ABOUT US
Driving Innovation – Zoerkler's Precision Systems for Aerospace & Automotive
Zoerkler – High-Precision Drive Systems for Aerospace and Automotive Industries
Zoerkler designs, manufactures, and tests high-precision drive systems as part of an international corporate group, with a strong focus on the aerospace and automotive industries. As a company with a long-standing family tradition, we draw on decades of experience and pass on our technical expertise from generation to generation.
Now in its fourth generation, Zoerkler has evolved into a modern and globally successful provider of drive technologies for aerospace and automotive applications.
Since joining the renowned Xtrac Group in 2025, we have been able to expand our international market presence and offer tailored solutions to customers worldwide. The combination of long-standing expertise and Xtrac's global innovation power strengthens our position as a leading supplier of drive systems for demanding applications.
OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers rely on our innovation, manufacturing depth, and ability to manage complex projects from development to series production. This close collaboration with leading industry partners positions Zoerkler as a strategic supplier at the highest level.
Today, we are recognized as one of the leading experts in drive system solutions.
Management
Bernhard Wagner, CEO
At the age of 18, Bernhard Wagner joined the family business and has continuously driven its development ever since. He has always pursued the vision of strengthening Zoerkler's position as a reliable partner for the development and production of drive systems in the international market.
Success comes to those who can rely on their partner
Bernhard Wagner, CEO
History of Zoerkler Gears GmbH & Co KG – Over 120 Years of Progress and Innovation in Drive Technology
1898
- Founding of the family business by Emil Zörkler as a mechanical workshop covering 200 m² in the basement of a building in Vienna's 3rd district.
1951
- His son Friedrich Zörkler takes over the management and expands the workshop to 400 m²
1982
- Daughter Ingeborg, together with her husband Günter Wagner, assumes the management of the company.
1985
- Bernhard Wagner, son of Ingeborg and Günter Wagner, joins the family business in the fourth generation at the age of 18.
1990
- Standortverlegung in ein Industriegebäude im 3. Bezirk und Erweiterung der Produktionsfläche auf 1.800 m².
1992
- Development into a modern metalworking company with CNC machinery.
2008
- Relocation to Jois in Burgenland: Construction of a state-of-the-art production site covering 8,500 m².
- Increase in staff to over 100 employees.
2009
- Strategic focus on the development and production of drive systems for the automotive, aerospace, rail, and industrial sectors.
2015
- Expansion of the production area to 10,000 m². Construction of one of Europe's most advanced helicopter test benches.
- Certification according to international aerospace standards (EN ISO 9001).
2016
- First flight of the prototype helicopter equipped with a drive system developed and manufactured by Zoerkler (main rotor gearbox, tail rotor gearbox, tail drive shafts, turbine/gearbox drive shafts).
2019
- Bernhard Wagner takes over sole management of Zoerkler Gears GmbH & Co KG as CEO.
2021
- Successful aerospace certification of the helicopter with Zoerkler drive system, enabling serial production of 24 drive units.
2023
- Leonardo/EANC audit – successfull audit conducted by the Italian aviation authority.
2025
- EN9100 audit / certification for the aerospace industry.
- Integration into the internationally active Xtrac Group, headquartered in Thatcham, UK.
Location in Jois, Austria
- Over 120 years of innovation in drive technology
- Since 2008: 10.000 m2 state-of-the-art manufacturing site
- More than 100 dedicated employees
- Just 20 km from Vienna Airport – perfectly connected
- Strategic location in the heart of Europe with short delivery routes to key markets
