Dr. Theodor Stiebel develops the first ring-type immersion heater and sets up the company "ELTRON Dr. Theodor Stiebel" in Berlin with an initial capital of 20,000 Reichsmark. The production site for his ring-type immersion heaters is located in a backyard workshop on Reichenberger Straße.

The company already employs 30 staff, making total annual sales of 185,000 Reichsmark.

The first small 1,000 W instantaneous water heater with the then revolutionary "2-stage technology" is produced. This is the first appliance of its kind to receive VDE approval.

The first tankless electric water heater -->

This year the range of appliances is substantially extended to include instantaneous water heaters, overflow heaters, pressure-type hot water appliances and storage boilers.

The factory buildings at Reichenberger Straße have become too small. The factory moves to Tempelhof.

The staff increases to 200.

Business foresight prompts the company's founder to travel to North and South America. Not only the US, but all five continents are ideal markets for German technology and prove to be very lucrative in the following years.

This photo was taken in Buenos Aires where "The ELTRON" sold like hot cakes.

Large instantaneous water heaters go into production. By 1938 35 German and 12 international patents are issued. During W.W.II ELTRON is forced to discontinue its "regular" production in order to manufacture special heaters for air-raid shelters, shoe sole heating, and aircraft de-frosting devices.

After the Berlin works are shelled, Dr. Theodor Stiebel moves to Holzminden. Allied broadcasts indicate the end of the war and subsequent installation of the 4 zones. Stiebel Eltron refuses to bow to destiny and starts planning new works in all the occupied zones.

New production halls are built in 1944 to enlarge the premises rented in Holzminden as early as 1943. An emergency production range features mainly pots, frying pans and laundry sprinklers.

Resumption of the production of hot water appliances - with 400 employees and a turnover of 3.500.000 Reichmarks.

During the period that the Federal Republic of Germany is established, Stiebel Eltron launches the DH18 - the first hydraulic instantaneous water heater of a new generation.

<-- The first hydraulic activated (on demand)
      tankless electric water heater

In the aftermath of the reparations of 1947 and the difficult years that followed, electric/coal boilers are introduced to extend the range. The brand name Stiebel Eltron becomes immediately associated with hot water. Trade exhibitions all over the world become a platform for innovation and technology made in Holzminden.

In Holzminden the first aircraft kitchenettes are built - and their progressive components are still in service way up in the clouds today. Company headquarters and works are further enhanced. The number of staff and sales increase.

Stiebel Eltron also develops coffee machines for schedule aircraft. The first SNU compact storage heater is built. Company sales rise to DM 43 m.

The first EBK 5 wall kettle is launched and - with slightly modified design - it is still part of the (European) range. In 1958, 145,000 hot water appliances are produced - an upward trend. Forecasts for the foreseeable future are equally promising.

On 9 September 1960 company founder Theodor Stiebel dies at age 66. Holder of 160 national and international patents, he is among the pioneers of modern hot water supply.

Stiebel Eltron continues on its upward path: sales pass the DM 100 m milestone. New in the range: convector heaters with immediate heat dissipation providing pleasant warmth in whichever room you like.

The company introduces private and industrial ironing presses adding to the existing range which is later extended to include kitchen and household appliances. As a result of refocusing on the core business in the 80s, this line is discontinued.

Stiebel Eltron finds itself with the development of storage heaters amongst the pioneers of modern electric space heating. In the following years, production output sky-rockets.

Charles Wilp - "the advertising genius" - provides the company with important impetus.

His whispered advertising slogan "Stiebel Eltron - Immer Heies Wasser" ("Stiebel Eltron - Always Hot Water")
is still remembered today.

The heating technology market is expanded with the introduction of gas appliances.

Turnover reaches 240 million marks.

The oil crisis triggers a public rethink looking for alternatives to oil, coal and gas heating. Environmental considerations play an increasingly important role. Stiebel Eltron develops heat pumps for space heating and hot water supply, using ambient heat for private and commercial needs.

The idea of using solar energy prompts the development of solar collectors. In the years to come Stiebel Eltron engineers a complete product range with vacuum tube collectors, high-output flat collectors, storage heaters and compact solar installations.

Stiebel Eltron spends millions on building new and extended sales offices in Germany. In Holzminden a new training centre is built to accommodate some 25,000 seminar participants annually.

Stiebel Eltron launches DHE - the world's first fully electronic instantaneous water heater. The term "comfort" gains a whole new dimension when applied to hot water supply. Once set, the desired temperature remains constant even when other draw-off points are in use.

<-- The world's first fully electronic
      digital tankless electric water heater

Germany is reunited and the Stiebel Eltron Group also provides "Comfort through Technology" by enhancing its sales organisation in the new German states. Soon many skilled craftsmen opt for the Stiebel Eltron brand.

The new range of air-conditioning appliances provides a feeling of wellbeing: the units cool, dehumidify, ventilate and heat. Mobile appliances ensure top quality air wherever they are, while cabinet, wall-mounted or cassette air-conditioning units, as split- or multi-split units, provide unsurpassed comfort.

The Stiebel Eltron range is extended to include space ventilation systems with heat recovery. Initially, the range only features single-room and central appliances but soon central units are to follow that supply both hot water and space heating. Consolidated sales turnover exceeds DM 500 m for the first time.

Europe's most advanced water cylinder factory is opened in Holzminden. Here, containers for storage heaters holding between 30 and 700 litres are manufactured according to the highest standards in quality.

Stiebel Eltron is the first German company to carry out an assessment of the environmental impact of its storage heaters.

Stiebel Eltron presents a world innovation: SCOT - System Control Technology. This trendsetting technology for gas type identification is employed in gas boilers but can also be used in the automobile industry, providing optimum combustion.

1999 is a special year for Stiebel Eltron. The company celebrates its 75th anniversary. The new LWZ 303 is the first integral system to encompass all building management systems in one unit: space ventilation with heat recovery, heating and hot water supply in conjunction with an air heat pump.

In the new millennium Stiebel Eltron will continue to guarantee technology based on tradition and innovation. Technologies that emphasize low energy usage and high levels of comfort have always been the company's focus.

Today, renewable energy technologies such as solar hot water systems and heat pump water heaters will play an increasingly important role in Stiebel Eltron's core business and position Stiebel Eltron as a leader in the green technology sector.