Family, innovation and tradition

ARKU's story is typical of the German medium-sized company. It tells the story of how traditional craftsmanship meets innovation and how the enduring passion for precision and craftsmanship has become a global market leader at the cutting edge of its time.

In 1928, master craftsman Albert Reiss founded a sheet metal workshop in Haueneberstein, the Baden-Baden region. His son Artur developed this legacy into an industrial machine tool manufacturer. In the first few years after Artur Reiss took over the sheet metal workshop, the company was based at his parents-in-law's home in Kuppenheim. The company name ARKU also originates from this time: Artur Reiss KUppenheim.

Albert Reiss, Artur Reiss' son, has been Chairman of the Management Board since 1986. Over the past decades of an eventful history, ARKU has developed into the market and innovation leader for precision leveling machines.

After 38 years of service as Managing Director, Albert Reiss has been named Chairman of the Advisory Board since October 2024. The current Managing Directors are Gottfried Sihler (Chairman) and Dr. Jochen Kappler.

Milestones in our history

Take a journey through time. Discover the most important points in ARKU’s company history with our interactive timeline.

  1. 1928
  2. 1956
  3. 1967
  4. 1986
  5. 2004
  6. 2005
  7. 2012
  8. 2013
  9. 2014
  10. 2015
  11. 2020
  12. 2021
  13. 2022
  14. 2023
  1. history-1928

    1928

    The foundation stone of ARKU is laid:
    The beginning of machine construction. The first customers with a clock industry in Switzerland (Jura) and the typewriter industry (largest customer: Olympia).

  2. history-1956

    1956

    Artur Reiss transforms the craftsman’s establishment into a metalworking factory.
    After relocating to Kuppenheim, the company is renamed ARKU (Artur Reiss KUppenheim).
  3. history-1967

    1967

    ARKU build the first precision leveler.
    The beginning of machine construction. The first customers with a clock industry in Switzerland (Jura) and the typewriter industry (largest customer: Olympia).
  4. history-1986

    1986

    Albert Reiss, the son of Artur Reiss, becomes Managing Director of ARKU after completing his studies.
    The company has expanded and focuses exclusively on mechanical engineering.

  5. history-2004

    2004

    Founding of the subsidiary in the USA.
    ARKU Inc. Is founded in Detroit. In 2006, the company headquarters are relocated to Cincinnati. ARKU was a subtenant of Feintool Inc. in Cincinnati for many years.
  6. history-2005

    2005

    Development of the FlatMaster® hydraulic leveler:
    The leveling gap control and the integrated overload protection make the machine unique. The FlatMaster® is the result of more than 40 years of experience in mechanical engineering.

  7. history-2012

    2012

    Founding of ARKU Leveling Systems in Kunshan, China.
    ARKU has more than 130 employees worldwide. The corporate design and logo were completely revised.

  8. history-2013

    2013

    Inauguration of the new assembly hall in Baden-Baden.
    The largest single investment in ARKU’s history to date. The increase in space amounts to 17,200 sqft.. Relocating of the training workshop and expansion of the area to 4,300 sqft.. Celebrations for the 85th anniversary.
  9. history-2014

    2014

    11th place for ARKU in the ranking of Germany’s 50 most innovative mid-sized companies:
    ARKU was voted one of Germany’s 50 most innovative mid-sized companies. The survey is carried out annually and analyzed by Wirtschaftswoche. ARKU ranked 11th.
  10. history-2015

    2015

    Introduction of the first deburring machine: the ARKU EdgeBreaker® series is created
    In 2015, ARKU introduced its new deburring machines product line. The various models deeper and round a diverse range of parts and materials and reflect ARKU’s reaction to its customers’ needs.

  11. history-2020

    2020

    ARKU Inc. moves into a new, larger facility on East Kemper road inCincinnati, OH (USA). Outfitted with the latest in leveling and deburring technology. 

  12. history-2021

    2021

    ARKU launches the EdgeBreaker® 6000 deburring machine for punched and laser cut parts.
  13. history-2022

    2022

    Launch of the coil laser lines in
    cooperation with TRUMPF. 
  14. history-2023

    2023

    Opening of a new production site in Bühl.
    The increase in area of assembly and storage hall amounts to 3,000 m2. With this plant ARKU increases the production area by 50%.
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