The city of Heidenheim has a long history of industrial development which is the main reason for its reputation as modern industrial location of international standing.

Industrial development started in the middle of the 19th century with the invention of the paper grinder by Heinrich Voelter and Johann Matthäus Voith. It was the start of the paper and textile industries in Heidenheim. At the beginning of the past century, the companies Hartmann, Ploucquet and Erhard- Waldenmaier were founded. Around the turn of the century, Schwenk, an important cement producer and Edelmann, a leading company in the packaging industry, followed and shortly after World War II, Siemens set up a plant in Heidenheim.

A variety of medium-sized companies, especially in the manufacturing sector, form a balanced and stable structure of industries of different sizes. In 1987, Heidenheim had more than  460 companies with almost 16,000 employees in the manufacturing industry.

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Ostwürttemberg has its seat in Heidenheim. It is a self-administrational organ of trade and industry.