1920

Gründung

Foundation of the company by Karl Spohn and David Burkhardt at the current location in Blaubeuren Mauergasse 5. 

The family business began, initially with 2 employees, with the repair of electrical machines and switchgears. At the same time, the development of own starting devices and switchgear began.

1930

Bis 1930

Until 1930, the number of employees grew to 30. Products such as the star-delta switch and starters expanded the product range.

1942

1. Patent

In November 1942, Spohn + Burkhardt applied for its first patent: The drum switch.

1948

Schaltschränke

From 1948, construction of complete control cabinets for the control of cranes. 

At the end of the 40s, the number of employees grew to 100. Machines such as lathes and presses were purchased and the production facilities gradually expanded.

The clientele, which originally consisted of local customers, expanded to include industrial companies and power stations. A further boost came with participation in trade fairs. First with the presentation of the products at the Leipzig Fair and then at the Hannover Fair.

1955

Mauergasse

Until 1955, SPOBU expanded in the Mauergasse, near the famous Blautopf, to its present size. The last construction phase was the 7-storey high-rise building with technical and commercial offices, as well as additional production areas on the lower floors.

1960

Gusswiderstände

From 1960, Spohn + Burkhardt manufactured cast resistors for cranes and industrial applications. The resistors product portfolio was later expanded to include wire wound and steel grid resistors.

1963

Steuerschalter

From 1963, the product range was expanded to include single and dual axis control switches which were the forerunners of today‘s VNS0. They enabled the changeover from direct switching to contactor control and a simpler and more ergonomic operation of machines.

1964

Schelklingen

In 1964, the second plant was built in neighbouring Schelklingen. Initially, only sheet metal processing was located there. Later, control stations and portable consoles for Liebherr were built on there. The Schelklingen plant was gradually enlarged by the addition of further halls, and departments from the main plant in Blaubeuren (paint shop, starter construction and resistor construction, ...) were relocated to Schelklingen.

1974

CS0

The CS0 master switch expanded the product portfolio in 1974.

1984

Universalgriffe

Development of own universal handles. The ergonomically shaped handles offer installation options for various push-buttons, rocker switches and command devices for controlling additional functions.

1999

FSMMD

A new generation of control stations, the FSMMD, sets new standards with its many electrical adjustment options.

Together with an ergonomically shaped seat and memory function, it is ideally suited for demanding multi-shift operations and for the first time offers the possibility of seated or standing operation of cranes.

2002

Meisterschalter

At the beginning of the 2000s, the first master switches were equipped with bus systems. Via the so-called bus line, all functions of the joystick can be transmitted together, thus simplifying the connection to the subsequent machine control.

UGAs

A new universal handle series, the UGAs, expand the control possibilities of the master switches due to their modularity and combination possibilities of the master switches. At the same time, their functions can be connected to industrial bus systems via the bus interface integrated in the switch.

2010

FSRHDG

The FSRHDG, is presented.

Especially for harbour cranes, it offers an ergonomically adaptable workplace for relaxed and fatigue-free working. A free view downwards as well as working in forward position are possible due to its many degrees of freedom.

2012

JMS3

The JMS3 joystick for smooth, sensitive and precise control. The base for this is its metal body and the high quality bearings, as well as oil-damped dampers.

2014

ST4

Extreme environmental conditions require resistant joysticks. The ST4 guarantees tightness and functionality even with a damaged rubber boot and thus withstands adverse weather such as snow and ice.

Pistenbully

For the company Pistenbully, a customised handle, produced in 3D printing, was projected with a variety of internals.

2015

HS2

Especially for applications with different bus systems, the new HS2. Thanks to the wear-free 3D Hall sensor system with 10 million switching cycles.

3D-Druck

3D printing is also making its way into control stations. The FS with I consoles (I for innovation) offers console covers made of plastic using the 3D printing process. This makes it possible to also offer small series with customised plastic covers.

2016

G50

The compact G50 handle adds another axis to the control functions of the joystick.

2017

MFA

A new multifunctional armrest MFA for new fields of application such as agricultural and municipal vehicles or forklifts.

Tochterfirmen

Also in 2017, the first subsidiaries of Spohn and Burkhardt were founded. Spohn & Burkhardt India Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore and EFD Elektrotechnische Fabrik Düsseldorf GmbH, which manufactures maintenance and safety switches for industrial sectors under the brand name SiTec.

2019

HS0

The HS0, the little brother of the HS2, completes the series of 3D-HALL based joysticks. With its small size, it can be used in applications where limited installation space and robustness are important at the same time.

Produktionshalle

At the end of 2019, at the beginning of 2020, production began to move to the new assembly hall in Württembergerstrasse. New and modern production lines were planned and implemented here on around 5000 m2. Around 100 employees work here with recognized Spobu quality.

2020

FSMMD

Functionality meets design and ergonomics. This sentence is probably the best way to describe the new edition of the FSMMD control station and the new development of the RCD control station. With its numerous electrical adjustment options and the memory function, the FSMMD is perfectly suited for demanding shift work.

RCD

The Remote Control Desk, or RCD for short, eliminates the need for long journeys to the crane and allows safe and comfortable working from a sitting or standing position.

By joining KML GmbH in Lahr, a manufacturer of cabins, Spohn & Burkhardt becomes a system supplier.

2021

Tochterfirma China

On 01.07.2021, the third subsidiary of Spohn und Burkhardt was established with the foundation of S+B Shanghai Co, Ltd.