KLINGER through the years
As the son of a master builder, Richard Klinger had a distinct passion for technology and progress: as a boy he was already a tinkerer, and later he studied mechanical engineering in Vienna. In 1886, he founded a workshop, laying the foundation for the Klinger family’s industrial activities. Today, more than 130 years later, KLINGER is represented by 45 operating companies in more than 60 countries.
Throughout five generations, family members have always been primarily committed to the development and future of the company.
- 1886: The young engineer Richard Klinger opens a small mechanical workshop in Vienna.
- 1891: Richard Klinger invents the reflex level gauge.
- 1893: The factory in Gumpoldskirchen is put into operation.
- 1898: Klingerit is born: the revolutionary calendered fiber gasket material.
- 1922: KLINGER produces the first valve with an elastic, replaceable sealing system for high temperatures. With the KLINGER piston valve, the standard industrial valve is born.
- Karl Klinger takes over the company.
- 1924-1931: Further expansion of the sealing segment: the cylinder head gasket “Klingerit 1000”, the gasket “Acidit”, and the oil-resistant gasket “Oilit”.
- 1928: The development of seals for internal combustion engines opens a new market segment: the production of brake linings.
- At the outbreak of the Second World War, the KLINGER factories are forced to switch to war production. In 1945, all movable machinery is dismantled by Russian troops. In 1947, normal production is resumed.
- Hubert Klinger-Lohr becomes the new Managing Director of the KLINGER Group.
- Expansion of production facilities and development of a European distribution network with 24/7 service.
- 1968: Production of large industrial ball valves: the KLINGER Ballostar, a flagship product that is still used today in district heating networks worldwide.
- 1982: Development of PTFE sealing materials and introduction of KLINGERSIL, the world’s first asbestos-free gasket material. In the following years, KLINGERSIL displaces Klingerit from the market.
- Thomas Klinger-Lohr leads the company as the fourth generation.
- Merger of the automotive segment with the German market leader Elring.
- Introduction of a revolutionary high-temperature sealing material: KLINGER Quantum.
- Opening of new subsidiaries in Thailand and China.
2010-2015: Heinz Scharl (CEO) and Peter Müller (CFO) lead the KLINGER Group.
- Strategic acquisitions in target segments. Focus on service and organic growth outside Europe.
- 2015-2017: The KLINGER Group Management Board, consisting of Daniel Schibli (CEO) and Peter Müller (CFO), takes over the leadership of the KLINGER Group.
- In 2018, Christoph Klinger-Lohr joins the KLINGER Group Management Board as CEO.
- When the company celebrates its 135th anniversary in 2021, the KLINGER Group comprises 45 entities in more than 60 countries.