History
Bauerfeind and Zeulenroda
The roots of compression technology
Bauerfeind AG looks back on more than 95 years of company history. Learn more about this family-owned business from Zeulenroda:
95 Years in Motion
1929
Bruno Bauerfeind founds a specialist company in Zeulenroda for the manufacture of medical compression stockings.
1949
The political situation in eastern Germany forces the family to leave their home. They begin anew in Darmstadt-Eberstadt.
1981
Development of the GenuTrain® – the first anatomically shaped knee support with an integrated pad
Product generations: 1982–2019
The development of the GenuTrain® knee support marks a milestone in the company’s history. It stands at the beginning of a product line that transferred the principle of functional therapy from compression bandages to supports. The GenuTrain® has since proven its worth millions of times over.
1991
Hans B. Bauerfeind brings the family business back to his hometown of Zeulenroda. The manufacturer of compression stockings, supports, orthoses, orthopedic insoles, and since 2001 also prosthetic components, operates nationally and internationally in four business divisions.
2002
Bauerfeind AG is founded. In the following years, the logistics center and the new administration building – the Bauerfeind Tower – are completed.
2007
To ensure quality in patient care and the future of the industry, Bauerfeind launches a Quality Partner Program for the German specialist trade.
At 57 meters high, the “new administration building” (opened 2024) is the tallest new construction in the region since German reunification.
2010
The Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada mark a premiere: for the first time, Bauerfeind is an official partner of an Olympic organizing committee, supporting athletes from all participating nations. Bauerfeind had already provided care for the German Olympic team at the 2004, 2006, and 2008 Games.
2014
To secure the future of his company and ensure continuity, Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind establishes a family foundation in 2014, which remains the sole owner of the company – even beyond his lifetime.
2015/2016
In 2015, Bauerfeind AG is recognized as one of the most innovative companies in Germany’s mid-sized sector.
In 2016, Bauerfeind expands its product range with a special line for athletes, including supports, compression textiles, and insoles for sports shoes.
2018
A fourth production hall with 1,000 m² of space, designed according to the value-stream principle, is built in Zeulenroda.
2019
In October, the 8th generation of the GenuTrain® knee support is launched, featuring an innovative new knit. In addition, a new production site in Gera is established.
2020
Rainer Berthan is appointed as the new CEO of Bauerfeind AG.
2023
With the SecuTec® Genu Flex, Bauerfeind once again demonstrates its leadership in innovation, launching a semi-flexible frame orthosis.
Current insights into the company
You can find the latest news from the Bauerfeind world, as well as information on new and further product developments on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Contact us
Do you have further questions about the company? Feel free to contact our Corporate Communications department: kommunikation@bauerfeind.com or +49 36628-66-1000.