History

Medical technology since 1851

Erbe was founded in 1851 in Tuebingen, Germany. In the 5th generation, the family-owned company develops, produces and sells systems for electrosurgery, vessel sealing, argon plasma coagulation, cryo technology and hydrosurgery. Erbe is considered a pioneer in electrosurgery, a technology that utilizes high-frequency currents in order to cut through, coagulate or devitalize tissue, or to seal blood vessels.

When precision mechanic Christian Heinrich Erbe returned to Tübingen in 1848, Germany was facing political and economic uncertainty. While many of his contemporaries chose to emigrate, he decided to build his future in his hometown. On October 1, 1851, he opened his own workshop at the Holzmarkt in Tübingen.

Thanks to his training as a precision mechanic and his uncompromising commitment to quality, he quickly earned the trust of renowned university professors. Working closely with the surgeon Victor von Bruns, he developed innovative medical instruments. In addition to manufacturing his own products, Erbe also traded in optical and medical technology equipment.

By combining craftsmanship, technical expertise and close collaboration with the University of Tübingen, Christian Heinrich Erbe not only laid the foundation for today's company but also established a long-standing tradition of partnership between science, research and innovation.

As early as the 1920s, Erbe developed one of the first electrosurgical units for use in the operating room, playing a key role in shaping modern electrosurgery. In 1980, the company achieved another technological milestone with the launch of the Erbotom TUR, the world's first microprocessor-controlled electrosurgical unit.

Today, Erbe's technology portfolio includes electrosurgery, vessel sealing, argon plasma coagulation, hydro surgery and cryotechnology. Erbe systems and instruments are used worldwide in surgery and endoscopy, including gastroenterology, urology, gynecology and pulmonology.

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As electrosurgical procedures became increasingly established around the world during the second half of the twentieth century, Erbe systematically expanded its international presence. What began with the export of medical systems gradually evolved into a global network of sales and service subsidiaries, followed by production and development sites.

This international expansion enables Erbe to provide customers around the world with closer support, faster technical service and comprehensive training while responding more effectively to regional market requirements. With operations in more than 20 countries, the company can react quickly to medical advances, regulatory developments and emerging technology trends.

Today, Erbe's international locations work closely with the headquarters in Tübingen, forming a global network for research and development, manufacturing, sales and service.

What began with the inventive spirit of a skilled craftsman has grown into a globally connected innovation network built on research, fundamental development and close collaboration.

For more than 175 years, Erbe has been shaping medical technology—from the early days of electrosurgery to today's intelligent, connected system solutions for clinical practice.

At Erbe, innovation goes far beyond individual inventions. It is driven by continuous dialogue with healthcare professionals and close cooperation with universities and research institutions around the world. Sustained investment in research and fundamental development—consistently above the industry average—provides the foundation for this progress.

Because innovation does not happen by chance. It is the result of inquisitiveness, commitment, collaboration and a shared responsibility to continuously improve patient care.

In 2025, Erbe began realigning its global organization with a clear objective: to strengthen customer centricity and transparency across all regions. By bringing our organization closer to our customers and establishing clearer structures and responsibilities, we aim to better understand local market needs, foster collaboration, and provide more effective support worldwide.

Our global organization is structured into four major regions:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Asia Pacific
  • Europe, Middle East & Africa

This new structure strengthens the Erbe Group's international presence and creates the foundation for continued global growth.

At the same time, the Erbe Group is further expanding its global footprint by strengthening production, research and development, service, and logistics capabilities across multiple countries, increasing resilience and reducing risk throughout its value chain.

In addition, the Group is broadening its technology portfolio by expanding its Optical Technologies division and establishing a dedicated competence center to drive future innovation and growth in this field.

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Leadership accross generations

Christian Heinrich Erbe

1821–1902

The founder

He built up and established the family business. He was a strong advocate for the city, the university, and the citizens of Tübingen.

Christian Gottlieb Erbe

1855–1907

The pioneer

He significantly expanded the business, advanced the field of electromedicine, and developed new ideas.

Pauline Erbe

1857–1933


The court purveyor

A successful business leader in turbulent times. One of the first women to head a company.

Otto Erbe

1884–1965

The Strategist


Under his leadership, Erbe became a brand. Through improvisation and skillful negotiation, he succeeded in relaunching the company after the war.

Helmut Erbe

1928–2023

The global player


He expanded the brand internationally and transformed the artisan workshop into a modern company.

Christian O. Erbe

1961

The visionary

Drives internationalization forward. Expands the group from a manufacturer to a provider of comprehensive solutions, focusing on the growth of the Erbe Academy.

Insights into the five generations

1st generation - 175 Years Erbe
2nd generation - 175 Years Erbe
3rd generation - 175 Years Erbe
4th generation - 175 Years Erbe
5th generation - 175 Years Erbe