1972
elobau Elektrobauelemente GmbH & Co. KG is founded and develops the first magnetic proximity switch on a dry reed contact basis for hay distribution equipment.
1977
elobau expands production by constructing its own tools with plastic moulding machines and in the same year brings out the world’s first proximity safety switch.
1980
A plunger operated switch for gear boxes based on dry reed contact is the first of a new product group: vehicle components.
1989
The existing product range is expanded with the addition of explosion proof (Ex) switches.
1990
The introduction of elobau’s first FNR is a significant step in the company’s relationship with the off-highway vehicle industry and enables elobau to increase its share of the market. It is a milestone in the development of the operator controls product range.
1995
Hygienic sensors are added to the machine safety product group, providing the food industry with higher quality products.
1996
elobau confirms the reliability of reed technology with the introduction of their first contactless joystick and new suction pipe.
2004
New on the market: the first mercury-free tilt switch. The 470 series of safety control units is added to the machine safety product group.
2005
The release of the machine safety ‘Design’ sensor marks the change from pure functionality to aesthetic design.
2006
A new tilt sensor in an innovative housing with analogue and digital outputs expands the sensor product range.
2007
The operator controls range is expanded with the addition of a miniature joystick
2008
elobau continues its expansion: a second production plant and a new office building increase capacity in Leutkirch.
Introduction of the nano push button switch on reed-contact basis.
2009
The 36.G fully illuminated joystick grip with integrated CAN electronics sets new standards in the area of operator controls.
The eloFlex configurable safety control unit offers customisable configuration of inputs and outputs via software.
The J1 Fingertip joystick with optional third axis using Hall-based technology is introduced.
2010
A milestone in the history of elobau: company and production operate in a carbon-neutral manner. Environmental audit in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001:2009.
elobau develops the 424CO CAN-capable angle sensor with CANopen protocol in accordance with ISO 11898.
eloProg is the first modular safety solution with integrated function modules on the market.
2013
For the third year in a row, elobau receives the Great Place to Work® award. For the first time, elobau also qualifies for Great Place to Work® Europe in 23rd place.
elobau’s management team is expanded.
For their ecological expansion of plant 2, elobau is awarded the PROM of the year award ahead of the other 37 participating companies.
2014
elobau expands their management again, this time in the areas of Research & Development, Production, Purchasing and Quality Assurance. Dr. Thilo Ittner joins as third executive director on 1 October 2014.
A ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of construction of the elobau logistics centre. The construction of the new energy-plus building follows the ethos of the goes-green concept.
After five years of sustainability management at elobau, elobau joins the German Sustainability Code.
elobau wins the “Energy Excellence” environmental award from the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The exemplary leadership shown at elobau is the winning factor. The jury was won over by the overall package: the carbon-neutral production of the products, the exclusive use of regenerative energy sources, that new buildings since 2012 are in accordance with the Energy Plus standard, and generous supports of environmental products.
With the structural expansion of the logistics centre complete, a fully automated warehousing system for small parts is introduced.
2015
elobau is awarded 22nd place in the 100 best employers in Europe (Great Place to Work® Europe).
The elobau product range is expanded again with the ultrasonic fuel level sensor being successfully launched onto the market.
The new eloProtectM safety sensors redefine the standard for magnetic safety sensors.
On March 4 in Berlin, elobau is once again recognised as part of the “Best Employer in Germany” competition held by the Institute Great Place to Work®. This time we were awarded 8th place amongst the Top 100 companies (in the 501-100 employees) category. Norbert Christlbauer, head of HR, was ecstatic about the result and views it as a motivating factor in continuing to strive for excellence as an employer. Michael Hetzer, Executive Director, said “We have been carrying out comprehensive surveys since 2009 to highlight weak points and points of contention. We strive for high employee satisfaction over the long term and wish to maintain a very good employer-employee relationship.
2016
elobau becomes a family owned foundation company. The company “belongs to itself” and cannot be sold.
2017
The new and sustainably designed armrest 225MA is presented for the first time and opens up the field of modular armrest systems.
2018
elobau’s management team is expanded by the addition of Rüdiger Köhler.
2021
Michael Hetzer is leaving the management of elobau.
However, he remains with elobau through his functions as Chairman of the Advisory Board of ensian group and sparring partner of the Sustainability division.
The extension of plant 2 is put into operation. The extension (internal designation construction phase 3 & 4) is 5700 m2 and was the winner of the federal competition “Holzbauplus”.
