Stabila

In 1820, Leonhard Ullrich founded a trading business in Maikammer, Germany, which he later passed on to his sons.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=7 |isbn=}} During the economic crisis starting in 1850, Anton Ullrich, together with his brother Franz, began manufacturing folding rules. In 1886, the spring joint of the folding rule was patented by the two brothers. This innovation established them as the inventors of the modern folding rule as it is known today.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=15 |isbn=}}

In 1889, Gustav Ullrich, a son of Franz Ullrich, moved to Annweiler, where he acquired land totaling 16,070 m² east of the Bernsbacher Mühle (Kabigmühle). This land included the factory buildings of a former straw manufactory, whose main building, shaped like a U, still stands today.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=30 |isbn=}} Shortly after the purchase, he established the metre factory on the site, although the exact founding date remains unclear. The first official mention dates to October 25, 1889.

File:STABILA Abbildung detailliert.png

Initially, the product range included spirit levels, measuring sticks, tape measures, and plumb bobs, along with various iron goods such as comptoir hooks.

In 1890, the establishment of the sister company Franz Ullrich Söhne, originally an auxiliary branch of the Gebrüder Ullrich firm in Maikammer, was completed. Subsequently, a workers' settlement was constructed west of the metre factory. Consisting initially of nine buildings, this settlement was erected between 1890 and 1898. These buildings, with the exception of three that have since been demolished, still exist today and continue to serve as residential housing.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=30 |isbn=}}

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Gustav Ullrich expanded the business by adding additional buildings and external locations as the available space became insufficient. He purchased the Neumühle in Annweiler for the production of tape measures and established an external facility in Châlons-sur-Marne, France, to procure wood supplies.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=46 |isbn=}}

A rail connection was soon added to serve both enterprises, enabling exports to destinations as far as Russia.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=37 |isbn=}}

With the onset of the First World War, Gustav Ullrich's further construction projects could not be continued. During the war, the meter factory fell into a deep economic crisis.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=60 |isbn=}} This was primarily due to the relatively quick loss of its branch in France, which had been an important source for wood supplies.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=60 |isbn=}}

Additionally, some of the factory buildings were used as a military hospital.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=60 |isbn=}}

Production resumed only slowly, especially since the French branch had been confiscated.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=60 |isbn=}} In 1929, the brand name "Stabila" was registered.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}}

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During the Second World War, Stabila was not utilized for military production, which, among other factors, spared the company from post-war dismantling.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=78 |isbn=}} However, the production of measuring instruments faced severe difficulties due to material shortages and the conscription of nearly the entire workforce in 1944 for fortification work on the Siegfried Line.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=78 |isbn=}} Eventually, production nearly came to a complete halt.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=78 |isbn=}}

On January 1, 1945, an air raid targeted Annweiler, specifically bombing both factories in the area. While the enamel factory suffered far greater damage, Stabila's archives were hit by an incendiary bomb, causing destruction.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=78 |isbn=}} Additionally, the shock waves from the explosions stripped tiles from the buildings. After the war, two unexploded bombs were discovered on the factory premises.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=78 |isbn=}}

In 1948, Günther Leipold, the grandson of Gustav Ullrich, became a personally liable partner and managing director of the company.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}} At this time, spirit levels began to be manufactured not only from wood but also from aluminum die-casting and, eventually, primarily from aluminum profiles.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}}

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In 1952, the company acquired a patent for the acrylic glass vial, and in 1979, a patent for an innovative method of vial assembly. Since then, vials have been permanently cast into the profile body of the yellow-colored spirit levels, ensuring long-term measurement precision ("Locked Vials").{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}}

During the 1960s, a new administrative building was constructed, which still serves as the main entrance to the factory today.{{cite book |last=Berthold |first=Franz |author-link= |date=1990 |title=Die Ullrich'schen Werke: Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz|url= |location= |publisher= |page=89 |isbn=}}

In 1993, Stabila began manufacturing folding rules in Haluzice, Czech Republic. However, the production of precision tools and the printing of folding rules for promotional purposes remained at the Annweiler headquarters.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}} In the mid-1990s, the company also began manufacturing laser measuring devices at this location.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}}

In 2011, a new production facility for line lasers was established in China as part of a joint venture with a majority stake held by Stabila. Over the years, the company expanded its distribution network with subsidiary companies in Chicago (United States, 1997), Shenzhen (China, 2018), Sydney (Australia, 2018), Italy (2019), and the United Kingdom (2021).{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}}

To this day, the company remains owned by the descendants of its founder, Gustav Ullrich.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}} Since April 2014, Ulrich Dähne has served as the managing director.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}}

File:STABILA Logistikzentrum Hauenstein.jpg

Due to increasing space constraints at the Annweiler headquarters, Stabila decided in 2022 to construct a logistics center in the new development area of Hauenstein/Wilgartswiesen.{{Cite web|title=History - STABILA|url=https://www.stabila.com/en-US/about-us/history.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}} According to the company, this facility will create approximately 35 new jobs and provide space for potential future investments.{{Cite web|title=Neues Stabila Werk im Frühjahr Soll Einzug Sein|url=https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/kreis-suedwestpfalz_artikel,-neues-stabila-werk-im-frühjahr-soll-einzug-sein-_arid,5538058.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Rheinpfalz.de|date=3 August 2023 }}

In the summer of 2024, the logistics center was inaugurated by the management. The facility consists of a hall with a total area of 7,500 m² and has since commenced operations.{{Cite web|title=Neues Stabila Werk im Frühjahr Soll Einzug Sein|url=https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/kreis-suedwestpfalz_artikel,-neues-stabila-werk-im-frühjahr-soll-einzug-sein-_arid,5538058.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Rheinpfalz.de|date=3 August 2023 }}

• Spirit levels{{Cite web|title=Neues Stabila Werk im Frühjahr Soll Einzug Sein|url=https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/kreis-suedwestpfalz_artikel,-neues-stabila-werk-im-frühjahr-soll-einzug-sein-_arid,5538058.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Rheinpfalz.de|date=3 August 2023 }}
• Folding rules{{Cite web|title=Neues Stabila Werk im Frühjahr Soll Einzug Sein|url=https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/kreis-suedwestpfalz_artikel,-neues-stabila-werk-im-frühjahr-soll-einzug-sein-_arid,5538058.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Rheinpfalz.de|date=3 August 2023 }}
• Tape measures{{Cite web|title=Neues Stabila Werk im Frühjahr Soll Einzug Sein|url=https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/kreis-suedwestpfalz_artikel,-neues-stabila-werk-im-frühjahr-soll-einzug-sein-_arid,5538058.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Rheinpfalz.de|date=3 August 2023 }}
• Laser measuring devices{{Cite web|title=Neues Stabila Werk im Frühjahr Soll Einzug Sein|url=https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/kreis-suedwestpfalz_artikel,-neues-stabila-werk-im-frühjahr-soll-einzug-sein-_arid,5538058.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Rheinpfalz.de|date=3 August 2023 }}

An important business segment is the custom printing of wooden folding rules as promotional items. This segment is managed by a dedicated sales team.

For many years, Stabila has been actively involved in promoting youth development and maintains close ties with vocational schools and training centers in the construction trade. Since 2015, the company has been a member of WorldSkills Germany, sponsoring national and international professional competitions such as EuroSkills and WorldSkills.{{Cite web|title="My1stabila" - Nachwuchsförderung I'm Baugewerbe|url=https://worldskillsgermany.com/news/|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Worldskillsgermany}}

Through targeted campaigns on its social media channels, Stabila aims to engage younger audiences, increase the appeal of skilled trades, and encourage women to pursue careers in the trades. Campaigns such as "Be a True Pro" and "True Pro Ladies" are examples of these efforts.{{Cite web|title=Promoting young talent in the trade industry|url=https://www.stabila.com/en/company/promoting-talent-in-young-tradespeople.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Stabila}}

Since 2012, Stabila has been annually honored by the Central Association of the Hardware Trade with the Partner of Specialized Trade award in the measuring tools category.{{Cite web|title=Pressemitteilung:Preisträger 2014|url=https://www.zhh.de/fileadmin/public/Redaktion/Dokumente/PDF/Pressespiegel/Pressemitteilungen/2015/Pressemitteilung-Sieger-2014.pdf|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=ZHH}}{{Cite web|title=Die "Partner des PVH 2020" stehen fest|url=https://www.zhh.de/aktuelles/news/detail/die-partner-des-pvh-2020-stehen-fest.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=ZHH|date=19 March 2021 }}{{Cite web|title=Die "Partner des PVH 2020" stehen fest|url=https://www.zhh.de/aktuelles/news/detail/die-partner-des-pvh-2021-stehen-fest.html|access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=ZHH|date=7 March 2022 }}

• {{cite book | last = Berthold | first = Franz | year = 1990 | title = Die Ullrich'schen Werke – Ein Beitrag zur Industriegeschichte der Pfalz| publisher = Annweiler, Germany }}
• {{cite book | author1=Biundo, Georg |author2=Hess, Hans | year = 1968 | title = Annweiler – Geschichte einer alten Reichsstadt| publisher = Studio Hruschka, Mannheim, Germany }}
• {{cite book | last = Blinn | first = Hans | year = 1980 | title = Annweiler – anno dazumal| publisher = Pfälzer Kunst, Landau i.d Pf., Germany | isbn = 3-922580-03-3}}
• {{cite book | last = Blinn | first = Hans | year = 1994 | title = Annweiler am Trifels in alten Ansichten| publisher = Europäische Bibliothek, Zaltbommel, Netherlands | isbn = 90-288-5794-X}}
• {{cite book | author1=Damm, Johannes |author2=Treptow, Hans| year = 1986 | title = Ortschronik Maikammer-Alsterweiler| publisher = Heinrich Schreck KG, Maikammer, Germany }}
• {{cite book | author1=Kölsch, Hans-Joachim |author2=Pfundstein, Sonja | year = 2004 | title = Annweiler – Zeitsprünge | publisher = Oaklands Book Services Ltd, England }}

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• {{Official website|https://www.stabila.com/}}

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Category:German brands

Category:Manufacturing companies of Germany

Category:Tool manufacturing companies of Germany

Category:Companies based in Rhineland-Palatinate

Category:Companies established in 1889