History

1924 >>

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.

1927 >>

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 (German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information technologies) approval.

1931 >>

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

1934 >>

The factory buildings at Reichenberger Straße have become too small. The factory moves to Tempelhof. The staff increases to 200.

1937 >>

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.

1938 >>

Large instantaneous water heaters go into production. By 1938 35 German and 12 international patents are issued. During World War 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.

1943 >>

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.

1944>>

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.

1946 >>

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

1949 >>

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.

1950 >>

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.

1952 >>

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.

1957 >>

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

1958 >>

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.

1960 >>

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.

1964>>

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.