KLINGER History

The history of KLINGER in Gumpoldskirchen and the company milestones are outlined here.

1886 – 1928

An old black-and-white etching depicting an industrial complex with multiple buildings emitting smoke, surrounded by a landscape with trees and a river in the background, showcasing a valve distribution company.
  • In the year 1886 Richard Klinger opens up a small workshop in Vienna.
  • A mere four years later, he invents  the reflex level gauge.
  • In 1893 the plant in Gumpoldskirchen is put into operation.
  • Creation of the “KLINGERit“, the revolutionary calendared compressed asbestos fiber gasket material.

1928 – 1957

Vintage advertising sign featuring decorative text that reads "klingert" in bold red lettering, with a smaller text reading "Fluid control solutions provider Louisiana" below it on an ornate patterned background
  • Karl Klinger takes over the business.
  • “KLINGERit-1000“, an oil-resistant jointing material with wire mesh, is developed for head gaskets in combustion engines.
  • The connection to the automotive industry opens up a new market segment – the production of brake pads.

1957 – 1984

A black and white photo of a man examining a test tube in a vintage laboratory filled with various scientific apparatus and industrial gasket solutions bottles.
  • Hubert Klinger-Lohr becomes the new managing director of the Group.
  • Expansion of manufacturing sites and build-up of a European distribution network with a 24/7 service.
  • Development of PTFE sealing materials and introduction of KLINGERsil, the world’s first asbestos-free jointing material.
  • Production of large industrial-scale ball valves – Ballostar®.

1984 – 2011

An old black-and-white etching depicting an industrial complex with multiple buildings emitting smoke, surrounded by a landscape with trees and a river in the background, showcasing a valve distribution company.
  • Merger of the automotive segment with the German market leader Elring.
  • Opening of a new, modern production plant for large-scale ball valves as an expansion of the R & D unit in Gumpoldskirchen.
  • Introduction of a revolutionary high-temperature sealing material, KLINGER QUANTUM.
  • Opening of new subsidiaries in Russia, Thailand and China.

TODAY

Aerial view of a large lng carrier ship on the ocean with the deck filled with cylindrical storage tanks, and the words "lng" visible on the side in bold red letters, showcasing tailored fluid monitoring
  • Group management under Heinz Scharl, Peter Müller and Christoph Klinger-Lohr.
  • Strategic acquisitions in target segments. Focus on services and organic growth outside of Europe.
  • Initialization of Group Innovation and Talent Management programs.