Company
Driven by innovation since 1897
Driven by innovation since 1897
Tornado has been setting standards in the market for gearboxes, geared motors and integrated drive solutions for over 120 years. Thanks to our creative and motivated employees, an efficient supplier network and years of expertise, we are able to grow continuously.
Over the years, we have acquired our know-how by constantly facing new technical, service and process-related challenges of the time. In order to be able to meet these challenges in the future, we have made it our mission to train and promote new talent and to create the working conditions in which knowledge, technology and passion can lead to innovation.
Our story begins
Dr. Max Levy founded Dr. Max Levy GmbH for X-ray equipment at Müllerstraße 30 in Berlin-Wedding as the first specialty company of its kind in Germany.
Products
The product range is expanded to include drive technology for machine tools, generators, sewing machines and fans.
Global expansion
The Dr. Max Levy engine factory employs 800 people at its headquarters on Leopoldplatz and has numerous foreign offices.
A new identity
After the death of our founder, Dr. Max Levy, the company renamed itself Tornado Electric Motors, inspired by the successful marketing of fans under this brand name.
Deutsche Gewerbehaus
Tornado Elektromotoren is sold to Deutsche Gewerbehaus.
Factory reconstruction
After the factory was largely destroyed in World War II, reconstruction began with just a few employees.
First worm gear motor
A new product is manufactured in Berlin-Wedding: the first worm gear motors for gate drives.
New products
The product range is being expanded again: to include drives for stair lifts, card lifts and stage technology.
A new location
A move is necessary due to lack of space. The new location includes an 8.000 m² hall on Flohrstrasse in Berlin-Reinickendorf.
AMK Group
The company is called AMK Tornado Antriebstechnik GmbH. The reason is its inclusion in the AMK Group, a leading international manufacturer of electrical drive and control technology.
100th Company anniversary
An eventful history and several name changes: Tornado celebrates its 100th company anniversary.
TORG system
With TORGSystem, Tornado is introducing a new series for compact spur gear and parallel shaft gear motors.
Expansion of the worm gears
With the expansion of the worm gear series, Tornado also offers the development of all plastic additional parts for industrial applications.
Solar panels (so-called trackers)
Tornado develops a special double-worm gear for tracking solar panels – so-called trackers.
Triple certification for Integrated Management System
To establish an integrated management system, Tornado can be certified three times: according to ISO 9001:2008 (quality management), according to ISO 14001:2009 (environmental management) and according to OHSAS 18001:2007 (occupational safety management)
Tornado Antriebstechnik wins US market leader as major customer
Tornado Antriebstechnik wins the US market leader in the stair lift sector as its first major customer in the USA.
ACCEDIA Group
Dominique Pinault takes over the company, which becomes part of the ACCEDIA Group of Companies, which is mainly active in the distribution and manufacture of gate automation. With this acquisition, the ACCEDIA Group expands its technical expertise in the field of mechanical manufacturing. Tornado is renamed Tornado Antriebstechnik GmbH.
ASI Drives
Acquisition of the US company ASI Drives by Accedia GmbH to expand our portfolio for electric drive applications.
Extensive investments in machinery and Berlin location
Extensive investments in our machinery and the building at the Berlin location, including hall extension and solar energy, including charging stations for electric vehicles.
Our Values
The following guiding principles of our company determine our decisions.
Mission Statement
Tornado stands for quality and sustainability. Our products are manufactured in Germany and offer exceptional reliability and a long service life. We strive to maintain this standard. Our goal is to provide ecologically sound solutions for future generations. Therefore, our integrated management system not only focuses on quality control, but also places great emphasis on environmental protection and occupational safety.
Integrated Management System
Our integrated management system includes not only quality control, but also environmental protection and occupational safety.
Since March 2011, Tornado has been certified according to the following standard:
Quality management: DIN EN ISO 9001:2015
Success through Collaboration
Tornado values robust partnerships with its suppliers and recognizes that the quality of a product is only as good as the components that make it up. By working closely with our suppliers, we strive to deliver outstanding engine and transmission products at competitive global prices.
That is why we place great emphasis on open communication and efficiently managed supply chain operations.
Get to know our team
Behind each of our projects and advancements there is a dedicated and attentive team that takes care of every need.
Contact
Are you interested in one of our products? You want to know more about Tornado? Perhaps you are also looking for a partner for a specific requirement in the field of drive technology. We look forward to hearing from you.
