From 1924 Until Today
The remarkable history of STIEBEL ELTRON's success begins with the invention and production of the first coil immersion heater in a backyard workshop in Berlin in 1924. Inspired by this feat, the company has adhered to the maxims of the founder, Dr. Theodor Stiebel, who sought to produce only innovative products of the highest quality. STIEBEL ELTRON has become one of the leading manufacturers in the fields of Hot Water and Renewable Energy.
It all began with the coil immersion heater....
The Early Years and the First Success Stories
1924 Dr. Theodor Stiebel develops the coil immersion heater and establishes the "ELTRON Dr. Theodor Stiebel" company on May 5th in Berlin. In the same year he begins production of coil immersion heaters in a small backyard workshop in Reichenberger Straße.
The first "instantaneous", or tankless water heater.
1927 The first small instantaneous water heater delivering 1000 watts and featuring the revolutionary "2-stage technology" goes into production. As the first of its kind, the appliance is awarded the VDE test symbol. The company now employs 30 people.
1931 The product range is widened to include overflow, high pressure and water boiler cylinders. These have a water capacity of up to 600 litres depending on the model. The instantaneous water cylinder, launched the same year, guarantees short-term hot water supply. The Berlin plant is completely destroyed during World War II. Dr. Theodor Stiebel completes the move to Holzminden in Lower Saxony.
A new start in Holzminden
A New Start in Holzminden
1944 The facilities which had already been rented in Holzminden the previous year are now extended with the construction of new production facilities to create sufficient capacity. The following year, production of non-electrical appliances such as saucepans, frying pans, washing sprinklers and irons begins.
1946 Production of electrical appliances such as convection ovens, hotplates and hobs resumes. Hot water appliances such as immersion heaters are also manufactured again.
The company now employs 400 people.
1960 On September 9th, the company's founder, Dr. Theodor Stiebel, dies at the age of 66. With 160 patents at home and abroad, he is one of the pioneers of modern domestic hot water heating.
STIEBEL ELTRON is one of the pioneers of modern electric heating
The Road to Renewable Energy
1968 The company becomes one of the pioneers of modern electric heating with the development of its storage heaters. Known as night storage heaters, heat is stored inside these appliances during off-peak periods when electricity is available at economy tariffs. This heat is then released to heat the home during the daytime.
1976 STIEBEL ELTRON becomes one of the first manufacturers to develop and manufacture heat pumps. The '70s are characterized by oil crises, rising oil prices and car-free Sundays. Public attitudes start to change and systems based on renewable energies come to the attention of the public for the first time. Over the next few years the company continues to develop heat pump technology and manages to establish itself as the market leader in Germany.
1977 The concept of using solar energy leads to the development of solar collectors. Over the next few years STIEBEL ELTRON goes on to introduce a complete range, including high performance flat-plate collectors, DHW cylinders and compact solar installations.
Hot water at just the right temperature:
The world's first fully electronic instantaneous water heater.
Innovations to Meet Every Requirement
1987 STIEBEL ELTRON introduces the DHE, the world's first fully electronic instantaneous water heater. In the world of hot water heating, the concept of "convenience" takes on a whole new dimension. The electronic instantaneous water heater supplies hot water at a precise temperature the minute it is switched on. Once set, the temperature you have selected remains constant, even if taps are turned on elsewhere.
1991 The product range is extended with domestic ventilation systems with heat recovery. Modern ventilation systems not only ensure a healthy room climate, they also maintain the fabric of the building and are extremely energy efficient.
"Hofanlage Brombeerweg" low-energy housing
development at the EXPO 2000 world exhibition
World Exhibition and Expansion
2000 STIEBEL ELTRON attends the EXPO 2000 world exhibition to showcase its "Hofanlage Brombeerweg" low energy housing development. Dr Ulrich Stiebel uses the EXPO 2000 project to demonstrate cost effective ways of living and building, with the emphasis on good health and protecting the environment.
2002 STIEBEL ELTRON acquires the building services division of Electrolux Deutschland. With effect from 1 January 2002, STIEBEL ELTRON takes over Electrolux-Haustechnik GmbH with the AEG and Zanker brands and their DHW, central heating, underfloor heating, air conditioning and ventilation product ranges. With this purchase – the largest acquisition in its history – the company expands at once by almost a third.
2004 STIEBEL ELTRON acquires Tatramat GmbH. The Slovak company mainly produces and sells products for DHW heating and specialized heat pumps. Tatramat has a high profile, especially in Eastern and Central Europe.
Heat pump production in Holzminden
Investment for the Future
2007 The largest and most advanced heat pump manufacturing facility in Central Europe is built in Holzminden. Construction of the "Dr. Theodor Stiebel Hall" with an investment of over 10 million euros represents a milestone in the company's history. The production area, covering almost 6000 m2, has an annual production capacity of more than 25,000 heat pumps.
2009 STIEBEL ELTRON continues to invest in the German production facilities. The company responds to increased global demand for heat pumps by opening a second manufacturing plant in Holzminden. Around eight million euros are invested in the new production facility.
2012 The DHW revolution of 1987 celebrates its anniversary: 25 years of the DHE.
Laying the foundation for Stiebel Eltron's new training academy
The Success Story Continues
2014 The company celebrates its 90th anniversary: Dr. Theodor Stiebel laid the foundation for the STIEBEL ELTRON success story in 1924.
On May 5th, the day the company was originally entered in the Commercial Registry and therefore the company's birthday, a new foundation stone was laid for a new training and communications center in Holzminden. The company invests around 16 million euros in the new academy.