The history of the Schaltbau Group

The successful story of the Schaltbau Group began back in 1929. In a historic year, against the backdrop of the looming global economic crisis, Schaltbau GmbH's founding year was marked by challenges. Despite these difficult circumstances, the young Munich-based company managed to grow from being a small producer of railway switchgear with 12 employees to become a major global provider of transportation technology.

2019

The Schaltbau Group has evolved from its role as a supplier of railway technology to become an innovation driver and an expert in developing technologies of the future for the latest mobility and energy concepts. Exactly 90 years later, with its core brands Schaltbau, Bode and Pintsch, the Schaltbau Group is now a leading developer and provider of technology for rolling stock, rail infrastructure, road vehicles and other industrial applications. Its wealth of experience in railway technology has made the Schaltbau Group an expert in the field of DC technology, which is becoming an increasingly important factor in numerous future-oriented markets, including new energy, electromobility and DC industry.

2015

Schaltbau acquires the Italian rail technology supplier SPII, a specialist for master controllers, driver desk equipment and automation solutions. Moreover, the Group’s shareholding in Albatros is increased to around 92 per cent. The integration of Albatros will enable the Schaltbau Group to supply rail systems manufacturers with solutions for the controlling and surveillance of trains as well as their communication with stationary safety and signal system technologies. Schaltbau Bode acquires the remaining shares of UK subsidiary RDS.

2014

Schaltbau acquires Spanish rail systems supplier Alte Technologies, thereby expanding the Group’s range of products to include sanitary systems and HVAC systems. At the same time, Schaltbau acquires a minority interest in Albatros, the parent company of Alte, which manufactures passenger security and information systems as well as converters for rolling stock. Schaltbau Bode acquires majority stake in Polish subsidiary RAWAG.

2012

The Schaltbau Pintsch Group acquires Tiefenbach GmbH, Sprockhövel, a manufacturer of shunting and signal technology. Schaltbau Bode acquires Werner Kircher GmbH, Ahnatal, an equipment manufacturer specialised in the making of boarding systems.

2011

Schaltbau Bode acquires a 25-per-cent shareholding in Rail Door Solutions Ltd. (RDS) in Milton Keynes, the United Kingdom, which specialises in manufacturing, refurbishing, repairing and maintaining door systems for railway vehicles, thereby considerably expanding its service business.

2010

Schaltbau Bode repurchases the Bode Corporation in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, in order to forge ahead with expansion on the North American market.

2008

Schaltbau GmbH acquires the UK company Machine Electrics, based in Cwmbran, Wales, which manufactures and distributes electromechanical components for industrial applications. Machine Electrics had already acted as Schaltbau’s distributor in the industrial trucks sector in the United Kingdom.

2007

The Schaltbau Pintsch Group acquires the Kirchen-based Bubenzer Group, a leading manufacturer of industrial brake systems for container cranes and wind turbines. The acquisition includes subsidiaries in the USA and Malaysia.

2005

Schaltbau Bode expands its international engagement and purchases a 20-per-cent shareholding in the Polish company Rawicka Fabryka Wyposazenia Wagonów Sp.z.o.o. (RAWAG), after the two companies had already successfully worked in partnership since 1993. RAWAG manufactures doors, windows and interiors for buses and trains.

2000

Schaltbau AG changes its name to Schaltbau Holding AG. Schaltbau GmbH is separated from the holding company.

1995

The acquisition of the Kassel-based door systems manufacturer Bode enables Schaltbau to significantly broaden its range of railway transportation technology products. At the same time, Schaltbau enters the bus equipment and automotive markets.

1994

The first shares of Schaltbau AG are launched on the regulated market of the Munich and Frankfurt stock exchanges. Schaltbau paves the way for entry to the growth market of China by signing a joint venture agreement with a Chinese manufacturer of railway transportation technology.

1992

Schaltbau is acquired by Berliner Elektro Holding AG and converted into a stock company.

1987

With Pintsch Bamag of Dinslaken, Schaltbau acquires a company that produces level crossing and energy supply systems for both the stationary and the mobile transportation technology markets.

1979

Schaltbau internationalises its transportation technology activities by acquiring the Paris-based company Techniques d’Automatisme.

1974

Schaltbau acquires the Velden/Vils assembly plant.

1972

The new Aldersbach plant commences production activities.

1956

Schaltbau enters the capital goods market with a range of connectors, switching devices and switches.

1936

Schaltbau becomes an investee company of GHH Gutehoffnungshütte, now known as the MAN Group.

1929

Schaltbau GmbH is founded in Munich, Germany. The company develops, produces and distributes switches and heaters for railway applications.