INTERNATIONAL / GERMANY
As LCNi is celebrating its 135th anniversary, it is good to hear from another traditional company that is celebrating a significant anniversary. In 2020, STAHL Laundry Machines will celebrate its 111th company anniversary. The Swabian company was founded by Gottlob Stahl in 1909 and is now one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial washing machine technology. In its jubilee year, the family company had to demonstrate its special adaptability and customer orientation. And even if hardly anything went as planned this year, Stahl confirms that it stands firmly by its customers – as in the past 111 years.
"Of course we wanted to celebrate our anniversary together with our customers at the big trade fairs. Unfortunately that didn't work out. But we made the best of the situation and celebrated 111 years of company history in small groups," said Uwe Stahl. Uwe Stahl and his three brothers are the fourth generation and their father still plays his role.
New products for the anniversary
At one of the few trade fairs at the beginning of the year – INTERGASTRA in Stuttgart – Stahl presented its product innovation for the anniversary. With the drying oven TS 1300, Stahl presented not only a new product, but a completely new product group. The flexible drying cabinet offers completely new possibilities for various industries: Catering and hotel companies can use the drying cabinet for their PPE just as optimally as fire departments.
At the fair, the company was also able to show what has made it strong in its long company history – namely its consistent focus on quality and innovation. In connection with individual advice and tailor-made solutions, steel washing machines are well established in a market dominated by companies. "The core of our corporate philosophy has existed for 111 years: Consistent concentration on the quality of our machines", declared Uwe Stahl proudly. All machines are manufactured in the Sindelfingen plant with a vertical production area of over 90%. Only the highest quality materials are used, so steel machines are known and popular in the market for their above-average service life.
A special anniversary year
The widespread closings in the hotel and catering industry also affected STAHL customers. The manufacturer responded flexibly and quickly: In order to guarantee customers perfect laundry even with significantly lower sales, the company created short-term rental and leasing options for the devices. "We know that the industry is currently not doing well thanks to Corona. But hygiene is more important than ever, absolute focus. We see ourselves as partners to our customers, so it was a matter of course for us to respond to requirements with maximum flexibility," explained Uwe Stahl.
The company also developed a disinfection station where hands don't have to touch the dispenser – a well-placed step is all that is required for the disinfectant dispenser to operate. The disinfectant dispenser is ideal for public areas, customer areas or care facilities and can optionally be used as a surface for important information.
Individual advice in the showroom
When further trade fairs were canceled after INTERGASTRA, Stahl reacted quickly. All machines are shown as exhibition models in their own showroom (picture) at the Sindelfingen production site. "In our own premises we have every opportunity to show our machines to interested parties even under the Corona conditions," explained Uwe Stahl. Many interested parties used this opportunity not only to inspect the machines, but also to take a look at production. Such visits are still possible – under the given conditions. Interested parties simply contact STAHL directly and arrange an individual appointment.
"Our company has already survived completely different times: two world wars, the economic boom, the cold war and many financial crises. In the past 111 years we have suffered many setbacks, but we have also celebrated many successes "said Uwe Stahl. "Thanks to Stahl's down-to-earth attitude, excellent products and customer orientation, current challenges such as globalization, digitization and now Corona will be tackled and mastered with certainty – so that commercial washing machine technology will also come from Sindelfingen in the next 111 years." Years. "
