The Transline story
Who we are – and where we were more than 35 years ago
Wherever the future takes us, we’ll be right there, translating large volumes of text in the shortest possible time. Transline has come a long way: from handcrafted translations with a typewriter and a network cable snaking through the garden, through to becoming today’s “hidden champion”.
And the world has changed, too: Alexa, Amazon’s digital assistant, answers questions intelligently in many different languages. The online shopping generation now orders almost everything over the Internet, from around the globe. And translators from Transline are at the core of it all.
1974 – 1980
One-fingered typing on the good old typewriter
Starting out by translating documents alongside his engineering studies, typing them on paper with his portable typewriter, translation turns into Wolfgang Sturz’s major hobby. Holding German citizenship and a Dutch high-school diploma, he grew up in Suriname and speaks several languages. This is how he supports his young family, along with his wife who is also bilingual.
1981 – 1982
Enter: the first PC
The young couple, pioneers in their field, invest in their first PC with type-wheel printer, costing a whopping 30,000 Deutsche Mark. They transmit their translations as data files using an acoustic coupler over an analogue telephone line. The network of languages, a pool of freelance translators, starts to take shape.
1985
Researching, translating, interpreting
Parallel to his business, the technically minded, now qualified engineer researches the ins and outs of automation with industrial robots. In addition, he also passes the state exam as a translator and interpreter. In the meantime, Edith Sturz builds the administrative side of the business and its network. Wolfgang Sturz graduates with a PhD in Engineering.
1986
Sindelfingen: high quality and consistent processes
Wolfgang Sturz says goodbye to the field of mechanical engineering and the couple found their own company for technical and scientific translations in Sindelfingen: “Dr. Sturz – technische und wissenschaftliche Fachübersetzungen”. Amongst many other investments, they buy their first fax machine, which costs 12,000 DEM. They're convinced: To earn money from translating, you need to offer exceptional quality, effective processes and punctual deliveries. This approach proves key to their success.
1990
The first employee – the company grows
There is a distinct lack of technical editors who can explain complex devices so they're easy to understand. Sturz therefore initiates a seminar series for design engineers in Stuttgart, together with the VDE, the Association of German Engineers. He coaches them in translation-oriented authoring of operating instructions. This unexpectedly leads to a base of loyal customers, and the first employee is hired. Translation memories make their entrance – with Trados, one of the first tools for computer-assisted translation, still in a DOS version back then.
1992 – 1993
Chats and e-mails – the future begins
CompuServe revolutionises communication: dial-up, chatting, e-mailing and transmitting translation data using up- and downloads. The monthly telephone bill: 8,000 DEM, or more. Nothing's quite Internet-based yet, but it's a big step forward. The start-up has been successfully launched – and Edith Sturz, the co-founder, fulfils her childhood dream: she starts and graduates from her medical studies and subsequently founds her own general practice.
1995
Reutlingen: a network cable in the garden
The company, which has since relocated to Reutlingen, is set up for growth – housed in one, later two adjoining self-contained units. A bathroom serves as the server room and needs to be specially air-conditioned. The two units are networked via a cable that runs through the garden.
1993 – 1998
Successful launch of innovative project management
The company takes on a new name, Transline, and Transware replaces the first administrative system, dBase, programmed by Wolfgang Sturz himself. Large volumes of data can now be handled better and faster. Numerous company relationships are established during this time, many of which still exist today. The first website goes live at transline.de.
1999
Transline becomes established and expands
Transline moves to its new location in Reutlingen’s Laisen commercial and industrial area. The company is well-known in the industry and has 40 employees. Transline exhibits at the Online Help Conference Europe in London, travelling by car via Luxembourg. Petrol receipts are in DEM, LUF, FFR and GBP.
2002 – 2003
People and software communicate with each other
Anniversary: The Transline office in Strasbourg, in the Alsace region, celebrates its fifth birthday. Starting a partnership with Across creates a win-win situation: data transmission to customers and translators is automated and the new workflow components with Across functionalities are managed and controlled via Transware. People and software communicate.
2006 – 2007
Expanded presence and a proud team
Transline expands further, with patent translation at the Saxony office and a new office in Cologne. IT-based development also gathers speed. The company has always been process-oriented in planning and managing its translation business, but this is now greatly intensified. The team is proud of its 20 years of progress and celebrates accordingly.
2009
Emerging unscathed from the global recession
Transline continues to expand its range of services for customers. Its tailored approach and individual service are a success. But the financial crisis and associated downturn cause concern. The mechanical and automotive engineering industries are struggling. Thanks to its broad market presence, Transline remains in an excellent position: the construction industry is doing well, and the translation demand in this sector increases steadily.
2012
Complex tool for terminology
Transline has made a name for itself in all areas of language management, not just in translation services. Its terminology tool “Termflow”, developed in-house, creates company-specific terminology from numerous translation projects and even more Excel lists. Always dedicated to quality – and the customer.
2014
On the way to becoming a “hidden champion”
Sturz wants to ensure long-term succession and safeguard the company, for the sake of customers and employees. An era with significantly different momentum begins with the entry of Lead Equities GmbH, based in Vienna, and the founding of the Transline Group. The family-owned business becomes a management-led medium-sized business.
2015
Transline effectively reaches 93% of the world’s population
Transline is now one of the largest language service providers in Germany. 70 employees manage translation and localisation projects for more than 160 local markets. They effectively reach 93% of the world’s population – working with 5,000 native speakers across the world.
2016
The magic number: 100 employees
The Transline Group acquires the technical translation team from KE-Communication, also located in Reutlingen, and in the process gains new customers and excellent linguists. The number of employees increases to 100. Every day, more than 200 translators are hard at work around the globe for Transline’s customers.
2017
Katja Schabert takes over operational management
Katja Schabert takes over operational management of the company; before joining Transline she established a translation company in Beijing. Wolfgang Sturz steps back from business operations and becomes the CEO of the Transline Gruppe GmbH holding company. The company continues to grow. Office space in Reutlingen doubles to 1,200 square metres.
2018
Corporate culture – the heart of the company
The translation service provider Wordflow, based in Walldorf in Germany and Bologna in Italy, becomes part of the Transline Group. Wordflow specialises in translating SAP products and services. The corporate culture becomes more important than ever, with quick and effective integration of the new teams.
2019
Two new acquisitions within just a few months
Transline acquires interlanguage, based in Modena, Italy, and integrates it with its Wordflow Italy subsidiary in Bologna.
medax, a specialist in medical and pharmaceutical translations based in Olching, near Munich, also becomes part of the Transline Group.
2020
Healthy business – despite Corona.
The pandemic has the world firmly in its grasp – and is driving the pace of change. Within two weeks, Transline introduces mobile working for all employees. Meetings, agreements and trade fairs are now digital. Since the workflows were already automated beforehand, all company processes run solidly. In the background, Transline is updating its IT infrastructure.
Machine learning, smart robots and intelligent navigation: TBlue, the successor to dBase and Transware, is coming soon. TBlue by Transline – programmed today and soon going live, controls all relevant workflows for translation.
Despite the crisis, there are many new hires. And WirtschaftsWoche names Transline Germany's “Best SME service provider” when it comes to languages.
Today
35 years of Transline – 2021 is dedicated to quality and innovation
Transline is celebrating its anniversary. And looks back on many successes. Above all, however, the focus is on the future – a future that the company is actively shaping. One example is the TBlue® rollout: More and more Transline clients use the digital platform to simplify commissioning and monitoring of their translation projects.
Machine translation with post-editing is also increasingly finding its way into client projects. The MT feasibility study is one of the company's most requested services. And the new Visual Review tool makes everyday work easier for editors and reviewers at the customer.
Tomorrow
New work – artificial intelligence – sustainability
Mobile working has become the standard. While almost all employees are working from home, Transline is modernising its on-site working environment. The new offices offer flexible working areas with individual open spaces and quiet zones.
Additionally, the Transline developers are expanding and further improving the TBlue® customer platform. Functions such as key figures, query and terminology management, as well as Visual Review, save time and ensure high quality.
We are committed. Now and in the future. Sustainability and zero carbon emissions are close to our hearts. We actively engage and participate.
Tomorrow
New work – artificial intelligence – sustainability
Mobile working has become the standard. While almost all employees are working from home, Transline is modernising its on-site working environment. The new offices offer flexible working areas with individual open spaces and quiet zones.
Additionally, the Transline developers are expanding and further improving the TBlue® customer platform. Functions such as key figures, query and terminology management, as well as Visual Review, save time and ensure high quality.
We are committed. Now and in the future. Sustainability and zero carbon emissions are close to our hearts. We actively engage and participate.
Today
35 years of Transline – 2021 is dedicated to quality and innovation
Transline is celebrating its anniversary. And looks back on many successes. Above all, however, the focus is on the future – a future that the company is actively shaping. One example is the TBlue® rollout: More and more Transline clients use the digital platform to simplify commissioning and monitoring of their translation projects.
Machine translation with post-editing is also increasingly finding its way into client projects. The MT feasibility study is one of the company's most requested services. And the new Visual Review tool makes everyday work easier for editors and reviewers at the customer.
2020
Healthy business – despite Corona.
The pandemic has the world firmly in its grasp – and is driving the pace of change. Within two weeks, Transline introduces mobile working for all employees. Meetings, agreements and trade fairs are now digital. Since the workflows were already automated beforehand, all company processes run solidly. In the background, Transline is updating its IT infrastructure.
Machine learning, smart robots and intelligent navigation: TBlue, the successor to dBase and Transware, is coming soon. TBlue by Transline – programmed today and soon going live, controls all relevant workflows for translation.
Despite the crisis, there are many new hires. And WirtschaftsWoche names Transline Germany's “Best SME service provider” when it comes to languages.
2019
Two new acquisitions within just a few months
Transline acquires interlanguage, based in Modena, Italy, and integrates it with its Wordflow Italy subsidiary in Bologna.
medax, a specialist in medical and pharmaceutical translations based in Olching, near Munich, also becomes part of the Transline Group.
2018
Corporate culture – the heart of the company
The translation service provider Wordflow, based in Walldorf in Germany and Bologna in Italy, becomes part of the Transline Group. Wordflow specialises in translating SAP products and services. The corporate culture becomes more important than ever, with quick and effective integration of the new teams.
2017
Katja Schabert takes over operational management
Katja Schabert takes over operational management of the company; before joining Transline she established a translation company in Beijing. Wolfgang Sturz steps back from business operations and becomes the CEO of the Transline Gruppe GmbH holding company. The company continues to grow. Office space in Reutlingen doubles to 1,200 square metres.
2016
The magic number: 100 employees
The Transline Group acquires the technical translation team from KE-Communication, also located in Reutlingen, and in the process gains new customers and excellent linguists. The number of employees increases to 100. Every day, more than 200 translators are hard at work around the globe for Transline’s customers.
2015
Transline effectively reaches 93% of the world’s population
Transline is now one of the largest language service providers in Germany. 70 employees manage translation and localisation projects for more than 160 local markets. They effectively reach 93% of the world’s population – working with 5,000 native speakers across the world.
2014
On the way to becoming a “hidden champion”
Sturz wants to ensure long-term succession and safeguard the company, for the sake of customers and employees. An era with significantly different momentum begins with the entry of Lead Equities GmbH, based in Vienna, and the founding of the Transline Group. The family-owned business becomes a management-led medium-sized business.
2012
Complex tool for terminology
Transline has made a name for itself in all areas of language management, not just in translation services. Its terminology tool “Termflow”, developed in-house, creates company-specific terminology from numerous translation projects and even more Excel lists. Always dedicated to quality – and the customer.
2009
Emerging unscathed from the global recession
Transline continues to expand its range of services for customers. Its tailored approach and individual service are a success. But the financial crisis and associated downturn cause concern. The mechanical and automotive engineering industries are struggling. Thanks to its broad market presence, Transline remains in an excellent position: the construction industry is doing well, and the translation demand in this sector increases steadily.
2006 – 2007
Expanded presence and a proud team
Transline expands further, with patent translation at the Saxony office and a new office in Cologne. IT-based development also gathers speed. The company has always been process-oriented in planning and managing its translation business, but this is now greatly intensified. The team is proud of its 20 years of progress and celebrates accordingly.
2002 – 2003
People and software communicate with each other
Anniversary: The Transline office in Strasbourg, in the Alsace region, celebrates its fifth birthday. Starting a partnership with Across creates a win-win situation: data transmission to customers and translators is automated and the new workflow components with Across functionalities are managed and controlled via Transware. People and software communicate.
1999
Transline becomes established and expands
Transline moves to its new location in Reutlingen’s Laisen commercial and industrial area. The company is well-known in the industry and has 40 employees. Transline exhibits at the Online Help Conference Europe in London, travelling by car via Luxembourg. Petrol receipts are in DEM, LUF, FFR and GBP.
1993 – 1998
Successful launch of innovative project management
The company takes on a new name, Transline, and Transware replaces the first administrative system, dBase, programmed by Wolfgang Sturz himself. Large volumes of data can now be handled better and faster. Numerous company relationships are established during this time, many of which still exist today. The first website goes live at transline.de.
1995
Reutlingen: a network cable in the garden
The company, which has since relocated to Reutlingen, is set up for growth – housed in one, later two adjoining self-contained units. A bathroom serves as the server room and needs to be specially air-conditioned. The two units are networked via a cable that runs through the garden.
1992 – 1993
Chats and e-mails – the future begins
CompuServe revolutionises communication: dial-up, chatting, e-mailing and transmitting translation data using up- and downloads. The monthly telephone bill: 8,000 DEM, or more. Nothing's quite Internet-based yet, but it's a big step forward. The start-up has been successfully launched – and Edith Sturz, the co-founder, fulfils her childhood dream: she starts and graduates from her medical studies and subsequently founds her own general practice.
1990
The first employee – the company grows
There is a distinct lack of technical editors who can explain complex devices so they're easy to understand. Sturz therefore initiates a seminar series for design engineers in Stuttgart, together with the VDE, the Association of German Engineers. He coaches them in translation-oriented authoring of operating instructions. This unexpectedly leads to a base of loyal customers, and the first employee is hired. Translation memories make their entrance – with Trados, one of the first tools for computer-assisted translation, still in a DOS version back then.
1986
Sindelfingen: high quality and consistent processes
Wolfgang Sturz says goodbye to the field of mechanical engineering and the couple found their own company for technical and scientific translations in Sindelfingen: “Dr. Sturz – technische und wissenschaftliche Fachübersetzungen”. Amongst many other investments, they buy their first fax machine, which costs 12,000 DEM. They're convinced: To earn money from translating, you need to offer exceptional quality, effective processes and punctual deliveries. This approach proves key to their success.
1985
Researching, translating, interpreting
Parallel to his business, the technically minded, now qualified engineer researches the ins and outs of automation with industrial robots. In addition, he also passes the state exam as a translator and interpreter. In the meantime, Edith Sturz builds the administrative side of the business and its network. Wolfgang Sturz graduates with a PhD in Engineering.
1981 – 1982
Enter: the first PC
The young couple, pioneers in their field, invest in their first PC with type-wheel printer, costing a whopping 30,000 Deutsche Mark. They transmit their translations as data files using an acoustic coupler over an analogue telephone line. The network of languages, a pool of freelance translators, starts to take shape.
1974 – 1980
One-fingered typing on the good old typewriter
Starting out by translating documents alongside his engineering studies, typing them on paper with his portable typewriter, translation turns into Wolfgang Sturz’s major hobby. Holding German citizenship and a Dutch high-school diploma, he grew up in Suriname and speaks several languages. This is how he supports his young family, along with his wife who is also bilingual.