01.01.2026

On 1 January 2026, Meister Automation GmbH of Wertheim will take over Knittel Elektrotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, a company based in Marktheidenfeld with seven employees.

Meister Automation GmbH, based in Wertheim, has been developing bespoke, cross-sector electronic solutions in the fields of industrial and process technology since 1988. The integration of Knittel Elektrotechnik GmbH & Co. KG on 1 January 2026 will expand the company’s existing range of services in automation technology and preventive fire protection to include electrical installations and network technology. The takeover also secures seven jobs in the region.

The electronics company Elektro Knittel, founded in 1969 by Christian Knittel, started out in a garage in Marktheidenfeld. Rainer Behl, the current owner of the company, has been working there since completing his apprenticeship as an electrician and subsequently passing his master craftsman’s examination. In 1997, he took over the company from Mr Knittel as part of a generational succession. Mr Knittel himself remained with the company as a master craftsman until his retirement. Since 2015, the successful firm has operated under the name Elektro Knittel GmbH & Co. KG.

As it is currently not possible to continue the business within the family or internally, Mr Behl sought a suitable partner to ensure the company’s continued existence and the ongoing support of its customers. Michael Oleynik, Managing Director of Meister Automation GmbH, and Rainer Behl have known each other for several years. As the companies’ activities overlap in some areas, or at the very least complement each other very well, the two quickly found common ground. The takeover has been in preparation for a year.

“I am delighted that Meister Automation is taking over our company, ‘man and machine’. I too will remain on as an employee for a few more years to pass on my expertise and contribute to the integration into Meister Automation,” explains Rainer Behl.

Michael Oleynik adds: “Everyone involved benefits from the takeover. We are offering all seven employees of Elektro Knittel GmbH & Co. KG secure, permanent employment. Furthermore, we can expand our portfolio and strengthen our presence. All existing services will remain fully available to Knittel Elektrotechnik’s business customers.”

The current premises of Elektro Knittel GmbH & Co. KG will be closed, and the entire company will move to the Meister Automation GmbH site in Wertheim. The new location offers larger workshop and storage areas, as well as a modern logistics and service area.

As a result of the integration, Meister Automation will have significantly more skilled staff at its disposal in future, from which all technical departments will benefit. The employees of both companies possess core competencies that complement each other perfectly. With additional roles for electricians, fire protection engineers, planners and project managers, capacity for concurrent large-scale projects in installation, automation and fire protection will increase.

“We are delighted that this acquisition enables us to position ourselves as a high-performing full-service partner that combines electrical infrastructure, automation and fire protection in a seamless solution. All customers – both ours and those of Elektro Knittel – will benefit, and we are securing further avenues for growth in the future,” concludes Michael Oleynik.