The History of STOBER.
1934 – The beginning of STOBER
In 1934, Paul (*1908, †1983) and Wilhelm Stöber (*1904, †1992) founded a mechanics workshop, driven by the desire to implement their own ideas and optimize things they thought could be improved. This spirit still defines the company today.
1943 – STOBER variable-speed drive
In 1943, STOBER launched the self-engineered STOBER variable-speed drive, revolutionizing manufacturing operations.
The second generation
In 1982, the management of the company passed to the second generation with Siegfried Thiel (*1936, †1990), Ursula Thiel (*1937, †1997), and Bernd Stöber (*1944).
As technical managing director, Bernd Stöber soon recognized that electric speed control was becoming increasingly important in drive technology. For the first time, STOBER distributed frequency inverters, servo drives and the corresponding software. The matching MGS gear motor system impressed customers with its modularity and unsurpassed quality.
1991 – STÖBER USA
Opening a subsidiary with assembly in Maysville, Kentucky in 1991 was a major step for STOBER towards becoming a globally active company.
Further product developments
In 1993, STOBER was the first supplier worldwide to succeed in directly mating high-precision planetary gearboxes with dynamic synchronous servo motors.
The third generation
From 2003 to 2023, the company was managed by the third generation of Patrick Stöber and Andreas Thiel .
By continuously developing and expanding its range of products and services, STOBER has become a successful system provider and experienced partner that offers customized, single-source drive and automation solutions. Over the years, the increasing demand and growing importance of drive technology in many markets was followed by investments in new manufacturing capacities, modernized buildings and production facilities, and STOBER’s global network.
2019 – STOBER China
Looking ahead to the future, STOBER is rising to the challenges of digitalization and investing in holistic solutions and a strong global presence in production, sales and service. At the end of 2019, STOBER founded a ninth subsidiary dedicated to this purpose, STOBER Drives Systems Technology in Taicang, China.
In 2023, Rainer Wegener took over management of the company. Patrick Stöber and Andreas Thiel have been using their strategic skills as shareholders in the company ever since. As in the generations that came before, Mr. Stöber and Mr. Thiel both place great importance on keeping STOBER a family business. Mr. Wegener has worked as Head of Sales and a member of the management board since 2001 and will carry on the STOBER values in the spirit of the family without fail.