Milestones of a Success Story

Once upon a time ...

The American dream begins in the garage - the one of SIGMATEK, in a bedroom. Like many others, the SIGMATEK founders started their company in a private residence. "Since the bedroom was the easiest room to clear out in our house, we set up our first production facility there", says Andreas Melkus, who founded the company together with Theodor and Marianne Kusejko.

What began in 1988 as a vision of the founding families has developed over the decades into a leading company in automation technology. Integrated system solutions focused on customer value have always been, and continue to be the key to our success.

Today, the automation experts based in Lamprechtshausen, have 500 employees worldwide. The company is still 100% owned by the Melkus and Kusejko families.

The SIGMATEK founders at the company’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2008.

Our journey in pictures

First Generation

Modas, the first PLC from SIGMATEK introduced in 1988.

The New Company Building

994 building I opened: The new facility is dimensioned for 100 employees.

Buenos DIAS...

... for the first time in 1996: With the control system DIAS, the Salzburg automation company caused a sensation in the industry. DIAS makes decentral configuration of PLC modules possible for the first time.

Object-Oriented Programming

SIGMATEK pioneers once more in 2000 with the introduction of LASAL, the first object-oriented programming software in the automation world.

Building II and the Bridge

Within a few years, the limits of capacity were reached. 2001 Building II is complete. Since it is on the other side of the street, a bridge connects the two buildings.

It is C-DIAS time

2002 sees growth for the control and I/O system: C-DIAS is the name of the compact module series with high-speed communication.

VARAN Bus is Clear to Start

The modern real-time Ethernet bus system VARAN is introduced at the Hannover trade fair in April 2006 and in the same year, was awarded the Salzburg Innovation prize.

More Space for Innovation

Only 7 years after the second expansion, Building III is opened. 3,200 m²more floor space is now available.

20-year Anniversary

Not only is SIGMATEK a leader in automation, the high-tech Salzburg company also knows how to celebrate.

Compact and modular: DIAS-Drive 100

Up to 8 axes per DIAS Drive 100 unit can be controlled.

New Generation

In 2012, SIGMATEK presents the new generation of control and I/Os S-DIAS, which has a packaging density unachieved to date.

Operation Freedom Redefined

With the HGW 1033, SIGMATEK presented 2017 a wireless multitouch operating panel including Safety funtions at the SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg.

Many Axes Compactly Packed

The DIAS-Drives 2000 series, introduced in 2021, combines up to 3 axes, a supply, power filter, brake resistor and DC-Link circuit in a 75 x 240 x 219 mm housing.

X-DIAS I/O-System

The X-DIAS I/O system has complemented the established S-DIAS automation system since 2024, providing customized wiring boards for customer-specific requirements. The modules can be easily integrated into the OEM design of wiring boards—saving wiring time and reducing costs.

For flexible web visualization

In 2026, modern NewGen web panels deliver powerful visualization capabilities for smooth web visualizations based on HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

A Chronological Look Back

2026

NewGen Web-Panels für flexible HTML5-Visualisierungen

2024

X-DIAS I/O-System for customized circuit boards

2023

35th company anniversary

2022

SIGMATEK founders Andreas Melkus and Theodor Kusejko step back from active management of the company.

2021

DIAS-Drive 2000: Highly compact, modular multi-axis system with 1–3 servo axes per module

2019

The wireless handheld operating device HGW 1033 with safety functions receives TÜV certification.

2018

30th company anniversary

2017

SIGMATEK presents the wireless operating panel HGW 1033 at the SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg
Expansion of the company headquarters: Extension of Plant III and start of construction work for Plant IV
Andreas Melkus, Theodor Kusejko and Marianne Kusejko bring the next generation on board with Alexander Melkus

2016

Founding of SIGMATEK Automation Korea CO., Ltd

2015

DIAS-Drive 1000: Compact drive for up to 6 servo axes

2013

Founding of SIGMATEK Automation UK Limited, Great Britain

2012

Opening of the engineering office in Vienna
The super compact I/O system S-DIAS, including integrated Safety, is introduced at the SPS IPC DRIVES at Nuremberg: 20 I/Os within a width of only 12.5 mm

2010

With C-DIAS Safety, the C-DIAS control system is expanded with a programmable, TÜV-certified Safety solution

2009

The modular servo drive system DIAS Drive 100, for multi-axis applications, is introduced to the market

2008

Acquisition of the development department Sdrive
Foundation of SIGMATEK Schweiz AG
20th company anniversary
Opening of Plant III

2007

Opening of the SIGMATEK Ningbo Office, China
Expansion of the company headquarters: construction work for Plant III starts

2006

Presentation of the revolutionary VARAN bus technology: fast, flexible and secure data transfer in real-time
SIGMATEK receives the Salzburg Business Innovation Award for the “VARAN Real-Time Ethernet Bus” project.

2004

Terminal series with S-DVI connection

2003

New developments: C-DIAS with power CPU, compact IPC

2002

The control system C-DIAS enters the market: compact design, high package density, module carrier with high-speed communication (30 million I/Os per second)

2001

Founding of SIGMATEK U.S. Automation, Inc. (Ohio)
Opening of the SIGMATEK Innovation Center in the expanded headquarters at Lamprechtshausen

2000

With LASAL, SIGMATEK is the first automation manufacturer to introduce software for object-oriented programming with client-server technology and graphic representation

1996

With the DIAS control system, the DIAS bus, and fiber-optic transmission, SIGMATEK revolutionizes control technology. In addition to local installations, DIAS is the first system to enable decentralized placement of PLC modules
The DIAS bus, capable of processing more than 2.5 million I/Os per second, is the fastest automation network of its time—and remains a benchmark for years to come

1994

Move into the new company headquarters, providing workspace for 100 employees

1993

Pioneering achievement: SIGMATEK becomes the first company in the industry to use the CAN bus for networking and communication in the MODAS PLC system.
First international sales partner: SigmaControl in the Netherlands.

1991

Intelligent graphics operating terminal (IBED)
Entry into the injection molding and glass industries
Establishment of SIGMATEK GmbH Germany

1988

Company Founding
MODAS, the first self-developed PLC, and the software PG 16 are introduced to the market
SIGMATEK enters the robot control industry