J. D. Theile GmbH & Co. KG

J. D. Theile GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as JDT, is a German manufacturer of round steel chains and related accessories for the mining and industrial sectors, as well as a provider of industrial automation solutions. The company was founded in 1819 by Johann-Dietrich Theile in Schwerte, where its headquarters and production facilities remain to this day, specifically in the Villigst district. Over its long history, JDT has evolved from a network of small chain forges into a modern industrial enterprise. JDT's product portfolio includes round steel chains and conveyor chains ranging from 6 mm to 60 mm in diameter, connecting links for both industrial and mining applications, lifting chains (hook, ring, crane and offshore chains) for single and multi-leg applications, lifting points and swivel hoist rings in various designs (ball-bearing, rotating, weldable, screwable), forged lifting accessories (such as clevis, eye, automatic, skip, swivel hooks, shortening elements), and service offerings including chain inspections and training for qualified persons according to BGR 500. The company also develops robot-supported automation solutions. The company serves a wide range of industries, including general industry, mining, lashing equipment, offshore, wind power, and contract manufacturing. Its chain systems are available in grades 8, 10, and 12, meeting high demands for use and material. JDT emphasizes safety, handling, and economic efficiency in its products, supported by a high quality standard. The company holds 150 granted patents, utility models, and trademark registrations, and has participated in the development of 42 DIN standards, 16 EN standards, and 22 ISO standards. As of 2020, JDT employed approximately 240 people. The company operates 14 production halls or areas covering 40,000 square meters of production space. It remains a family-owned business, currently led by Jan-Dirk Hidding, whose family has owned the company since the early 20th century. JDT is a private limited partnership (GmbH & Co. KG) and is not publicly listed.

J. D. Theile GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1819 by Johann-Dietrich Theile, who consolidated various production sites in Schwerte, Germany. At that time, up to 180 home chain forges were employed. In the mid-19th century, the company was passed to his son, Fritz Theile. The founder's grandson, also named Fritz Theile, initiated the factory-based production of ship chains, laying the foundation for today's chain factory. In the early 20th century, Fritz Theile handed the company over to his son-in-law, Wilhelm Hidding. Wilhelm Hidding introduced the factory-based production of heavy anchor stud chains and built up manufacturing according to the technological principles of welding and heat treatment processes. Under his leadership, the company was heavily involved in the mechanization of mining. When he died in 1959, he left the company to his son, Jürgen Hidding. Under Jürgen Hidding, the company became internationally active in the 1980s. Since the early 1990s, his son, Jan-Dirk Hidding, has led the company. In 2020, the company employed approximately 240 people. Throughout its history, JDT has been a pioneer in chain technology. The company holds 150 granted patents, utility models, and trademark registrations, including the trademark F-Class (registration number 30 2008 076 257, dated 17 February 2011), patent number 103 48 491 for a round steel link chain (IPC: F16G 13/18, dated 7 July 2005), patent number 23 54 028 for a shackle (dated 24 November 1977), and patent number 908696 for a method and device for producing chains for high stress (dated 22 November 1951). JDT has also been active in standardization. Since 1975, the company has participated in the standardization committee FNA Round Steel Chains within the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). The committee is responsible for national (DIN), European (CEN), and international (ISO) standardization. JDT has contributed to 42 DIN standards, 16 EN standards, and 22 ISO standards, including EN 818-1 to 818-6 and EN 1677-1 to 1677-4, as well as mining standards DIN 22252 and DIN 22258, and steel standard DIN 17115. Today, JDT operates from its headquarters and production site in Schwerte-Villigst, with 14 production halls or areas covering 40,000 square meters. The company remains family-owned and continues to focus on quality, safety, and innovation in chain systems, lifting equipment, and industrial automation.

• 2020

  Company employs approximately 240 people.

• 2011

  Trademark F-Class registered (registration number 30 2008 076 257).

• 2005

  Patent granted for a round steel link chain (patent number 103 48 491).

• 1990

  Jan-Dirk Hidding takes over leadership of the company.

• 1980

  Under Jürgen Hidding, the company becomes internationally active.

• 1977

  Patent granted for a shackle (patent number 23 54 028).

• 1975

  JDT begins participation in the standardization committee FNA Round Steel Chains within DIN.

• 1959

  Wilhelm Hidding dies; his son Jürgen Hidding takes over the company.

• 1951

  Patent granted for method and device for producing chains for high stress (patent number 908696).

• 1819

  Johann-Dietrich Theile consolidates various production sites in Schwerte and founds the company.

High-quality, safety-focused manufacturer of chain systems and lifting equipment for demanding industrial and mining applications, with a long tradition and in-house automation capabilities.

• Round steel chains

  Chains from 6 mm to 60 mm diameter, available in grades 8, 10, and 12.

• Conveyor chains

  Chains for conveyor applications in mining and industry.

• Connecting links

  Flat and block shackles for industrial and mining applications.

• Lifting chains

  Hook, ring, crane, and offshore chains for single and multi-leg applications.

• Lifting points and swivel hoist rings

  Ball-bearing, rotating, weldable, and screwable designs.

• Forged lifting accessories

  Clevis, eye, automatic, skip, swivel hooks, and shortening elements.

• Chain inspection services

  Mobile product inspection and training for qualified persons according to BGR 500.

• Industrial automation solutions

  Robot-supported automation solutions for economical manufacturing.

1. 1IHRE BRANCHE UNSERE KETTEN - J.D. Theile GmbH & Co. KGjdt.de
2. 2Über uns - J.D. Theile GmbH & Co. KGjdt.de
3. 3J. D. Theile - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
4. 4J. D. Theile - Wikidatawikidata.org