INTERNATIONAL/GERMANY
As LCNi celebrates ist 135th year, it is good to hear from another long-established company celebrating a significant anniversary. In 2020 STAHL Laundry Machines celebrates its 111th company anniversary. Founded in 1909 by Gottlob Stahl, the Swabian company is now one of the world's leading manufacturers of commercial laundry machine technology. In its anniversary year the family-owned company once again had to demonstrate particular adaptability and customer orientation. And even if hardly anything went as planned this year, Stahl affirms it is standing firmly by its customers - as it has done for the last 111 years.
"Of course we wanted to celebrate our anniversary together with our customers at the major trade fairs. Unfortunately, that did not work out. But we made the best of the situation and celebrated 111 years of company history in many small rounds," said Uwe Stahl. Together with his three brothers, Uwe Stahl is the fourth generation and their father still plays his part.
New products for the anniversary
At one of the few trade fairs at the beginning of the year - the INTERGASTRA in Stuttgart - Stahl presented its product innovation for the anniversary. With the TS 1300 drying oven, Stahl not only presented a new product to the visitors, but a completely new product group. The flexibly applicable drying cabinet offers completely new possibilities for different industries: Catering and hotel businesses can use the drying cabinet just as optimally as fire departments can for their PPE, for example.
At the trade 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. Coupled with individual advice and tailor-made solutions, Stahl laundry machines are well established in a market that is dominated by corporations. "The core of our corporate philosophy has existed for 111 years: Consistent concentration on the quality of our machines," explained Uwe Stahl proudly. All machines are produced with a vertical range of manufacture of over 90% at the Sindelfingen plant. Only the highest quality materials are used, so that Stahl machines are known and loved on the market for their above-average service life.
A special anniversary year
The widespread closures in the hotel and catering trade also affected STAHL customers. The manufacturer reacted flexibly and quickly: in order to guarantee customers perfect laundry even with significantly lower revenues, the company created short-term rental and leasing options for the equipment. "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 a partner to our customers, so it was only natural for us to react with maximum flexibility to requirements," explaied Uwe Stahl.
The company also developed a disinfection station where hands do not have to touch the dispenser – awell-placed kick is all that is needed to operate the disinfectant dispenser. 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 consultation in the showroom
When further trade fairs were cancelled after INTERGASTRA, Stahl reacted quickly. All machines can be found as exhibition models in Its own showroom (pictured) 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 took advantage of this option, who not only inspected the machines but were also able to take a look at the 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 quite different times: two world wars, the economic miracle period, the Cold War and many a financial crisis. Over the past 111 years, we have suffered many setbacks, but we have also celebrated many successes. In our anniversary year, we have also demonstrated our flexibility," said Uwe Stahl. "Thanks to Stahl's down-to-earth attitude, excellent products and customer orientation, current challenges such as globalization, digitalisation and now Corona will certainly be tackled and mastered - so that commercial laundry machine technology will continue to come from Sindelfingen for the next 111 years.“
