5 | UM-BS-EN-A3
MY WOODWAY:
ARRIVED:
WOODWAY History
WOODWAY’s history begins in Germany in 1974. Willi Schoenberger, a technical director in charge of
planning a fitness center, noticed that the most important piece of
equipment, the treadmill, didn’t meet
the most important requirements: a mechanically sound machine that is designed to meet human needs.
He envisioned a comfortable walking surface that didn’t interfere with the natural biomechanics of
running or walking. Also, he wanted a transportation system which eliminated the friction associated
with conventional conveyor-belt treadmills. After intensive research, and trial and error (and in
cooperation with the Deutsche Sporthochschule in Cologne, Germany), Willi developed and patented a
very unique and revolutionary treadmill design.
In 1975, WOODWAY GmbH was founded in Weil am Rhein, Germany. The name “WOODWAY” is derived
from the German “Waldweg” (“Wald” = wood and “Weg”= way), the feel of running on a soft pine n
eedle
covered path in the forest.
In 1983, a manufacturing license was awarded to Sakai Medical, for the use of WOODWAY technology
in the Japanese marketplace.
In 1988, a U.S. license was granted to a small, well-established manufacturing company in Waukesha,
Wisconsin. WOODWAY USA was formed when the U.S. incarnation of the WOODWAY was developed
and completed in 1990. WOODWAY USA is proud to be the primary manufacturer of WOODWAY
Treadmills worldwide, exporting treadmills for international distribution, in addition to serving our
domestic customers and clients.
Today, WOODWAY’s design and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, and Japan make
WOODWAY the largest specialized treadmill manufacturer in the world. Constant enhancements in
quality, design, and function are shared and implemented by all three WOODWAY manufacturers.
As WOODWAY moves forward, attention to product quality, innovation, and customer service are at
the forefront of our efforts. Along with our treadmills, other products, services, and strategic
relationships are being developed so as to keep WOODWAY on the leading edge as we meet fitness
training, testing, and rehabilitation needs.
