Fronius marks 80 years of shaping the future of energy and welding

By Staff Report June 26, 2025 6:17 pm IST

Fronius, the Austrian technology company, marks 80 years of innovation in welding and solar energy, evolving from a small repair shop to a global industry leader.

Fronius, a family-owned technology company headquartered in Austria, celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. What began in 1945 as a small regional repair shop has grown into a global enterprise known for its pioneering solutions in welding technology, solar energy, and battery charging systems.

The company was founded by electrical engineer Günter Fronius on June 20, 1945. Operating from a hotel, he began offering repair services for radios and electrical appliances. Recognising a growing need, he soon developed a device to recharge car batteries—marking the company’s first product and the beginning of a legacy of innovation.

“Our roots are built on resourcefulness, collaboration, and a bold approach to innovation,” said CEO Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, granddaughter of the founder. “In post-war Austria, resources were limited, but that only strengthened my grandfather’s determination to create practical and affordable solutions for everyday needs.”

From Welding to Solar: A Legacy of Expansion

In 1950, Fronius expanded its offerings to include welding transformers, a move that would shape its long-term growth as an industrial company. A new chapter began in 1980, when the second generation—Brigitte Strauß and Klaus Fronius—took over leadership and began international expansion. Today, Fronius operates 37 subsidiaries around the world.

The company entered the solar energy space in 1992, long before it became a mainstream solution. “Our commitment to renewable energy drives us to develop integrated systems that connect electricity, heating, cooling, and mobility to realise our vision of ‘24 hours of sun’,” added Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, who has led the company since 2012.

Driving Industry Innovation Worldwide

Fronius has consistently contributed to industrial advancement, particularly in automotive manufacturing. A major innovation was the Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding process, introduced 20 years ago. CMT enabled the thermal joining of materials like galvanised steel and ultra-thin aluminium sheets, marking a turning point in welding technology.

The company currently focuses on two key business areas:

• Fronius Welding, which continues to set new benchmarks in welding innovation.
• Solar Energy, which optimises solar power usage and develops efficient battery charging systems for intralogistics—drawing inspiration from the company’s first invention.

With a global workforce of 7,000 employees, Fronius remains dedicated to its founding mission: mastering and managing electricity as a key energy source of the future. “Our goal is to create a sustainable future for current and future generations,” Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß stated.

Committed to a Sustainable and Independent Future

As Fronius celebrates this milestone, it continues to look forward. The company remains focused on advancing energy conversion technologies and upholding its values of financial independence, high-quality engineering, and European manufacturing.

“We can’t predict the future,” said Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß, “but we’re committed to remaining independent and strengthening Austria’s position as a centre for innovation. Research and quality will always be at the heart of what we do.”