About us

What does OBE do?

Our vision

Where tradition meets innovation

As a global market leader, the OBE Group offers high-quality precision components and assemblies for eyewear, smart glasses, and the luxury market. Solutions are rapidly implemented from development to serial production through a worldwide network of sales and service centers, as well as production facilities close to our customers. The high motivation and global team spirit of our employees enable us to grow through innovative fashion and technology products. Sustainability is embedded in the OBE Group in the form of a circular economy. We aim to be CO₂-neutral by 2040.

As a global market leader, the OBE Group offers high-quality precision components and assemblies for eyewear, smart glasses, and the luxury market. Solutions are rapidly implemented from development to serial production through a worldwide network of sales and service centers, as well as production facilities close to our customers. The high motivation and global team spirit of our employees enable us to grow through innovative fashion and technology products. Sustainability is embedded in the OBE Group in the form of a circular economy. We aim to be CO₂-neutral by 2040.

Innovation leader

With numerous patents for spring hinge solutions, we are pioneers in the eyewear industry.

Global team player

Our global team and strong network are the heart of our success.

Award-winning

We have multiple certifications for environmental management, resource efficiency and quality.

Quality

We are committed to preserving and advancing our 120-year tradition of quality, reliability, and consistency.

Innovation

We continuously learn and grow, developing more efficient solutions that offer genuine progress and competitive advantages.

International

We are globally represented and strongly connected internationally to provide innovations and tailored solutions worldwide.

Sustainability

We take responsibility for our environment and its resources through a comprehensive climate strategy and resource-efficient production.

Company structure

The OBE group

Facts and figures

OBE at a glance

> 550 employees

worldwide

10 locations

worldwide

Series manufacturer

for motion articulation technology

Extensive

certifications

Sales companies in

Europe and Asia

Innovation leader with

200 patents

500,000,000

hinge components per year

2,000,000

components processed per day

> 100 million

frames with OBE components per year

1904

Foundation of a tool manufacturer for the jewelry industry

1950

Concentration on the eyewear sector

1970

Start of plastic injection technology for hinges & screws

1990

Breakthrough with titanium spring hinges

1993

Completion of the manufacturing facility in Ispringen

1995

Industry leader in MIM technology for eyewear components

1996

Foundation of the sales subsidiaries OBE Italia and OBE Hong Kong

2004

Opening of production in China

2014

Pioneer for data glasses joints

2024

Expansion of production to Italy and Vietnam

Sustainability

CO2-neutral in 2040

Traditionally ecological, future-oriented, sustainable: For over two decades, we have been actively committed to environmental protection and are striving for a CO2-neutral future.

For our exceptional environmental commitment, we have received the Resource Efficiency Award from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Technology and additionally the Environmental Technology Award from the Ministry of the Environment of Baden-Württemberg. At the same time, we are listed as one of 100 companies in Baden-Württemberg for resource efficiency.

Environmental management since 1996

  • Certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001 and EMAS since 1996
  • Seventh company in our region with EMAS certification
  • Numerous awards received for resource efficiency and circular economy

Recycling

  • 100% recycling of metal chips
  • Pure recycling according to material type
  • Production of core products with 70% recycled material
  • Complete use of recycled plastics in screw overmoulding
  • 80% reduction in waste generation since 2010

Cycle

  • Oil-based machining production in a closed circuit
  • 60% reduction in lubricant use since 2010

Energy management

  • Power supply through 100% renewable hydropower
  • Energy-efficient compressed air production systems
  • Conversion to LED technology completed
  • Implementation of heat recovery systems since 2023
  • 50% reduction in energy consumption since 2010

Water management

  • Operation of a Water treatment plant since 1995
  • Application of the latest scientific methods for galvanic water treatment
  • 65% reduction in water consumption since 2010

Materials

  • Avoidance of lead-containing materials for 30 years
  • No solvents in necessary product washing
  • Reduction of galvanic coatings through a stainless-steel program

Product development

  • Development of long-lasting quality hinges
  • Product design with clean welding technology instead of conventional soldering technology
  • Development of products that can be easily replaced mechanically and separated into pure types

Environmental management since 1996

  • Certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001 and EMAS since 1996
  • Seventh company in our region with EMAS certification
  • Numerous awards received for resource efficiency and circular economy

Recycling

  • 100% recycling of metal chips
  • Pure recycling according to material type
  • Production of core products with 70% recycled material
  • Complete use of recycled plastics in screw overmoulding
  • 80% reduction in waste generation since 2010

Cycle

  • Oil-based machining production in a closed circuit
  • 60% reduction in lubricant use since 2010

Energy management

  • Power supply through 100% renewable hydropower
  • Energy-efficient compressed air production systems
  • Conversion to LED technology completed
  • Implementation of heat recovery systems since 2023
  • 50% reduction in energy consumption since 2010

Water management

  • Operation of a Water treatment plant since 1995
  • Application of the latest scientific methods for galvanic water treatment
  • 65% reduction in water consumption since 2010

Materials

  • Avoidance of lead-containing materials for 30 years
  • No solvents in necessary product washing
  • Reduction of galvanic coatings through a stainless-steel program

Product development

  • Development of long-lasting quality hinges
  • Product design with clean welding technology instead of conventional soldering technology
  • Development of products that can be easily replaced mechanically and separated into pure types

Environmental management

In 2017, we received the certification for our environmental management system, highlighting our commitment to sustainability across all areas of the company. Our certifications under DIN ISO 9001:2015, EMAS No. 1221/2009, and DIN EN ISO 14001 demonstrate our high-quality standards and our environmental management for the development, manufacturing, and distribution of small metallic parts and assemblies.

Expertise up close

A look behind the scenes

Learn more about the varied world of our employees and the outstanding craftsmanship that brings our products to life.

Always one step ahead

News & industry insights

Latest developments, information and exciting insights into our company and the world of the eyewear industry

Explore News

Webinar Recap: Innovative Solutions for Advanced Smart Glasses
Learn more
OBE at HKOF 2024
Learn more
OBE nominated for the Silmo d’Or 2024 with “Polepower Click”
Learn more

Discover OBE

Locally rooted &
globally active

Worldwide at your service: With 550 employees across 10 locations on 2 continents. Get in touch with us. We are here to assist you with advice and support.

Germany
China
France
Hong Kong
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Vietnam
Headquarters

Discover OBE

Locally rooted &
globally active

Worldwide at your service: With 550 employees across 10 locations on 2 continents. Get in touch with us. We are here to assist you with advice and support.

Germany
China
France
Hong Kong
Italy
Japan
South Korea
Vietnam
Headquarters