25 Years of LEiTEK – A Success Story

Twenty-five years ago, on October 1, 2000, engineers Jens Zinck and Hartmut Behncke took the plunge and founded LEiTEK Informations- und Automatisierungstechnik GbR in Schwerin. Ten years after German reunification, they were ready to launch the company. Prior to that, both engineers had worked at other companies, gaining expertise, skills, valuable contacts, and innovative ideas.

Today, LEiTEK is one of the leading medium-sized companies in automation and digitalization in West Mecklenburg and carries out projects on every continent in the world. As a strong partner alongside major corporations such as Linde or Air Liquide, as well as medium-sized companies like Aarla or Stadtwerke Schwerin, LEiTEK’s employees put their thoughts and ideas on modern technologies into practice in projects.

For 25 years now, the company has been offering control solutions in the field of cryogenic liquids and hydrogen technology. It has also implemented and continues to implement automation projects in paper manufacturing, the shipbuilding industry, the chemical industry, the oil and gas sector, the food industry, and many other fields.

LEiTEK is well-connected in the region and an active member of the Open Factory Campus, a consortium of technology companies in Schwerin and the surrounding area dedicated to developing innovative new technologies.

The projects have also become increasingly extensive and complex. As a Siemens Solution Partner, LEiTEK is a certified partner of Siemens AG in several areas of automation technology, ranging from basic automation to complex control systems, drive technology, and process instrumentation, all the way to cybersecurity in OT networks.

This enables LEiTEK to offer the full range of automation and digitalization solutions for control processes—from organization and implementation in production through to service.

In its 25th year of existence, it was time to secure the company’s future viability, and so the two founders and managing partners handed the baton over to Ms. Andrea Petersohn as the new managing partner effective January 1, 2025. This lays the foundation for continuing the success story into the next generation. Both founders continue to contribute their extensive experience and contacts to the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring a smooth transition for employees and customers.

Today, a new business pillar is being developed in collaboration with Rheinmetall Electronics. In the field of maritime simulation, ship handling simulators are being developed for nautical training in both the civilian and military sectors.

Training also plays a major role at LEiTEK. Currently, four apprentices and two dual-track students are being trained in the fields of IT and automation. The training of in-house specialists was initiated by the former managing directors as an internal strategic priority, which will be maintained in the future.

The generational transition is complete, and LEiTEK is ready for another 25 years!

Since its founding 25 years ago, both the number of employees and annual revenue have grown steadily. With over 30 employees, LEiTEK is now a solid employer.