Hella automotive lighting and electronic components

Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA is a German automotive parts supplier specializing in lighting and electronic components for the automotive industry. Founded in 1899 by Sally Windmüller as Westfälische Metall-Industrie Aktien-Gesellschaft, the company initially produced ball horns, candles, and kerosene lamps for carriages. The brand name 'Hella' was introduced in 1908 for acetylene headlights, likely honoring Windmüller's wife, Helen, and playing on the German word 'heller,' meaning 'brighter.' Over the years, Hella has expanded its product range to include headlamps, rear combination lamps, and various car body and interior lighting solutions. In 2022, Hella merged with French automotive supplier Faurecia to form the umbrella brand FORVIA, becoming the world's seventh-largest automotive supplier. As of 2024, Hella operates over 125 locations worldwide, employing approximately 37,500 people and generating €8.1 billion in sales.