Categories
Aug. Schwan company - company history
Although Schwan strives for constant optimization, it is important to value and respect the path that lead to the status quo. With nearly 140 years history, Schwan goes back to the beginning of the second industrialization.
Flexibility and constant improvement coin the company history. The business unit lamination is of course not that old. Nevertheless, there are more than 40 years to look back.
Experience and Quality for 140 years
Our company was founded in 1889 as a supplier for the textile industry. Soon Schwan became a mayor producer of conveyor belts, a quite relevant engine part in the early 20th century. The old factory in Aachen, Germany was completely destroyed in WWII. The grandfather of the current CEO re-established the plant after the war in Süchteln Germany, close to the Dutch border.
Between 1970 and 1980 close contacts to Japan enabled a sales cooperation for operating resources like Flange Rings and Travellers for the textile industry.
Because of this cooperation and the specialization in this niche, Schwan found access to the comparable specialized lamination industry. The upraising market gave Schwan the opportunity to grow into the new industry and to adjust its portfolio to the changing demand.
Between 1970 and 1980 close contacts to Japan enabled a sales cooperation for operating resources like Flange Rings and Travellers for the textile industry.
Because of this cooperation and the specialization in this niche, Schwan found access to the comparable specialized lamination industry. The upraising market gave Schwan the opportunity to grow into the new industry and to adjust its portfolio to the changing demand.
History
1889
August Schwan founds a company in Aachen, Germany for the production of leather drive belts
1927
Expansion of the production program with accessories for spinning and weaving machines
1931
Expansion of the belt factory to become one of the most important drive belt manufacturers in Germany with exports to over 40 countries
1945
Complete destruction of the company buildings as a result of the Second World War, reconstruction of the company in Viersen, Germany by Erich Grefkes
1950
Start of industrial production of work protection articles made of cowhide such as gloves, clothing, aprons, etc.
1960
Production of all articles in our own premises with more than 4,000 m² of floor space
1974
Foundation of Schwan Far East, relocation of production to Hongkong, China
1990
Trade in materials for the plastics and laminate industry
1995
Founding of the Golf division - distribution of golf products
Continuous expansion of the occupational safety product range through cooperation with renowned international trade partners
2008
Richard Grefkes takes over the management of the family business in the third generation. Fabrication of stainless steel plates and silicone mats by in-house machines
2014
125 years Schwan
2021
Schwan expands and renews the machinery park with a laser cutter to boost the quality of the pads and plates into a new league.
Plates and Pads - Made in Germany
Parallel to this development, Schwan established a second business unit with personal protection equipment. Schwan focused again on a special market segment and positioned itself as a high quality supplier for protection gloves. Gloves and PSE are still very important business unit, maintain to be mainstay of Schwan.
Soon, Schwan became an integral part of the evolving card industry as a well-known supplier for press plates and press pads. Both are equally involved, when it comes to card lamination. Pressure and heat merge the different layers of the card together. The process differs depending on the used laminator, material and the properties of the final card. In addition, the size of each pad or plate must be adjusted to the laminator.
Because of that, Schwan started the new millennium with an own production plant. This big step enabled Schwan to adapt pads and plates significant faster to the customers needs. Based on the gained experiences, Schwan started subsequently own product lines for the different applications. The result is the current program here on the website.
Reliable, smooth and solid - we stand for quality made in Germany!
Soon, Schwan became an integral part of the evolving card industry as a well-known supplier for press plates and press pads. Both are equally involved, when it comes to card lamination. Pressure and heat merge the different layers of the card together. The process differs depending on the used laminator, material and the properties of the final card. In addition, the size of each pad or plate must be adjusted to the laminator.
Because of that, Schwan started the new millennium with an own production plant. This big step enabled Schwan to adapt pads and plates significant faster to the customers needs. Based on the gained experiences, Schwan started subsequently own product lines for the different applications. The result is the current program here on the website.
Reliable, smooth and solid - we stand for quality made in Germany!
„We are coined by KAIZEN! Even if you are already good, strive to get a little bit better through every little task you accomplish. I am proud to continue the business of three generations of my family, but maintain open for new ideas.“
Richard Grefkes, CEO