From a Jena-based spin-off to a globally sought-after test and inspection specialist.
In May 2026, GÖPEL electronics celebrates its 35th anniversary. Founded in 1991 as a spin-off of Carl Zeiss Jena Measurement and Testing Technology, the company continuously evolves and is now one of the world’s leading providers of innovative test and inspection systems, with approximately 240 employees as well as locations and partners in more than 25 countries.
GÖPEL electronic was founded as a family business by Holger Göpel, Thomas Wenzel, and Manfred Schneider. To this day, this family-oriented character shapes the corporate culture. With Alice Göpel, Jörg Schneider, and Ricardo Wenzel, the next generation is now also actively involving in management and leadership roles. With annual revenue exceeding 40 million euros, GÖPEL electronic is now one of Thuringia’s leading medium-size technology companies.
A central component of the corporate strategy is consistent investment in research and development. Approximately one-quarter of annual revenue is invested in new technologies, products, and innovations. In doing so, the company lays the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness each year. In addition to innovative inspection systems for electronics manufacturing, GÖPEL electronics’s core competencies include electrical test systems based on embedded JTAG and boundary scan, as well as test solutions specifically for the automotive sector.
As early as 2002, the company’s individual test platforms became the de facto standard in the European automotive industry. Worldwide, the AOI systems of the Basic Line, Vario Line, and Multi Line series ensure the highest quality in electronics manufacturing and production lines. In the field of boundary scan, GÖPEL electronic is also internationally known as a leading provider of complex solutions and their seamless integration into existing test environments.
At the same time, GÖPEL electronics is increasingly expanding into new industries. Test solutions for the medical, avionics, security technology, and industrial manufacturing sectors complement the portfolio for the automotive and electronics industries. In the field of inspection systems, the manufacturer is setting new standards this year with its new Multi Line AXI X-ray system, which is based on the new ASPECT technology, and opens up expanded possibilities for the inspection of electronic assemblies. In the Embedded JTAG sector as well, the focus is on innovative software solutions and new models that enable an unprecedented level of test depth in boundary scan. The systems are complemented by modern AI-supported functions that further simplify operation and analysis processes.
“35 years of GÖPEL electronics stand for innovative strength, reliability, and sustainable growth,” explains Alice Göpel, Managing Director of GÖPEL electronics. “We are proud to continue writing the success story of our family business together with our employees, customers, and partners. Many of our current solutions have emerged directly from our customers’ requirements. Together, we develop technologies that solve today’s challenges and help shape the future of electronics manufacturing.”
About GÖPEL electronic
GÖPEL electronic develops and manufactures innovative electrical and optical test, measurement, and inspection equipment for electronic components and printed circuit board assemblies, as well as industrial and automotive electronics systems. GÖPEL electronic has four business units:
- Automotive Test Solutions
- Embedded JTAG Solutions
- Inspection Solutions AOI-AXI-SPI-IVS
- Industrial Function Test
The company is active worldwide, with its own subsidiaries as well as through distributors, and generated sales of approximately 40 million euros in 2023 with 240 employees. For further information, visit www.goepel.com/en.
