From Schmocker to MOBADRIVE – our company history
The history of Schmocker Elektronische Steuerungen began in 1978 in the modest home of Theo Schmocker in Wyssachen, a small town in the Oberaargau region.
What started as a one-man operation was not an attempt to grow as quickly as possible, but rather the answer to a specific problem: industrial conveyor technology lacked affordable, easy-to-use controls for vibration systems.
Theo Schmocker, a trained electronics technician, recognized the market need through direct conversations with customers from the mechanical engineering and watchmaking industries. The available solutions were often oversized or impractical. Consequently, he began developing the first control systems on his own—initially as simple printed circuit boards that customers integrated into their own systems.
Craftsmanship, Common Sense, and a Dose of Curiosity
What began in the home workshop grew slowly but steadily. Theo Schmocker was supported by his wife and sister-in-law, who assembled cables, prepared components, and soldered circuit boards by hand. This is how a small family business was born, characterized by manual skill, pragmatism, and trust.
Due to increasing order volumes, the company moved to Eriswil in 1986—into a former knitting factory that was converted into the new company headquarters and offered significantly more space. The staff was also gradually increased, reaching seven employees at peak times. What may seem like a small number was compensated for by a high degree of continuity and personal commitment. This strong sense of belonging created a unique working atmosphere and helped to retain valuable technical expertise within the company over the long term.
In this familial atmosphere, development and production were not the only activities; life was shared together—for example, during the daily morning break with fresh pastries from the local bakery and coffee.
Stable Through Change
Even times of crisis were weathered—such as the economic crisis of 2008/09, during which the company acted with sound judgment and consideration despite a decline in orders. Instead of short-term layoffs, priority was given to respectful solutions. Throughout the years, the company remained technically consistent without being driven by short-term trends.
Products were continuously refined with the goal of making existing solutions better, rather than constantly creating something new. The reliability and robustness of Schmocker products continue to be valued by customers to this day.
A New Chapter
Theo Schmocker passed away in 2018. As there was no direct successor for the company management, the Moser-Baer Group took over responsibility for the continued existence of Schmocker in 2021. Even as the brand undergoes transformation, its values, its commitment to quality, and its relationship with customers remain unchanged.
The development of new control systems has been carried out under the name MOBADRIVE since 2025, yet the origins remain palpable: in the way problems are solved, how technology is understood, and how people are treated.
News
In our News section, we keep you informed about all important developments concerning MOBADRIVE: from product innovations and technical advancements to company updates, events, and international trade fairs.
