About BZT Maschinenbau
Family business with 30+ years of machining expertise. BZT Maschinenbau GmbH founded in 2006, first BZT CNC portal milling machine since 2005 — German engineering excellence and uncompromising quality.
The Company
BZT Maschinenbau GmbH is an owner-managed German manufacturer of CNC portal milling machines based in Leopoldshöhe near Bielefeld (North Rhine-Westphalia). The company was founded by the Bothur family: Günther Bothur established a machining technology firm in the 1990s, and his son André Bothur developed the first in-house CNC portal milling machine in 2005. After more than 500 successfully delivered machines, BZT Maschinenbau GmbH was officially incorporated in 2006.
Today, BZT employs over 40 people and has delivered more than 4,100 CNC machines to 62 countries worldwide. All machines are manufactured entirely in-house in Germany — from engineering and design through machining, assembly, and final quality inspection.
Company History: From Workshop to International Manufacturer
The story of BZT begins in the 1990s, when Günther Bothur built a machining technology company in Leopoldshöhe. His son André Bothur recognized early on the potential of computer-controlled milling machines for trades and small-to-medium enterprises. In 2005, he designed the first prototype of a CNC portal milling machine — optimized for the needs of carpentry workshops, model makers, and small-batch manufacturers.
After delivering more than 500 machines within the first year, BZT Maschinenbau GmbH was founded in 2006. Since then, the company has continued to grow steadily:
- 2005: Development of the first BZT CNC portal milling machine
- 2006: Incorporation of BZT Maschinenbau GmbH in Leopoldshöhe
- 2010: Expansion to 15 machine series for different applications
- 2015: Internationalization with customers in over 40 countries
- 2020: Milestone: 3,000 CNC machines delivered worldwide
- 2024: Over 4,100 machines in 62 countries, more than 40 employees
In-House Manufacturing in Germany
BZT manufactures all machine components in its own production facility. The depth of manufacturing covers CNC milling, CNC turning, grinding, welding, and assembly. For maximum precision, BZT exclusively uses premium components from renowned suppliers:
- Bosch Rexroth — Linear guides and ball screws
- Festo — Pneumatic components for tool changers and clamping systems
- Sick — Sensors and safety technology
- Igus — Energy chains and plain bearings
Thanks to in-house manufacturing, BZT can individually configure every machine — from custom travel ranges and workholding solutions to integrated dust extraction systems. This flexibility sets BZT apart from suppliers relying on mass production in Asia.
"We don't build off-the-shelf machines. Every BZT milling machine is tailored to the customer's requirements — that has been our commitment for over 30 years."
Over 120 Machine Variants
The BZT product range encompasses over 120 machine variants across 15 series — from compact entry-level machines for hobbyists and education to large-scale industrial portal machines for series production. A detailed comparison of all series is available on our Series Comparison page.
Application Areas
- Model making and prototyping (wood, plastics, foam)
- Sign making and advertising technology (acrylic, Dibond, aluminum)
- Orthopedic and medical technology (prosthetics, insoles)
- Aerospace (carbon fiber, GRP, CFRP sandwich panels)
- Packaging industry (die-cutting tools, prototypes)
- Metalworking and mechanical engineering (aluminum, steel, brass)
- Education and research (universities, technical colleges, vocational schools)
Quality Assurance & Durability
Quality at BZT is not just a buzzword — it is practiced every day. Every machine undergoes a multi-stage quality inspection before delivery: dimensional accuracy checks of all milled components, functional testing of all axes and drives, and a full test run under load. Only when all parameters meet BZT standards is the machine approved for shipping.
The exclusive use of high-quality brand-name components — Bosch Rexroth linear guides, Festo pneumatics, Sick sensors — ensures that BZT machines operate reliably for years. Many BZT customers have been running their machines in daily operation for over 10 years.
Deployed Worldwide
BZT machines are in use around the globe. Beyond the core markets of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, BZT supplies customers across Europe, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, North America, and the Middle East. International shipping is handled by freight carriers on pallets — either curbside delivery or with on-site installation at the customer's premises.
International customers include universities, research institutes, aerospace companies, orthopedic workshops, and industrial enterprises from a wide range of industries. An overview of customer testimonials and reference projects is available on our References page.
Consulting, Service & Support
BZT offers personal consulting from its own CNC experts — by phone, email, or on-site at the showroom in Leopoldshöhe. Customers can view machines in person, carry out test cuts, and receive individual advice.
- Personal consulting from experienced CNC specialists
- Showroom with demonstration machines in Leopoldshöhe
- Training and instruction (on-site or via remote support)
- Spare parts supply — including for older machine models
- Technical support by phone and remote maintenance
- Optional commissioning and on-site installation
Contact & Directions
Visit us in Leopoldshöhe or contact us for a personal consultation. Our team looks forward to your inquiry.
- Address: Westring 18, 33818 Leopoldshöhe, Germany
- Phone: +49 5202 99306-80
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
Our History
The Beginnings
Günther Bothur founds a machining technology company and establishes himself as a reliable supplier of precision components.
First Portal Milling Machine
André Bothur develops the first in-house CNC portal milling machine — laying the foundation for BZT.
BZT GmbH Founded
After more than 500 successfully delivered machines, BZT Maschinenbau GmbH is officially incorporated.
International Expansion
BZT builds an international distribution network with partners in over 20 countries.
Worldwide Market Leader
Over 4,100 machines in 62 countries, 40 employees, and continuous innovation — Made in Germany.
Made in Germany
100% development and manufacturing in Germany — for the highest quality standards.
In-House Manufacturing
All machines are built in our own workshops in Leopoldshöhe near Bielefeld.
Personal Consulting
Direct contact with our CNC experts — before, during, and after purchase.
Service & Spare Parts
Fast spare parts supply and expert service — even years after purchase.
Our Machine Series
Maximum Performance
For industrial applications with the highest demands on precision and continuous operation. Massive steel construction, Bosch Rexroth linear guides.
The Golden Middle
The all-rounder for professional users — optimal price-performance ratio for wood, plastics, and aluminum.
Compact & Powerful
Compact design with professional equipment — ideal for smaller workshops and laboratories.
The Perfect Start
The ideal entry into the CNC world — reliable, precise, and with full BZT support.
Frequently Asked Questions About BZT
Answers about our company, manufacturing, and service
Where are BZT CNC machines manufactured?
All BZT CNC portal milling machines are manufactured entirely in-house in Leopoldshöhe near Bielefeld (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany). The manufacturing depth includes CNC milling, turning, grinding, welding, and final assembly. BZT exclusively uses premium components from Bosch Rexroth, Festo, and Sick.
How long has BZT Maschinenbau been in business?
BZT's roots trace back to the 1990s, when Günther Bothur founded a machining technology company. In 2005, André Bothur developed the first in-house CNC portal milling machine. After delivering over 500 machines, BZT Maschinenbau GmbH was incorporated in 2006. Today the company has over 40 employees and has delivered more than 4,100 machines to 62 countries.
Can I visit and see a BZT machine before purchasing?
Yes, BZT offers showroom visits in Leopoldshöhe near Bielefeld. You can view machines in person, carry out test cuts, and receive personal advice from our CNC experts. Appointments can be arranged by phone at +49 5202 99306-80 or via our contact page.
What materials can BZT CNC machines process?
Depending on the series, BZT CNC portal milling machines can process: wood (solid wood, MDF, plywood), plastics (acrylic, POM, GRP, CFRP), aluminum and aluminum alloys, non-ferrous metals (brass, bronze, copper), composite materials (carbon sandwich, rigid foams), and for industrial machines also steel and titanium. An overview of all series is available on our comparison page.
Does BZT offer custom solutions and individual modifications?
Yes, thanks to in-house manufacturing in Germany, BZT can individually customize every machine: custom travel ranges, customer-specific workholding fixtures, integrated dust extraction systems, special controller interfaces, and much more. Large-scale custom portal machines (PFR and PFS series) are also part of the program. Contact us for a customized quote.