörnholthausen to Sundern at Tillmann Profil.
1994
Establishment of a new production facility in Arnsdorf at Kirchhoff & Lehr after a nine-month construction period.
2001
Celebration of the 100th anniversary of Kirchhoff & Lehr GmbH in Arnsdorf.
2003/2004
2009
Celebration of the 100th anniversary of Tillmann Profil GmbH in Sundern. Construction of a new production hall and expansion of the tool shop in Arnsdorf.
2008
Takeover of the Wilhelm Bertrams company in Leichlingen as a subsidiary of Tillmann Profil, Sundern.
2010
Inauguration of a new production hall at the Leichlingen site.
2011
Acquisition of a new production facility (up to 8mm material thickness) in a new production hall at the Sundern site.
2014
Construction of a new hall for storing profiles and tools at Kirchhoff & Lehr in Arnsdorf.
2013
Construction of a new production hall for Tillmann Werkzeugbau in Herdringen.
2017
Expansion of the vertical range of manufacture at Tillmann Profil in Sundern with the investment in a gripper feed.
2018
The main building at Tillmann Werkzeugbau Profiltechnik GmbH shines in new splendor after the office extension.
2021
Kirchhoff & Lehr was founded on October 1, 1901. That means: 120 years of experience with profile! A lot has changed since then, especially in terms of technology.
2018
New production technology at Kirchhoff & Lehr, commissioning of a laser tube (open and closed profiles with a diameter or maximum dimensions of 12 mm - 120 mm can be processed here). At Tillmann Profil in Sundern, the 13th profiling system is put into operation (specialized for a customer in the transport industry).
2023
Over 10,000 square meters more will be available in Sundern from spring 2023. Tillmann Profil is looking forward to expanded capacities and optimized logistics.
Tillmann
Profil
Precision in cold rolling technology - innovative,
flexible, reliable.
Tillmann Profil is one of the most modern and leading manufacturers of cold-rolled profiles. We offer a wide range of profiling technology and the production of complete assemblies and components. Our customers describe us as “flexible”, “fast”, “trustworthy” and “personal”. These characteristics are embedded in our mission statement, according to which we work every day.
Profile technology dimensions
Tillmann Werkzeugbau Profiltechnik
From tool manufacturer to supplier specialist - quality since 1975.
Founded as a supplier for roll-forming and stamping tools in the early 1970s, Tillmann Werkzeugbau Profiltechnik has constantly increased engineering and manufacturing excellence to become the first choice for complex profiles within the automotive industry.
We are proud to deliver our steel-profiles, stamping parts and sub-assemblies to world-wide destinations of our renowned customers.
Dimensions profile technology
Dimensions punching technology
Kirchhoff
& Lehr
Cold-rolled profiles for the highest demands - flexible, precise, proven.
We, Kirchhoff & Lehr GmbH, are a well-known manufacturer of cold-rolled profiles throughout Europe. Our spectrum ranges from simple standard profiles to special profiles and complex systems.
This broad spectrum, our value for money and delivery reliability, our high quality standards and the implementation of customer and product requirements ensure the existence of our company.
Through consistent market and customer orientation, we try to recognize market opportunities and satisfy our customers. We have made it our task and obligation to maintain and strengthen the reputation and success of our company.
Profile technology dimensions
Bertrams
Leichlingen
Bertrams Leichlingen: Tradition meets innovation - high-quality profiles since 1927.
Founded in 1927 by Wilhelm Bertrams, the company produces precision special profiles from a variety of alloys for individual and sophisticated customer solutions of the highest quality on a 22,000 m² site in Leichlingen (Rhineland).
After the early death of the owner Margitta Bertrams, the company was integrated into the Tillmann Group in 2008 and today complements the extensive Tillmann range.
Profile technology dimensions
Tillmann Group Netherlands B.V.
Present in important markets
The Tillmann Group has been active in the Netherlands with its own company since May 1, 2025. With our location in Venlo, we are further expanding our presence and customer proximity in this important market. With technical expertise and high-quality profiles made of steel and aluminum alloys, we also want to grow sustainably in the Netherlands.
Family-
friendly:
The Tillmann Group
Family and work - both have to work!
Balancing a career and children is not easy for young parents. The same applies to the slightly older generation who look after relatives in need of care. Whether this works well also depends on the employer.
As a committed family business, we are taking family friendliness to a new level. We support our employees wherever possible if their family situation requires it. We expect full commitment and excellent performance – but this is only possible if everything runs smoothly at home.
Our benefits -
Among other things, we offer you:
As an employee of the Tillmann Group, you benefit from many advantages, which can vary depending on your location. Here is a selection of the benefits we offer:
Environmentally conscious mobility – sustainable into the future
The Tillmann Group attaches great importance to environmentally conscious mobility. With our e-bike leasing, we support you in getting to work in a climate-friendly and healthy way. In addition, we offer you a job ticket in the form of the Deutsche Bahn Jobticket so that you can travel your daily commute comfortably and sustainably. Together we are shaping a greener future.
Flexible working hours – for an optimal work-life balance
At the Tillmann Group, we understand how important flexibility is in everyday working life. With individual working time models and the option of working from home, we create flexibility for you that is perfectly tailored to your needs. This allows you to achieve an optimum work-life balance.
Health – Your health is important to us
Your health is a key concern for us. We support you with numerous benefits such as subsidies for spectacle lenses, dentures and health courses. We also provide you with individually adapted hearing protection and offer comprehensive supplementary and accident insurance. As part of our commitment to your well-being, we regularly provide fresh fruit – in keeping with the motto “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. In this way, we create an environment in which health and vitality take center stage.
Focus on family friendliness – support for the whole family
As a family-friendly company, we know how important a strong foundation is for families. We support you with childcare allowances and welcome the next generation with a starter allowance. Family celebrations and additional vacation days for special occasions such as weddings or bereavements underline our appreciation. At the Tillmann Group, your family takes center stage.
Security for the future – your retirement provision in good hands
With our company pension plan, we ensure financial stability in retirement. So you can look to the future with confidence and rest assured that we will continue to provide for you even after your active working life.
Exclusive employee benefits – appreciation for your commitment
At the Tillmann Group, we offer our employees exclusive benefits that go beyond the usual. In addition to attractive corporate benefits and tax-free benefits in kind, you can also benefit from a comprehensive fitness program.
Contributing our goal to net zero
Consistent CO₂ avoidance
The Tillmann Group is making an important contribution on the road to climate neutrality in the industry. This is because the roll forming process is a cold forming process that consumes very little energy – especially compared to the production of extruded aluminum profiles. The Tillmann Group is ideally positioned here, as the roll forming process impresses with its efficient use of materials, small carbon footprint and constantly innovative solutions through technical advice for cost-optimized product designs. We also support the use of “green” steel, with low or almost zero CO₂ emissions.
