KLINGER History

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

1886 – 1928

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.