Milestones

1985 - Foundation of VIPA GmbH by Mr. Wolfgang Seel
1988 - First Inrack-PC for the SIMATIC from Siemens in the world
1990 - Focusing on hardware components
1995 - First TCP/IP processors for the SIMATIC in the world
1996 - Introduction of the first own PLC system - System 200V
1997 - Foundation of ASIC design centre
2000 - Move to new headquarter in Herzogenaurach
2001 - Introduction of the Micro-PLC-system - System 100V
2003 - Development of SPEED7 technology - the fastest Hard-PLC in the world
2005 - Development of the VIPA Touch Panel Family
2006 - Expansion of floor space

VIPA GmbH was founded by Mr. Wolfgang Seel in Erlangen in 1985 as a system house for automation engineering. The development of various own hardware components led to the launch of the first PC-based machine operating panel in 1990. Thereupon further control and communication modules were introduced. Initial users included clients in automobile and food industry, conveyor technique as well as machine and plant construction.

The launch of the modular automation system 200V founded the basis for the construction of the PLC systems 100V and 300V.

In 2003 a further innovation in the field of automation technology was achieved with the development of the SPEED7-High-Speed-PLC (www.speed7.com). Based on the PLC ASIC by Profichip GmbH (www.profichip.com) - a subsidiary of VIPA - a PLC was implemented setting new standards regarding processing speed, memory capacity and handling.

In 2005 the product range was completed with the Touch Panel family which will be complemented with the VIPA Touchcontrol Panel, a Touch Panel with integrated SPEED7 CPU in 2008. Hereby VIPA can offer a complete product portfolio for nearly any application in the field of automation.

With more than 62 own branches and distributors in 60 countries VIPA can offer worldwide service and support. Growth rates above average extending over many years prove that VIPA is breaking trendsetting grounds with these sustainable innovations.

In 2000 VIPA moved to Herzogenaurach, which is located to the west of Erlangen, where the new headquarter - a modern company site - with 2.000 m² of floor space had been built. To meet with the continuously increasing customer requirements also with the growing number of presently 120 employees, construction of new premises in Herzogenaurach was started in 2008. Moving into this new building is planned in spring 2009.

Innovation is our strength. VIPA - The Art of Automation