STIEBEL ELTRON

STIEBEL ELTRON is a company committed to delivering exceptional home comfort products to assist our customers in developing homes of the future. With a rich heritage of more than 90 years in manufacturing innovative home appliances, STIEBEL ELTRON has become synonymous with high quality space heating, water heating, and renewable energy products.

Our principles of high quality, innovation, technical efficiency, reliability and customer-oriented service underpin our success. Our reputation for German engineering excellence has seen us grow from our humble beginnings in Germany to distribute our products to over 120 countries worldwide.

STIEBEL ELTRON is a truly global company with representation in Europe, America, New Zealand and Asia by 26 subsidiaries and distribution partners. Our products are as individual as the markets we support. Our expertise in home comfort solutions enables us to customise innovative solutions unique to our diverse markets. Technical know-how along with over 90 years of experience sees us adapt and develop our product portfolio to suit ever-changing markets.

STIEBEL ELTRON New Zealand began operations in 1996 as a licensee out of Melbourne and steadily developed the New Zealand market specialising predominantly in water heaters and room heaters. In 2011, STIEBEL ELTRON New Zealand became a daughter company of STIEBEL ELTRON Germany after many years of success locally. Today, STIEBEL ELTRON New Zealand has showrooms and sales offices in North and South Islands.

Within New Zealand STIEBEL ELTRON's success has been in providing home comfort solutions including instantaneous electric hot water systems, compact storage water heaters, hot water heat pumps, water filtration, space heating and more recently ventilation systems with heat recovery.

Development of more efficient products that save both water and energy, systems that offer greater convenience and comfort are positioning STIEBEL ELTRON as a future driven company. Our future-oriented solutions developed for today hold us in good stead for the future.

Taking an idea and making it a reality, from a small backyard workshop in Berlin Dr Theodor Stiebel developed his first innovative water heater under the premise of providing customers with greater convenience and of the highest quality. STIEBEL ELTRON has evolved into one of the leading manufacturers in the fields of "hot water", "heating" and "renewable energy" in the world.

1924 – First ring type immersion heater

Dr. Theodor Stiebel develops the first ring-type immersion heater and sets up the company "ELTRON Dr. Theodor Stiebel" in Berlin with an initial capital of 20,000 Reichsmark. The production site for his ring-type immersion heaters is located in a backyard workshop on Reichenberger Straße.

1927 – Small instantaneous water heater

The company already employs 30 staff, making total annual sales of 185,000 Reichsmark. The first small 1,000W instantaneous water heater with the then revolutionary "2-stage technology" is produced. This is the first appliance of its kind to receive VDE approval (German Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies).

1931 – The range of appliances is expanded

The range of appliances is substantially extended to include instantaneous water heaters, overflow heaters, pressure-type hot water appliances and storage boilers.

1934 – Moving to larger premises

The factory at Reichenberger Straße has become too small. The factory moves to larger premises and the staff increases to 200.

1937 – STIEBEL ELTRON continues to grow and builds a reputation for high quality products

Business foresight prompts the company's founder to travel to North and South America. Not only the US, but all five continents are ideal markets for German technology.

1938 – Production of large instantaneous water heaters

Large instantaneous water heaters go into production. By 1938 there are 35 German and 12 international patents issued. STIEBEL ELTRON continues to cement its position as an innovative manufacturer of home comfort products.

1943 – A new beginning to larger premises in Holzminden

Dr. Theodor Stiebel moves to larger premises in Holzminden within the Lower Saxony region of Germany.

1944 – New production facilities are built

New production halls are built in 1944 to enlarge the premises rented in Holzminden as early as 1943. In the following year the production of non-electrical appliances including saucepans, frying pans, linen sprinklers and irons commences.

1946 – Manufacturing continues to grow

Production of hot water appliances, convection ovens and hotplates continues and the company now has 400 employees and a turnover of 3,500,000 Reichsmark.

1949 – First hydraulic instantaneous water heater

During the period that the Federal Republic of Germany is established, STIEBEL ELTRON launches the DH18 – the first hydraulic instantaneous water heater of a new generation.

1950 – Electric boilers are introduced into the range

Electric boilers are introduced to extend the range. The brand name STIEBEL ELTRON becomes immediately associated with hot water. Trade exhibitions all over the world become a platform for innovation and technology made in Holzminden.

1952 – Aircraft kitchenettes

In Holzminden, the first aircraft kitchenettes are built – and their progressive components are still in service way up in the clouds today. Company headquarters and works are further enhanced. The number of staff and sales increases.

1957 – The first small water heater: the SNU is built

The first SNU compact storage heater is built. Company sales rise to DM 43 million. STIEBEL ELTRON also develops coffee machines for aircrafts.

1958 – EBK 5 wall kettle is launched

The first EBK 5 wall kettle is launched and – with slightly modified design – it is still part of the (European) range. In 1958, 145,000 hot water appliances are produced – an upward trend. Forecasts for the foreseeable future are equally promising.

1960 – Dr. Theodor Stiebel, one of the pioneers of modern hot water

On 9 September 1960 company founder Theodor Stiebel dies at age 66. Holder of 160 national and international patents, he is among the pioneers of modern hot water supply.

1964 – New convection heaters in the range

STIEBEL ELTRON continues on its upward path: sales pass the DM 100 million milestone. New in the range: convector heaters with immediate heat dissipation providing pleasant warmth in whichever room you like.

1965 – Ironing machines

STIEBEL ELTRON begins production of ironing machines for domestic and commercial use.

1968 – Night storage heaters

Pioneering modern electric heating, so called night storage heaters, are developed which store heat during off-peak periods when electricity rates are cheaper and it is then used to heat the house during the daytime.

1976 – Development and production of heat pumps

As one of the first producers, STIEBEL ELTRON's development and production of heat pumps commences. Heat pump systems which operate with renewable energy start to be considered for the first time. In the years to follow, STIEBEL ELTRON works on developing heat pump technology and establishes itself as the market leader in Germany.

1977 – Solar collectors

The first solar products by STIEBEL ELTRON are launched. In the years to follow a complete range of products are released including high-performance flat plate collectors and hot water tanks.

1987 – The first all electronic instantaneous water heater in the world

The DHE is launched and the word "convenience" acquires a whole new dimension when it comes to heating hot water. The electronic instantaneous water heater provides a supply of hot water accurate to the degree, once the required temperature is set, hot water remains constant, even if further taps are opened.

1990 – Air conditioners are released by STIEBEL ELTRON

A new range of air conditioners from STIEBEL ELTRON combines the functions of cooling, ventilation, heating and dehumidifying.

1991 – Ventilation

The range is expanded to include ventilation systems with heat recovery. Ventilation systems assist in creating a healthy indoor atmosphere.

1994 – STIEBEL ELTRON continues to grow with new cylinder manufacturing facility

The most modern cylinder factory in Europe is officially opened at the Holzminden site in Germany. Cylinders for domestic hot water heaters with a capacity from 30 to 700 litres are produced with the highest standards of quality.

1995 – Eco balance sheets

As the first German manufacturer the company has eco-balance sheets drawn up for DHW heaters. These analyse the entire product life cycle as extensively as possible and the related ecological effects. Moreover it evaluates the conversions of substances and energy that occur during the service life as well as the resulting pollution.

1996 – Operations in New Zealand commence

STIEBEL ELTRON New Zealand commences operations in Melbourne and in the years to follow expands to include representation in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide to service all of New Zealand.

1999 – The innovation of STIEBEL ELTRON continues with the LWZ 303

With the LWZ 303 STIEBEL ELTRON combines all HVACR systems for the very first time in one integral appliance.

2001 – A new manufacturing facility

STIEBEL ELTRON strengthens its business in Thailand with new manufacturing facilities and a subsidiary.

2005 – STIEBEL ELTRON one of Germany's top brands

An independent committee of professionals singles out the STIEBEL ELTRON brand as a "Superbrand". STIEBEL ELTRON is thus one of Germany's top brands.

2007 – Largest and most modern manufacturing facility for heat pumps in Europe

At Holzminden the largest and most modern factory for heat pumps in Europe is built. The construction of the "Dr. Theodor Stiebel site" represents a milestone in the company's history. More than 25,000 heat pumps can be produced annually at a production site covering almost 6,000 square metres.

2009 – A second factory for heat pumps is built, responding to worldwide demand for heat pumps

STIEBEL ELTRON continues to invest in Germany as a manufacturing base at its Holzminden site with the opening of a second factory for heat pumps.

2012 – 25 years of the DHE instantaneous hot water system

The domestic hot water evolution – DHE instantaneous electric hot water system reaches its quarter century.

2014 – STIEBEL ELTRON celebrates its 90th birthday

In May 2014 STIEBEL ELTRON celebrates its 90th birthday. Over the last 90 years STIEBEL ELTRON has developed innovative products for the provision of hot water and heating, many products which have revolutionalised market sectors.

2015 – DHE Connect: revolutionary instantaneous water released

The DHE Connect sets a new benchmark for instantaneous electric hot water heaters with connection to the Internet via the home network via Bluetooth. An integrated speaker allows for music playback and a full colour touch screen allows you to get the latest weather forecast.

2015 – Energy Campus opens in Germany

STIEBEL ELTRON's modern training centre for professional education and training. The campus includes discussion rooms for both national and international guests, theoretical and practical training rooms. It is expected to have over 6,000 trainees attend annually from all around the world.

2017 – Sales record at STIEBEL ELTRON

STIEBEL ELTRON reports the highest sales in its history. For the first time, the company broke through the 500 million euro mark. The previous record was turnover from 2012 with 483 million euros. The increase was based on growth in all areas of the company: the renewable energy sector with heat pumps and ventilation units as well as the hot water area with instantaneous water heaters, small and stand storage systems.

2018 – STIEBEL ELTRON acquires Danfoss Värmepumpar AB (Thermia)

The Stiebel Eltron Group acquires Danfoss Värmepumpar AB, known by the brand name "Thermia Heat Pumps", from Danfoss A/S of Denmark. Thermia is the third largest supplier in the Nordic heat pump market, with an annual turnover of some 68 million euros. Based in Arvika, Sweden, Thermia were employers to around 210 people in Sweden, Finland and Norway as of 2018. "Thermia's strong position in the Nordic countries and its contemporary product portfolio perfectly complement Stiebel Eltron's focus on heating and cooling with renewable energies. The strength of Thermia's product offering will also help Stiebel Eltron develop its business in other markets dominated by ground source heat pumps," explained Dr. Nicholas Matten, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron.

2019 – 125th birthday of company founder Dr. Theodor Stiebel

Dr. Ulrich Stiebel and Frank Stiebel celebrated what would have been the 125th birthday of their father – STIEBEL ELTRON company founder Dr. Theodor Stiebel – with around 150 guests at a ceremony at the Energy Campus in Holzminden. "Today, we remember a visionary of his time," declared Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer in his eulogy for the company founder. "Dr. Theodor Stiebel implemented his vision with daring – daring rather than courage, because daring takes account of the risk involved. He always used his findings and knowledge with a view to helping others whilst maintaining an entrepreneurial purpose. Ultimately, he chose exactly the direction of development that is paying off today."

The STIEBEL ELTRON Energy Campus combines corporate DNA with world class architecture.

The DNA of a company is essentially made from its core beliefs. We've put our skills and experience into practice to create the Energy Campus. The Plus Energy house showcases our expertise as an industry leader: here we combine our futureproof products and systems solutions. In an effort to share our technology, we pass our knowledge on to our trade partners and visitors. By doing so, we are keeping our brand promise "Full of Energy" and helping STIEBEL ELTRON come to life.

"Architecture of the future will combine sustainability and energy efficiency, and wherever possible, will have Energy Plus standards, and the Energy Campus is a pioneer in this new way of building." - Prof. Manfred Hegger, CEO of HHS Planner + Architects AG

The Energy Campus as a link to the future

With the Energy Campus at our headquarters in Holzminden, STIEBEL ELTRON presents a flagship project for sustainable, energy efficient construction.

This training and communication centre combines high quality architecture and communication technology - and as a Plus Energy building, it's generating more energy than it consumes.

Why did we build our Energy Campus?

Just as our expansive glass façade is transparent and clear, we see the Energy Campus as a place for open communication between people. We encourage our visitors, trade partners and ourselves to share knowledge and expertise, to ensure everyone comes away with a greater understanding of renewables and the power of electricity. STIEBEL ELTRON shows its trade, design and architecture partners how fully functional building services can work directly in their field. In the training rooms, applications and systems are tested with extreme weather simulations to see how they will perform in the real world.

What can visitors and trade partners expect to see in the building?

At STIEBEL ELTRON, we see electricity as the energy source of the future. Our company has consciously set an example with the Energy Campus, letting the world know that it's possible to have an energy supply based entirely on electricity. Just like our guiding principle, "We have the energy to change things", we've shown how to create futureproof building technology.

What building standards does the new building meet?

The Energy Campus is the first building of its kind in the region of southern Lower Saxony in Germany to be awarded the DGNB Platinum certificate – a point of pride for STIEBEL ELTRON.

What company goals does the Energy Campus meet?

The Energy Campus allows the public to experience everything STIEBEL ELTRON has to offer – its products, people and corporate culture.

Seminars in the Energy Campus: Experience technology live

The heart of the campus lies in the technical centre. Here, the threads of our intelligent networking join together.

The central component of the Energy Campus' heating and cooling systems is the STIEBEL ELTRON heat pump technology. The water basin in front of the building isn't just a symbol of our commitment to renewables – the groundwater is used as a source of energy to help power the campus.

This concept is complemented by an optimised building envelope, whilst we've incorporated solar panels into the façade and roof of the campus, capable of around 120 kWp. The heating energy and cooling air generated through our training and seminars is used as much as possible – a real world laboratory for the energy transition. In our classrooms, we prefer practical learning over theory. Our participants are actively involved in four differently themed worlds:

"In the Energy Campus, we pass on our know-how to our partners: knowledge about technology, with which the future can already be implemented today" - Frank Röder, Head of Planning Department and Training STIEBEL ELTRON

The world of "heat pump systems"

• Which heat sources are the right ones? How does the same heat pump behave in combination with underfloor heating or radiator heating? The answers to these questions can be found in direct product comparison tests, such as the simulation of outside temperatures of -15°C or + 25°C
• Participants can find the mixed water quantity and the maximum achievable DHW temperature in the storage tank

The world of "Domestic Hot Water"

• An innovative display of hot water appliances from the market leader. This includes comparisons of the function and comfort of three different models of instantaneous water heaters
• Appliances in "stress situations" and change of cold water temperature, supply pressure, system temperature and power supply
• Participants can test the latest features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity and interactive troubleshooting

The world of "ventilation systems"

• Central, decentralised, with or without heat recovery? Participants compare different ventilation systems
• Changing framework conditions to see how real-world weather impacts the systems, such as flow temperature, outside temperature or heating water flow rate
• Assess the coefficient of performance, heating output and power consumption

The "Installation Centre"

• Detailed appliance information, assistance with installation and troubleshooting, fast, efficient replacement of DHW appliances, and shutdown measures
• Heat pump test stand for simulation, commissioning and fault rectification
• Here, we can meet the customer's specific needs and wishes

The Energy Campus is also designed to meet the needs of the region.

Our campus has the capacity to host events and special occasions of the region. We have four conference rooms, each with state-of-the-art training media, as well as three sizable meeting rooms. For larger, more prestigious events with up to 300 guests, the spacious foyer is a good choice.

Ground floor

• With contemporary conference technology, this area can host up to 300 people
• Four seminar rooms with state-of-the-art training media, capable of hosting up to 100 guests
• Access to the Energy Garden via the terrace
• Restaurant and lounge area

First floor

• Four themed training rooms: Domestic Hot Water, Ventilation Systems, Heat Pump Systems and Installation Centre
• Gallery with four installed heat pumps in the "Heat Pump Systems" area
• Three meeting rooms which can host 32 people
• Spacious lounge area

At STIEBEL ELTRON, we are aligned together with various associations across New Zealand and the world. We appreciate their dedication to facilitating the exchange of ideas and information regarding the use and move towards energy efficient products. By working together with these associations, we hope to push an improvement in New Zealand building standards for improved living conditions. We finally would like to extend a word of thanks to these associations for supporting positive networking and communication in the industry.

ACENZ (Association of Consulting Engineers)

ACENZ (Association of Consulting Engineers) is a firm-based membership Association representing consulting and engineering professionals throughout New Zealand in the built and natural environment. They provide business leadership in matters relating to the construction, engineering, and the professional services industry. Their goal is to expand the influence of the industry and to support members improve their business performance and the quality of service.

Master Plumbers

Master Plumbers is a national Membership organisation that represents excellence in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying trades. With 17 Associations and Branches throughout the country they provide support to Member businesses enabling them to be the best. In addition, they are committed to bringing up future generations of skilled tradespeople through the Master Plumbers-owned Masterlink group apprentice training scheme.

German New Zealand Chamber of Commerce

The German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Inc. (GNZCC) is uniquely positioned to help both New Zealand and German businesses and individuals through an increasingly competitive global market environment. Founded in 1983, the organisation has become an important partner in nurturing bilateral trade between Germany and New Zealand.

New Zealand Green Building Council

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) is a not-for-profit, industry organisation. Their vision is that New Zealanders live, work and play in healthy, efficient and productive buildings in a sustainable built environment. The NZGBC was founded in July 2005 and became a member of the World Green Building Council (WGBC) in 2006.

Prefab NZ

PrefabNZ is a non-profit membership organisation that strives to inform, educate and advocate for innovation and excellence in offsite design and construction in New Zealand. They are passionate about how prefabrication and new technologies can result in a better built environment - in high quality, smart, green, safe, fast, innovative and efficient building solutions. Their mission is to increase the uptake of innovative prebuilt construction to 40%* by cost by 2020.