Committed
to the Future
From Simulation to Success
The CADFEM Group is a network of companies that evolved from what is now CADFEM Germany GmbH. Our core business is simulation: We are one of the leading, globally connected providers of simulation solutions for product development. At the same time, we closely monitor industry trends to promote and actively develop forward-looking technologies through collaborative partnerships. In addition, we support emerging startups that share our values. Through all these activities, we identify opportunities, make targeted investments, and drive sustainable growth.
Today, the family-run CADFEM Group comprises more than 25 companies with over 750 employees in more than 30 countries. We give people the opportunity to realize their potential through their ideas—whether as part of our team or through their own companies. In this way, we help create and secure jobs while contributing to the success of the communities in which we operate. This is how we live up to our corporate philosophy of “think globally, act locally” — both locally and around the world.
Fueled by
Enthusiasm
We are passionate about what we do: open-minded, confident even in stressful situations, and always connected to the people around us. We create an atmosphere that provides room for growth — both personally and professionally.
Driven by
Will
Inner strength unites us: we act professionally, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and work together reliably. Together, we move forward with courage, securing a decisive edge through conviction and foresight.
Grounded in
Expertise
We have in-depth expertise, built on over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience. We think ahead, take action, and strive to develop solutions that stand the test of time.
From Startup to Innovative Network
When Günter Müller founded CADFEM in 1985, he brought with him in-depth expertise in the finite element method (FEM) from Stuttgart and Berkeley, both recognized internationally for their expertise in FEM. The pioneers of simulation technology – such as Leibniz, Newton, and Courant – continue to shape the company to this day: They even served as the inspiration for the conference rooms at the Grafing headquarters, which opened in 2022. The largest room is named after John Swanson, the founder of Ansys. Müller and Swanson met in the early 1980s and shared a passion for FEM, which ultimately led to the founding of CADFEM in 1985.
Forty years after CADFEM was founded, the former “startup” has evolved into a globally active, successful group of companies in the field of digital engineering. Simulation has fundamentally revolutionized the way products are developed today. Simulation-based digital engineering is now one of the drivers of innovation: as progressive as it is enduring. A passion for technology, unwavering determination, and in-depth expertise have guided us from the very beginning – a philosophy to which we, as a family-owned company, have remained true to this day.
First Ansys International Conference
Dr. John Swanson, the inventor of Ansys, hosted the first Ansys International Conference in Pittsburgh in 1983. Until then, there were only seven support representatives in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Günter Müller, founder of CADFEM, had been among these early pioneers of the digital transformation in engineering since May 1982.
Connected to Each Other from the Very Beginning
Trust and a deep sense of being able to rely on one another form the foundation of any successful collaboration. Such a bond also exists between Günter and Margareta Müller and Sue Batt and John Swanson of SASI, the company that later became Ansys: Here they are, working together as friends and business partners.
Successful for Generations
All national CADFEM associations are affiliated with CADFEM International GmbH, which was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Grafing. In addition, there are Ansys sales partners in Eastern and Southeastern Europe: INAS, MESco, SVSFEM, and SimTech. The CADFEM Group remains a family-owned business, with Christoph Müller serving as CEO.
Building
the Future
Our Memberships & Partnerships
We are in constant communication with our partners in business and academia. In this way, we help shape the practical standards of tomorrow, and through our collaboration with universities, we are closely involved in research – and the developments of the day after tomorrow.
