Historische transfluid Rohrbiegemaschinen im Vergleich von damals und heute.
transfluid - The solution for tubes

From a two-man business to
World market leader

transfluid has been shaping progress in tube processing for over 35 years

The beginning of a success story

When most people think of an April Fool's joke, they probably think of spectacular stories that turn out to be made-up pranks. Not so for Gerd Nöker and Ludger Bludau. Because they both know: The history of their company also began on April 1st - and today, more than 35 years later, it is more successful than ever.

Historische Rohrbiegemaschine „transfluid ZB 616“ auf fahrbarem Gestell mit Fußpedalsteuerung.

The pioneers of tube bending and forming technology

We are talking about transfluid: founded in 1988 as a two-man operation in Schmallenberg in the Sauerland region of Germany, today's transfluid GmbH is an internationally sought-after partner as a solution provider for the manufacture of tube bending and tube processing machines - and has even been the world market leader for CNC-controlled rolled tube forming since 2013.

 

Little remains of the modest beginnings on 125 square meters. But transfluid has remained true to one thing for three decades: its own claim to actively drive progress in tube processing for its customers.

Always one step ahead of the future

Anyone walking through transfluid's spacious production halls in 2023 will see fully automated production cells and robots working efficiently and precisely as bending and forming systems. "When we started in 1988, there was no internet and nobody could have imagined the extent to which digitalization would revolutionize entire industries within a very short time - including tube processing, of course," says company founder Gerd Nöker.

 

But even the first development that transfluid brought to the world market in the year it was founded - then still as Nöker & Bludau oHG - was a minor sensation. The manual bending machine for small series up to 16 mm tube size was the first of its kind and is still in demand worldwide for on-site use today as the unrivaled continuous bending machine t work MOBILELINE 42.

Moving forward together

quote

We can proudly say that together we have managed to become one of the world's leading suppliers of tube processing machines in 35 years. I would like to express my respect for the fact that we have only achieved this through the active support of all our employees and the individual commitment of our long-standing employees.

Porträt eines älteren Mannes im hellblauen Hemd, stehend vor einer Betonwand.
Ludger Bludau
Founder
transfluid GmbH
quote

You have to live transfluid, not just work here. Many people here feel the same way, otherwise we wouldn't have so many anniversaries every year, now for 30 and even 35 years.

Porträt eines lächelnden Mannes mit Brille und hellem Hemd in einem hellen Innenraum.
Burkhard Tigges
Member of the Executive Board
transfluid GmbH
quote

Our growth is also due to the fact that we had the courage to take a different path. We have not focused on our competitors, but on the market and have therefore repeatedly developed completely new concepts that clearly set us apart from the competition. To do this, you need a strong team of your own, which we have. But you also need strong partners who go along with you and are open.

Mitarbeiterin im Blazer in moderner Industriehalle mit unscharfem Maschinenhintergrund.
Stefanie Flaeper
Member of the Executive Board
transfluid GmbH
quote

There are only a few companies in the world that offer the entire range of services from a single source like we do. We provide our customers with all the machines they need, from bending to finishing.

Porträt eines lächelnden Mannes im Anzug mit Hemd vor neutralem Hintergrund.
Benedikt Hümmler
Member of the Executive Board
transfluid GmbH
Automatisierte Produktionsanlage mit Industrieroboter für Metallbearbeitung.

The solution for tubes

Today, there are more than 12,000 machines on the market worldwide that bring tubes into top shape. Whether forming, bending, cutting or networking these machines into an automated cell: transfluid is 'The solution for tubes'.

 

And of course the experts also develop fully automated solutions with their usual technical creativity, also tailored to the individual requirements of their customers.

 

These customers come from a wide range of industries: Mechanical and plant engineering, the automotive and energy industries, shipbuilding and many more.

Automatisierte CNC-Rohrbiegemaschine mit integrierter Messtechnik und Qualitätskontrollsystem.

More efficiency, flexibility and optimized processes

"That's what makes our work so exciting, even after 30 years. We always have the opportunity to grow together with our customers to meet new challenges and redefine the limits of tube processing," emphasizes Ludger Bludau.

 

More efficiency, flexibility and optimized processes: Transfluid also ensures this with intelligent software, in which the experts bundle all their know-how. The extensive portfolio is complemented by a large selection of stock and used machines that can be delivered quickly to meet the challenges of day-to-day business.

transfluid Geschäftsführung vor moderner Rohrbearbeitungsmaschine.

A strong team and an entrepreneurial vision

So many ideas need space - and transfluid has created this space again and again over the years. In 1991, the company found a new home at its current location in Schmallenberg.

 

in 2008, Benedikt Hümmler, Burkhard Tigges and Stefanie Flaeper joined the management team. With combined forces and strategic vision, they are keeping the company on course for success, supported by a committed and strong team. It is remarkable that transfluid still employs ten people in Schmallenberg who have been with the company since its foundation.

Porträt eines älteren Mannes mit Brille im Anzug und Krawatte, lächelnd vor hellem Hintergrund.

Thank you Gerd!

Our company founder Gerd Nöker passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 31, 2020. Gerd was characterized by his enormous expertise paired with a strong personal charisma. He was highly respected and trusted, a competent advisor to his customers, a valued role model for his colleagues and employees and a valuable friend to many people. We are deeply indebted to him for his work.

 

Gerd founded our company together with Ludger Bludau in 1988 and made it what it is today with exceptional skill, passion and tireless commitment. His vision, his leadership qualities and his commitment to quality and innovation have shaped our company and laid the foundations for its success.

 

As an entrepreneur and visionary, Gerd Nöker was a role model not only for us, but for the entire industry. His knowledge and passion have inspired and influenced many.

Our company is proud to carry on his legacy and keep his vision alive. Gerd will always be present in our memories and in our actions.

Geschäftsführung von transfluid vor Rohrbearbeitungsmaschine.

The management

In the dynamic world of business, effective corporate management is crucial. For transfluid's management, competence, experience and cooperation are the cornerstones of success. The four-member management team forms a strong and balanced team that continuously drives the company forward with its individual strengths and collective skills.

 

After many successful years, our transfluid company founder and Managing Director Ludger Bludau handed over responsibility to his son Yannick Bludau in April 2026. This marks the passing of a formative era to a new generation - combined with continuity, trust and the shared ambition to continue actively shaping the future of transfluid.

Our head office in Schmallenberg continues to grow

We have continuously expanded our plant, creating more space for innovative and sustainable technologies. Together with the Schmallenberg employees and many guests, we inaugurated the new, approximately 2200 square meter production building. We have also built a new logistics center with 1300 square meters of storage space. This enables us to compensate for supply bottlenecks and minimize throughput times.

 

The employees of transfluid thus benefit from state-of-the-art workplaces. The optimized infrastructure enables future-oriented, effective production.

 

transfluid the solution for tubes: Now and for the future.