125 years ago, at the age of 22, Leo Brunnhuber laid the foundation for a success story that continues to this day, starting with a small metalworking and iron workshop in Augsburg-Oberhausen. From these modest beginnings, the company gradually evolved over the decades—first as a metal workshop, then as a pump manufacturer, and finally as a manufacturer of large industrial and agricultural cranes, gaining an international reputation. To this day, the company remains family-owned.
Family Business since the beginning
After his father Leo founded the company in 1900, in the mid-1940s, Leo’s eldest of two sons, Josef Brunnhuber Sr., took over the company and renamed it to Josef Brunnhuber Maschinenfabrik Augsburg. The company site on Schaller Street was gradually expanded, with additional production and manufacturing halls added over time. Under his leadership, the company specialized in the construction of hydraulic presses with pressure capacities of up to 3,000 tons. By this time, the company already employed around 50 people.
Crane Manufacturing from 1969 – Third Generation
The 3rd family generation eventually made cranes the company’s main business. In 1969 after Josef Brunnhuber Sr., at the age of 66, handed over the company to his only son, Josef Brunnhuber Jr., the company began its course as a crane manufacturer.
Josef Brunnhuber Jr. was 33 years old when he took over the company after completing his engineering studies and gaining years of experience within the business. His entrepreneurial decision to focus on the manufacturing of cranes laid the foundation for what the company is known until today. BRUNNHUBER CRANES quickly gained recognition in the field of agricultural cranes as well as special crane systems for power plants and steel mills. Early major clients included SIEMENS and the Augsburg aircraft manufacturer Messerschmitt, now part of the AIRBUS Group.
Under his leadership, the company continued to grow steadily, employing around 150 people in Augsburg by the mid-1960s. The company site was expanded to 10,000m² by 1970, consisting iof six halls plus an office building.
Traditional Crane Manufacturer as Part of the Teichmann Group
Following several ownership changes due to the retirement of Josef Brunnhuber Jr. in 2000, the company is by 2025 once again family-owned. In 2009, the company found a stable foundation for further growth with the acquisition by Essen-based crane manufacturer Dipl.-Kfm. Ralf Teichmann and its integration into the Teichmann Group. Today, the company employs around 140 people across seven locations.
The Augsburg site remains a core part of the company’s identity, and crane systems were manufactured at the original Schaller Street facility until 2022. Additional Brunnhuber Krane production sites are now located across Germany in Berlin, Dessau, and Lutherstadt Wittenberg.
"125 years is a special milestone and a reason to celebrate. What began as a small metal workshop has grown into a modern company in international crane manufacturing. From Leo Brunnhuber through the following generations to the present day, our history demonstrates how family values, tradition, pioneering spirit, and determination come together to create sustainable success. We are proud of our history and grateful for the dedication of our employees who made this journey possible. At the same time, we look forward with confidence to continuing the Brunnhuber tradition as a family-owned company within the Teichmann Group."
— Dipl.-Kfm. Ralf Teichmann, Managing Partner & Owner, BRUNNHUBER CRANES GERMANY
