Vision through tradition.
Vision through tradition.

Making history

It started in 1886...

Follow the impressive history and most important milestones of KLINGER in Gumpoldskirchen.

1886 – 1928

  • 1886 The young engineer Richard Klinger opens a small engineering workshop in Vienna.
  • A mere four years later he invents the reflex level gauge.
  • In 1892 Richard Klinger purchases premises for the founding of the "Gumpoldskirchner Maschinen- und Metallwarenfabrik".
  • 1898 Creation of the "Klingerit", the revolutionary calendared compressed asbestos fibre gasket material.
  • 1923 Richard Klinger invests in the public lighting infrastructure of Gumpoldskirchen.

1928 – 1957

  • In 1928 Karl Klinger takes over the business.
  • Klingerit 1000, an oil-resistant jointing material with wire mesh, is developed for head gaskets in combustion engines.
  • In 1931 the company is converted into a joint stock company.
  • The connection to the automotive industry opens up a new market segment - the production of brake pads.

1957 – 1984

  • In 1957 Hubert Klinger-Lohr becomes the new managing director of the Group.
  • Expansion of manufacturing sites and build-up of a European Distribution network with a 24/7 service.
  • 1980 KLINGERSIL®, the world's first high-pressure jointing sheet based on synthetic and mineral fibres, is developed.
  • Production of large industrial-scale ball valves - Ballostar®.

1984 – 2012

  • Dr. Thomas Klinger-Lohr becomes managing director of the KLINGER Group.
  • In 1994 the first asbestos-free gaskets are developed.
  • 1996 The production of KLINGER®top-chem is launched.
  • 2004 Celebration of the 111th anniversary and inauguration of the new office Building.
  • 2009 Introduction of the revolutionary high-temperature sealing material KLINGER® Quantum.
  • Opening of new subsidiaries in Russia, Thailand and China.

TODAY

  • Group Management under Daniel Schibli, Christoph Klinger-Lohr and Peter Müller.
  • Strategic acquisitions in target segments and regions (Oil & Gas, Marine, US, Africa)
  • Focus on services and organic growth outside of Europe.
  • Initialization of Group Innovation and Talent Management programs.
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