--- title: R. STAHL 150 years history description: "R. STAHL's chronicle: 150 years from 1876 circular looms to global explosion protection leader, driving digitalization and innovation into the future" --- - [WEB-SHOWROOM](https://r-stahl.com/online-arena/de/language.html) - [NEWS](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/corporate/news/) - [BLOG](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/explosion-protection-blog/) - [EX-MAGAZINE](https://ex-magazine.r-stahl.com/) - [NEWSLETTER](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/topnavi/expert-mail-newsletter/) - [SALES OFFICES & AGENCIES](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/topnavi/sales-offices-agencies/) [![logox2\_main](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/01-Website-Assets/logox2_main.png?width=400&height=225&name=logox2_main.png "logox2_main")](https://r-stahl.com/de/global/home/) [![logox2\_main](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/01-Website-Assets/logox2_main.png?width=240&height=135&name=logox2_main.png "logox2_main")](https://r-stahl.com/de/global/home/) - [PRODUCTS](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/products/) - [SYSTEMS](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/systems/) - [INDUSTRIES](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/industries/) - [SERVICES & SEMINARS](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/services-and-seminars/) - [SUPPORT](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/support/) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu - [PRODUCTS](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/products/) - [SYSTEMS](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/systems/) - [INDUSTRIES](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/industries/) - [SERVICES & SEMINARS](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/services-and-seminars/) - [SUPPORT](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/support/) [Facebook](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#0) [Instagram](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#0) [Linkedin](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#0) [X](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#0) [YouTube](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#0) [Medium](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#0) What began as a metalworking apprenticeship and culminated in the founding of our company in 1876 has, over the course of the past 150 years, evolved into a successful medium-sized enterprise and one of the world’s leading suppliers of explosion protection products.   A passion for technology, a strong work ethic, perseverance and reliability — values that our founder, Rafael Stahl, embodied and passed on to his descendants — have always been the driving force behind our continuous development of state-of-the-art products.   This journey has taken us from circular looms and elevator construction to conveyor technology and ultimately to our current core competence: explosion protection.  ![202610\_title\_150\_years\_anniversary\_en](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/202610_title_150_years_anniversary_en.png?width=320&height=404&name=202610_title_150_years_anniversary_en.png) [Download anniversary brochure](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/202610_150_years_2026_anniversary_brochure_rstahl_en.pdf?hsLang=en) ## COMPANY CHRONICLE [1876 – 1907 Founding and early development](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#1) [1908 – 1950 Lift technology and world wars](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#2) [1950 – 1970 Explosion protection and lift construction](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#3) [1975 – 1997 Internationalization and IPO](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#4) [1998 – 2005 ELECTROMACH and Strategic realignment](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#5) [2006 – 2016 Technology and Global growth](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#6) [2018 – 2023 Digitalization and new platforms](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#7) [2024 – 2026 Anniversary and Future](https://pages.r-stahl.com/en/rstahl-150-years-history#8) # **1876 – 1907** ## Founding and early development R. STAHL begins as a mechanical workshop and initially grows through household appliances, textile machinery and the first machine exports ![1880 GROESTE RUNDWIRKMACHINE DER WELT](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/1880%20GROESTE%20RUNDWIRKMACHINE%20DER%20WELT.jpeg?width=708&height=462&name=1880%20GROESTE%20RUNDWIRKMACHINE%20DER%20WELT.jpeg) - **1876** Rafael Stahl and Gustav Weineck founded “Stahl und Weineck” in Stuttgart. - **1880 – 1886** Rafael Stahl and Wilhelm Stücklen establish a circular loom factory and build their own factory in Stuttgart-Feuerbach. - **1893 – 1898** Manual winding system, electric winding system and electric overhead crane mark the beginning of lift technology. - **1899 – 1907** After Rafael Stahl’s death, Katharina Stahl and the sons Karl and Rafael continue to manage the family business. - #### 1876 – 1907 Founding ![1876 RAFAEL STAHL](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/1876%20RAFAEL%20STAHL.jpeg?width=314&height=462&name=1876%20RAFAEL%20STAHL.jpeg) On 1 August 1876, **master metalworker Rafael Stahl founded** “Stahl und Weineck” in Stuttgart at the age of 31 together with his partner Gustav Weineck, with courage and confidence in his own abilities. The German Empire was just five years old and the after-effects of the economic crisis with the stock market crash of 1873 could still be felt. The economy was growing at a cautious pace, but the two founders believed in their ideas. In their mechanical workshop on Cannstatter Straße, they manufactured household appliances and machines for the textile industry. In the years that followed, they systematically improved quality, entered new markets and expanded their portfolio – including modern electric irons and industrial circular looms for the production of tricot fabrics. - #### 1880 – 1907 Circular looms and the second generation After the death of his partner Gustav Weineck, Rafael Stahl established a **circular loom factory** together with the businessman Wilhelm Stücklen. Six years later, against the backdrop of two patent applications, the two built their own factory building in Stuttgart-Feuerbach – the “R. STAHL Rundstuhlfabrik Stuttgart-Feuerbach”. Here, they produced circular loom machines for the manufacture of tricot fabrics. Customers not only came from Württemberg, the former German center for tricot fabrics – exports also became increasingly important. The machines were shipped as far away as the USA and China. But with changes in women’s fashion, the demand for tricot fabric declined as did the demand for the necessary production machinery. The two entrepreneurs responded by downsizing the company.  **Start of lift technology** In 1893, R. STAHL built the first manual winding system, followed by the first electric winding system in 1897 and the first electric overhead crane in 1898. This marked the beginning of the age of lift technology in the company. Over the next few years, the business with lifts, electric bottle hoists and cranes continued to expand.  **Second generation wtith new ideas** Company founder Rafael Stahl died at the age of just 54. From this point on, his widow Katharina Stahl was the owner of the company until her death in 1907. The two sons Karl Stahl (businessman) and Rafael Stahl (technician), who had already joined the family business, jointly managed Maschinenfabrik R. STAHL. The spirit of invention and the strength of implementation lived on: many new ideas were developed, machines designed and appliances built. However, the production of circular looms was discontinued due to a lack of demand. # **1908 – 1950** ## Lift technology and world wars The company transforms from a craftsman’s workshop into an industrial company, expands lift technology and overcomes the effects of war, economic crisis and reconstruction. ![1919 SCHLANGENZUG4](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/1919%20SCHLANGENZUG4.jpeg?width=517&height=462&name=1919%20SCHLANGENZUG4.jpeg) - **1908** The paternoster is added to the product range; demand and exports rise. - **1914 – 1919** World War I interrupts development; after the war, an electric hoist with a patented flexible threaded chain supports the restart. - **1926** R. STAHL develops explosion-proof electrical command and control devices. - **1929 – 1932** The global economic crisis leads to the first layoffs; the order situation later improves. - **1939 – 1950** World War II causes major challenges and destruction, followed by reconstruction and rapid expansion. - #### 1908 – 1919 From craftsman’s workshop to industrial production With the new century, electricity was finding its way into almost all areas of life, including production. R. STAHL transformed itself from a craftsman’s workshop into an industrial company. Lift construction became increasingly important and the company added the passenger circulating elevator – better known as the paternoster – to its product range. One of the first of these modern systems was built in the renowned Graf Eberhard Building in Stuttgart. Demand was on the rise, with exports serving as a key driver.  **New start after Word War I** The First World War (1914–1918) abruptly interrupted development of the company. Many company employees were drafted into the military, there was a shortage of materials and demand collapsed. In order to maintain operations, the company temporarily manufactured weapon parts. Once the war ended, the economy started up again and the third brother, Dr. Hugo Stahl, who had been involved in the management of the company since 1906, introduced his electric hoist with a patented flexible threaded chain. This paved the way for the subsequent major successes of the electric traction department, and the company developed into a major enterprise at its location in Stuttgart-Wangen. - #### 1926 – 1950 Entering explosion protection market The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1926. The hyperinflation of 1923 was history, the Reichsmark was stable, the economy was recovering and Stuttgart was a functioning economic area with Daimler, Bosch and many medium-sized enterprises. BASF in Ludwigshafen was a major customer of R. STAHL and required equipment for use in areas with explosive gases. As a result, the customer-oriented inventors at R. STAHL developed explosion-proof electrical command and control devices. This laid the **foundation for the explosion protection division**, which would shape the company for the next hundred years.  **Global economic crisis**  In the wake of the global economic crisis of 1929, industrial production in Germany fell by almost half and unemployment figures rose to unprecedented record levels by 1932. This did not leave R. STAHL unscathed and the company had to lay off employees for the first time. Beginning in the mid-1930s, the order situation slowly improved, resulting in high capacity utilization for lift and electric hoist construction. The company manufactured technically optimized cranes with a lifting capacity of up to 100 tonnes.  **Reconstruction and Wirtschaftswunder**  The founder’s grandsons joined the company as early as the 1930s and were employed in the Nazi era and during World War II. The war posed major challenges from 1939 onwards. After unbelievable suffering and destruction, R. STAHL’s production facilities were also largely destroyed at the end of the war. With the support of the USA, Germany was rebuilt. This gave the third Stahl generation the opportunity to become part of the German Wirtschaftswunder. In the post-war years, the expansion of the company progressed at a rapid pace. # 1950 – 1970 ## Explosion protection and lift construction After the war, products are modernized and newly developed. Explosion protection becomes an independent division, while lift construction ends in 1970. ![1926 BAS.3](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/1926%20BAS.3.jpeg?width=532&height=462&name=1926%20BAS.3.jpeg) - **1950** All products are modernized or newly developed; R. STAHL becomes a leading supplier in lifts, hoists and explosion-protected equipment. - **1954** The EX switchgear and EX control gear division is run independently. - **1956** R. STAHL installs the world’s fastest lift in the trade fair tower in Hanover. - **1962** Plastic enclosures are introduced as a groundbreaking explosion protection innovation. - **1965 – 1970** The merger with Zaiser is followed by the sale of lift construction to Rheinstahl. - #### 1950 – 1954 Modifications, new developments and EX division All products are **modernized or newly developed**. As a result, the company develops into one of the largest lift manufacturers and leading suppliers of rope and chain hoists. Technical masterpieces are achieved time and again, and with the Elektus, R. STAHL develops the world’s first portable electric mini hoist – weighing just 23 kilograms and with a lifting capacity of up to 500 kilograms. In the market for explosion-protected electrical equipment, R. STAHL makes a name for itself with pioneering developments and becomes the market leader with international sales. **Explosion protection becomes an independent division** The EX switchgear and EX control gear division is run as an independent division from 1954 and develops extremely positively in the following years. - #### 1956 – 1954 Lift construction, Zaier and sale The expansion of sales at the national and, above all, international level is also having a positive impact on the growth of lift construction. This division is fueled by prestigious projects that includes the **fastest lift in the world**, which R. STAHL installs in the trade fair tower in Hanover. **Plastic enclosures** R. STAHL’s explosion protection division grows rapidly and is constantly bringing new groundbreaking innovations to the market. These include the introduction of plastic enclosures. **Merger with competitor Zaiser** R. STAHL merges with Zaiser, a lift manufacturer also based in Stuttgart. Following the merger, lift systems are delivered under the STAHL-Zaiser brand, and the total workforce grows to 2,800. **Sale of lift construction** Strong growth in lift construction overwhelms the family business’s structures, particularly after the merger with Zaiser. Company management therefore decides to sell the lift construction division to Rheinstahl and focus more strongly on other business areas. # 1975 – 1997 ## Internationalization and IPO R. STAHL expands internationally, develops key explosion protection technologies and creates the basis for further growth through its transformation into a corporation and its IPO. ![IMG\_20260306\_0004](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/IMG_20260306_0004.jpeg?width=324&height=462&name=IMG_20260306_0004.jpeg) - **1975** New luminescent diodes are used in explosion-protected signal lights. - **1976** R. STAHL celebrates its 100th anniversary. - **1979 – 1985** International locations are established; by 1985 there are 20 foreign companies. - **1983** The explosion-protected CES plug and socket system quickly conquers the market. - **1987** ICS MUX is presented as the forerunner of modern remote I/O systems. - **1989 – 1990** EXLUX launches the explosion-protected luminaire range and R. STAHL opens a new lighting plant in Weimar. - **1991** The largest fieldbus project on the Norwegian Heidrun oil rig demonstrates R. STAHL’s expertise. - **1993** R. STAHL is transformed into a stock corporation - **1996** The US standards barrier falls, opening opportunities for new markets. - **1997** The IPO on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange marks the move to public trading. - #### 1975 – 1987 Light-emitting diodes, internationalization and ICS MUX R. STAHL uses the new **luminescent diodes** for explosion-protected signal lights for the first time. The service life of the semiconductor diodes is extremely long, as is their resistance to shock and vibration. **R. STAHL’S 100th anniversary** The company can look back on a hundred eventful years with a range of innovations and adjustments to its business model. R. STAHL is now among the market leaders in the fields of explosion protection and conveyor technology. On its anniversary, the company looks to the future with optimism. **Internationalization** With its successes in explosion protection, R. STAHL expands internationally and also enters foreign markets in Europe, America and Asia. New locations for development, production, sales and service are continuously being established there. The first subsidiary for explosion protection is established in the USA, followed by Japan in 1983 and a total of 20 foreign companies by 1985. **Ex-plug and socket system** R. STAHL achieves a spectacular new development with the new explosion-protected CES plug and socket system, which quickly conquers the market with its convincing advantages. **ICS MUX** R. STAHL presents the intrinsically safe fieldbus system ICS MUX – the forerunner of all modern remote I/O systems. One million signal bits can be transmitted on this data bus. ICS MUX is based on a modular concept and an intrinsically safe 1 Mbit/s fieldbus. In the years that follow, this becomes the global market leader IS1+ Remote I/O. - #### 1989 – 1997 EXLUX, Weimar, fieldbus and IPO With the **EXLUX** series, the company launches the first explosion-protected linear luminaires on the market. This is the first step towards explosion-protected luminaire ranges. Around four years later, the EXLUX 6000, a robust GRP linear luminaire, is launched, which develops into an industry standard and becomes a defining product for R. STAHL. Over the course of a market presence of around twenty years, more than one million EXLUX 6000 luminaires are installed. In the 2010s, the company launches a successor generation, the EXLUX 6001, which is complemented somewhat later by the LED version EXLUX 6002.  **New lighting plant in Weimar** In 1991, R. STAHL opens a new plant in Weimar for the production of explosion-protected luminaires. Following German reunification in 1990, the company thus sets an example for a shared future in East and West. **Largest fieldbus project on an oil rig** Considerable areas of oil rigs are at risk of explosion. As a competent partner and recognized specialist, R. STAHL supplies components and systems for these environments for the Norwegian platform Heidrun. Among other things, the company implements its largest fieldbus project here with three independent fieldbus systems. **Standard barrier falls** In 1996, standards define uniform requirements for products, services and processes and facilitate international trade. After 25 years of resistance, the US standards barrier is now a thing of the past and a major step has been taken toward the global harmonization of standardization in explosion protection. This gives R. STAHL the opportunity to tap into new markets and consolidate its position on the world market. **Transformation into a corporation and IPO** In order to finance the company’s further growth, R. STAHL GmbH & Co. was converted into a stock corporation in 1993. On 21 July 1997, the IPO (Initial Public Offering) took place on the trading floor of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company was thus listed on the stock exchange and moved from private to public trading. # 1998 – 2005 ## ELECTROMACH and strategic realignment With ELECTROMACH, new facilities, IS1 and HMI solutions, R. STAHL strengthens its position before focusing fully on explosion protection. ![Seite 49 PROJEKT HEIDRUN](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/Seite%2049%20PROJEKT%20HEIDRUN.jpeg?width=692&height=462&name=Seite%2049%20PROJEKT%20HEIDRUN.jpeg) - **1998** With ELECTROMACH, R. STAHL becomes the European market leader in explosion protection and enters operating and monitoring systems.. - **2000 – 2001** A new plant is built in Waldenburg; IS1 and HMI solutions are expanded.. - **2001 – 2003** A restructuring program restores profitability and changes the conveyor technology strategy.. - **2005** The conveyor technology division is sold and R. STAHL concentrates on higher-margin explosion protection.. - #### 1998 – 2003 ELECTROMACH, Waldenburg, IS1 and restructuring With the **acquisition** of the Dutch company **ELECTROMACH B.V.,** R. STAHL becomes the European market leader in explosion protection. In the same year, R. STAHL also enters the market for operating and monitoring systems. **New building in Waldenburg** The R. STAHL Group starts the new millennium with the largest new building project in the company’s history. At the current headquarters in Waldenburg, a new plant for the explosion protection division is built on a 14-hectare site in the industrial park at a cost of DM 90 million. One of the objectives of the competence center organization is to reduce throughput times and increase efficiency. The plant goes into operation just in time for the 125th anniversary in 2001. **New Remote I/O – IS1** Based on the experience gained with ICS MUX and VOS 200, a completely new remote I/O – IS1 is developed. This system is used worldwide in the years after and eventually becomes the market leader. In 2009 there is an Ethernet extension and in 2012 a new modernized generation IS1+ with more channels, higher performance reserves and better integration into modern control systems. **Anniversary with restructuring program** After the Group suffered losses in its 125th anniversary year due to a difficult economic environment, the Executive Board launched a comprehensive restructuring program. The program ran for just under two years and included structural adjustments, process optimization, complexity reduction, a material cost offensive, sales projects, profitability enhancement, delivery reliability improvement as well as management and personnel development efforts. The program proved successful and the company returned to profitability after two years. **HMI solutions become increasingly important** SAE-Stahl GmbH is founded for the development of handhelds and terminals and is now fully integrated into the Group as HMI Systems GmbH. It specializes in explosion-protected HMI (Human Machine Interface) solutions that contribute to better communication between man and machine or system. - #### 2003 –2005 Conveyor technology with new strategy ans focus on explosion protection Because the standard conveyor technology business can no longer generate sufficient sales volumes, R. STAHL adapts its corporate strategy, focusing on customer-specific special products and further expanding its systems business. The company seeks to position itself as a customer-oriented and service-oriented solution provider in the future. **Pendant luminaire 6470** New additions to the product portfolio include the robust 6470 pendant luminaires in various designs for plenty of light covering large areas. At that time still with high-pressure sodium or metal halide lamps, later as LED versions. **Focus on explosion protection** After successfully positioning itself in the market niche of customer-specific materials handling technology, this division is sold at a profit to Finnish market leader KCI KoneCranes. This allows R. STAHL to concentrate fully on higher-margin explosion protection and its further development. The company has now become the market leader for system solutions in electrical explosion protection, supporting its customers from the planning process through installation and including operation. This is a milestone in the strategic realignment of the Group. # 2006 – 2016 ## Technology and global growth New markets, system solutions, Ethernet, research and development move R. STAHL from specialist supplier toward global technology leadership. ![Tranberg 12237T00](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/Tranberg%2012237T00.jpeg?width=693&height=462&name=Tranberg%2012237T00.jpeg) - **2004** Sales and earnings increase as the focus on explosion-protected products and solutions takes effect. - **2006** TRANBERG opens access to the growing shipbuilding market. - **2007** The 6470 pendant luminaire expands the portfolio. - **2009** Ethernet remote I/O and diversification strengthen the business. - **2010 – 2012** Clifford & Snell, Camera Systems and IS1+ expand market position and technology. - **2013** The Technology division is established. - **2014** Development centers in Waldenburg and Weimar support future technologies. - **2015 – 2016** LED, wireless, cleanroom HMI and EX 4.0 innovations are developed further. - #### 2006 – 2012 TRANBERG, Ethernet and system solutions With the **takeover** of the Norwegian company **TRANBERG A.S.**, a specialist for offshore solutions, R. STAHL gains access to the growing shipbuilding market and its equipment sectors. In addition, sales and product synergies are realized that support sales growth accordingly. **Increase in sales and earnings** In 2004, the focus on the business with explosion-protected products and solutions shows positive results: sales and earnings increase significantly – driven by strong demand from key sales markets of oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and chemicals due to the economic situation. **First Ethernet remote I/O system** On the product side, the company is making a name for itself through innovative developments with considerable customer benefits. The first Ethernet remote I/O system offers a platform for bus solutions in hazardous areas and thus the opportunity to further modernize with new technology. As part of its diversification, R. STAHL focuses in particular on the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors in its intensified sales activities. This is intended not least to reduce dependence on the oil and gas industry. In the product area, additional business is generated with LED lighting and devices for specialty shipbuilding. R. STAHL wants to focus even more strongly on promising projects, react more quickly to market changes and launch innovative products on the market more quickly. The new Technology division is set up for this purpose. The modules of the new IS1+ remote I/O system have more channels, higher power reserves and can be more easily integrated into modern control systems. They are fully back-compatible with their predecessors, allowing users to replace and upgrade existing devices without any changes. In 2014, due to the enormous growth, the locations are reaching their capacity limits. R. STAHL builds a new development center in Waldenburg while a development center for basic research in the lighting segment is built in Weimar. In 2015 and 2016, in addition to numerous innovations, particularly for EX 4.0 solutions, new solutions for radio technology in hazardous areas are introduced, a cleanroom HMI is developed and additional functions are added to the remote I/O system. - #### 2013 – 2016 Technology, expansion and innovations R. STAHL wants to focus even more strongly on promising projects, react more quickly to market changes and launch innovative products on the market more quickly. The new **Technology division** is set up for this purpose. The modules of the new IS1+ remote I/O system have more channels, higher power reserves and can be more easily integrated into modern control systems. They are fully back-compatible with their predecessors, allowing users to replace and upgrade existing devices without any changes. **Expansion projects in Waldenburg and Weimar** In 2014, due to the enormous growth, the locations are reaching their capacity limits. R. STAHL builds a new development center in Waldenburg while a development center for basic research in the lighting segment is built in Weimar. **Future technologies on the way to series production** In 2015 and 2016, in addition to numerous innovations, particularly for EX 4.0 solutions, new solutions for radio technology in hazardous areas are introduced, a cleanroom HMI is developed and additional functions are added to the remote I/O system. **Diversification with focus on chemical and pharmaceutical sectors** As part of its diversification, R. STAHL focuses in particular on the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors in its intensified sales activities. This is intended not least to reduce dependence on the oil and gas industry. In the product area, additional business is generated with LED lighting and devices for specialty shipbuilding. **Numerous innovations** In addition to numerous innovations, particularly for EX 4.0 solutions, new solutions for radio technology in hazardous areas were introduced, a cleanroom HMI was developed and additional functions were added to the remote I/O system. # 2018 – 2023 ## Digitalization and new platforms Digital product data, lighting control, new device platforms and digital sales channels expand the solution portfolio.  ![ex-40-explosion-protection-logo-rstahl-1920x442\_fdd864c053](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/ex-40-explosion-protection-logo-rstahl-1920x442_fdd864c053.jpg?width=951&height=462&name=ex-40-explosion-protection-logo-rstahl-1920x442_fdd864c053.jpg) - **2018** EXpressure control cabinets expand the product portfolio. - **2019** DALI enables digital lighting control and monitoring in hazardous areas. - **2021** The digital nameplate and “R. STAHL 2020” advance product data and Group processes. - **2022** ORCA and the partnership for explosion-protected mobile devices expand the offering. - **2023** YODALEX, the web shop, product configurators and new enclosure sizes strengthen digitalization and growth. - #### 2018 – 2021 EXpressure, DALI and digital nameplate The product portfolio is expanded to include **enclosures with innovative EXpressure technology**. These products are equipped with stainless steel wire mesh grids that absorb thermal energy and dissipate pressure in the event of an explosion. This innovative housing design offers considerable advantages and meets current and future requirements. **Group to become more profitable** The past few years have shown that the existing Group structures are not suitable for operating profitably under difficult market conditions. With this in mind, the “R. STAHL 2020” program is launched. The program helps the company create uniform processes across the Group, optimize the product portfolio, harmonize the global IT system and reduce the complexity of processes and make them more efficient. “R. STAHL 2020” marks the start of a continuous strategy process, which is followed by the “EXcellence 2023” and “EXcellence 2030” programs. **DALI lighting control system** The LED luminaires with the new digital DALI lighting control system (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) provide light more in line with requirements and can be equipped with additional sensors, facilitating system optimization and simplifying preventive maintenance. Thanks to the DALI protocol, the control and monitoring of lighting in hazardous areas is completely location-independent and works across all end devices. **Digital nameplate** On the development side, the company takes a look into the future of digital product data in the context of Industry 4.0 with the presentation of the digital nameplate. With the digital nameplate and the associated data twin, all relevant information about a product becomes retrievable and traceable in standardized form over its entire service life. **miniCON plug connector** And the new miniCON connectors are extremely flexible, modular and impress with their simple handling, cost savings and future-proofing – the simplest, safest and most reliable solution for connecting field devices to power sources, data networks or other devices in the EX area - #### 2022 – 2023 ORCA, YODALEX, web shop and mobile devices On the product side, the company once again demonstrates its customer focus with the **ORCA device platform**. The HMI is developed in accordance with the requirements of leading process manufacturers and the modularity offers the possibility to easily integrate technological advances in the electronics or display module – a technological concept for the future.  **YODALEX**  With YODALEX, the company develops an explosion-protected signaling device for harsh environments that simplifies and shortens safe installation and prevents damage with its integrated terminal compartment. Driven by global trends, demand for electrical explosion protection solutions continues to grow. R. STAHL intends to use this development to maintain its strong position in Europe and to gain market share in all other parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, America and Asia. **Web shop** With the new web shop enhanced by product configurators and the newly implemented CRM system (customer relationship management), R. STAHL makes good progress in terms of digitalization. The five new enclosure sizes for explosion-protected component enclosures offer considerable advantages during installation and commissioning. The same applies to the new robust and handy 6036 LED tube light, which impresses with its quality, efficiency, service life, impact resistance and wide range of applications.  **Explosion-protected mobile devices** The newly formed strategic partnership with i.safe MOBILE, the innovation and global market leader for explosion-protected mobile devices, is expected to provide corresponding stimulus for growth. **Further new developments** The five new enclosure sizes for explosion-protected component enclosures, which offer considerable advantages during installation and commissioning, are generating relevant demand. The same applies to the new robust and handy 6036 LED tube light, which impresses with its quality, efficiency, service life, impact resistance and wide range of applications. # 2024 - 2026 ## Anniversary and Future Site investments, Digital Twin, TWINPORTAL and NEXUS connect internationalization, digitalization and the future of explosion protection. ![ex-news-digital-twin-plattform-rstahl-370x268\_1ad2707b8a](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Landing%20Page/150%20Years/ex-news-digital-twin-plattform-rstahl-370x268_1ad2707b8a.jpg?width=638&height=462&name=ex-news-digital-twin-plattform-rstahl-370x268_1ad2707b8a.jpg) - **2024** Construction projects in Weimar and Chennai and the Digital Twin platform strengthen sites and digital product data. - **2025** ExSys Cool, TWINPORTAL and digitalisation on three levels shape the development. - **2025** Geopolitical crises lead to capacity adjustments. - **2026** The 150th anniversary and the NEXUS future development program mark the next chapter. - #### 2024 – 2025 Digital Twin, sites and digitalization R. STAHL invests over three million euro in an expansion of its **Weimar site**. By mid-2025, a logistics facility will be completed there, providing nearly 2,000 square meters of additional, flexible space. **Digital twin platform** In the technology sector, the company develops a digital twin platform with extensive application options based on the digital nameplate, which was first presented in 2021. **Chennai construction project** As part of its internationalization strategy, the company is strengthening its activities in Chennai, India. A completely new plant is being built there as the hub for the Asian business. In the future, not only production and development tasks, but also administrative activities for the Group will be managed from the site. The total investment volume for the 8.5 hectare location is around 10 million euro. **ExSys Cool air conditioner** The new ExSys Cool air conditioning unit from the 8701 series ensures the right temperature and ventilation in potentially explosive environments fully automatically.  **TWINPORTAL** Together with its strategic partner conplement AG, R. STAHL now offers the “TWINPORTAL” white label portal for managing digital twins and product data. This means that users do not have to incur any development costs of their own. **Digitization on three levels** Strategically, the company is positioning itself more strongly as a system provider and continues to focus on digitalization and internationalization. Digitalization takes place on three levels: in the company, at product level and in the provision of digital services for customers. - #### 2025 – 2026 Capacity adjustment, NEXUS and 150 years Due to the geopolitical crises, the economy continues to deteriorate and demand for explosion protection remains low. In order to ensure cost efficiency in global competition, R. STAHL is forced to **secure its capacities** and cut a certain number of jobs in a socially responsible manner. **R. STAHL's 150th anniversary!** As it was already the case for the company’s 125th anniversary, the general economic climate does not match the celebratory mood at R. STAHL. Like all small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany, the company must face the structural challenges of Germany as a business location and increasingly fierce international competition.  **Future development program NEXUS** For this reason, R. STAHL launches the NEXUS future development program. The program includes future-oriented market positioning, a customer-centric product portfolio, employee-centric digitalization, greater internationalization combined with efficiency gains in structures and processes. The objective is to secure the company’s position as a leading expert in explosion protection and to offer customers more complete solutions and services in the future. ## **Here’s to the next 150 years!** ##### [![footer\_1\_2bd56dfec2](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hubfs/footer_1_2bd56dfec2.png) Downloads](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/support/downloads/) ##### [![footer\_2\_ce451d19fb](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hubfs/footer_2_ce451d19fb.png) Service and Contact](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/support/support-and-contact/) ##### [![footer\_icon\_transparent (002)](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hubfs/footer_icon_transparent%20(002).png) Blog](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/explosion-protection-blog/) ##### [![footer\_3\_4e3b952bab](https://pages.r-stahl.com/hubfs/footer_3_4e3b952bab.png) Expert-mail newsletter](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/topnavi/expert-mail-newsletter/) ###### [![linkedin-logo](https://26525447.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26525447/linkedin-logo.png) Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/rstahlgroup/) ###### [![youtube](https://26525447.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26525447/youtube-1.png) Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/RSTAHLGROUP) ###### [![instagram](https://26525447.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26525447/instagram.png) Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rstahl_group) ###### [![tik-tok](https://26525447.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26525447/tik-tok.png) TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@rstahlgroup) [Sitemap](https://r-stahl.com/de/global/footermenu/sitemap/) | [Imprint](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/footermenu/imprint/) | [Terms of use](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/footermenu/terms-of-use/) | [Privacy Policy](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/footermenu/privacy-policy/) | [Privacy policy social media channels](https://r-stahl.com/en/global/privacy-policy-social-media-channels/) | [whistleblower](https://rstahl.integrityline.org/) © 2026 r. stahl ag