KLINGER MAKING HISTORY

Delve into the history of KLINGER and discover why we have been your fluid sealing and fluid control partner since 1886.

As the son of a building constructor, Richard Klinger loved technological progress and engineering: as a boy, he was already a tinkerer, going on to study Mechanical Engineering in Vienna. In 1886, he founded a workshop, thus laying the foundation for the Klinger family’s industrial activities. Today, more than 130 years later, KLINGER is represented by 45 operating companies in over 60 countries worldwide.

Throughout all five generations, the members of the family have been committed above all to the development and future of the company.

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.
1893: The plant in Gumpoldskirchen is put into operation.
1898: Creation of the Klingerit®, the revolutionary calendared compressed fiber gasket material.
1922: KLINGER manufactures the first valve with an elastic, replaceable sealing system for the high temperature range. With the KLINGER piston valve, the standard industrial valve was invented.

1928 – 1957

Karl Klinger takes over the business.
1924-1931: Further development of the sealing segment: the cylinder-head gasket "Klingerit 1000", the alkaline gasket "Acidit", and the oil-resistant gasket "Oilit".
1928: The development of seals for internal combustion engines opens up a new market segment - the production of brake pads.
With the beginning of World War II, the KLINGER factories are forced to switch to armaments production. In 1945, all transportable machines were dismantled by Russian troops. In 1947, regular production is resumed.

1957 – 1984

Hubert Klinger-Lohr becomes the new managing director of the Group.
Expansion of manufacturing sites and build-up of a European distribution network with 24/7 service.
1980: Development of PTFE sealing materials and introduction of KLINGERSIL, the world's first asbestos-free jointing material. In the coming years KLINGERSIL replaces Klingerit on the market.
Production of large industrial-scale ball valves: KLINGER Ballostar®, a star product that is still used today in numerous district heating plants worldwide.

1984 – 2010

Thomas Klinger-Lohr is the fourth generation to lead the company.
1992: Establishing the KLINGER Holding as the parent company of the growing KLINGER Group.
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 Russia, Thailand and China.
1968: The Richard Klinger SA (Pty) Limited operation was commissioned to produce sheet jointing for the fast-developing Southern African industrial and mining markets.
2003: KLINGER Mzansi was formed in support of local government's empowerment drive, and is now a level 3 B-BBEE accredited company.

2010 - present

2010 - 2015: Heinz Scharl leads the company as CEO.
Strategic acquisitions in target segments. Focus on services and organic growth outside of Europe.
2015 – 2017: The Board of Directors, consisting of Daniel Schibli (CEO) and Peter Müller (CFO), takes over the management of the KLINGER Group.
2018: Christoph Klinger-Lohr joins the Board of Directors as CEO.
By the time the company celebrates its 135th anniversary in 2021, the KLINGER Group consists of 45 entities in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Execution and further expansion of the global digitalization strategy.
2020: KLINGER South Africa acquires Thomas Pipe Products and rebrands the operation as KLINGER Pipe Products.

KLINGER MAKING HISTORY

1886 – 1928

1928 – 1957

1957 – 1984

1984 – 2010

2010 - present

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