The history of KLINGER

KLINGER founder, Richard Klinger open his workshop in Vienna at the young age of 26.

Following Richard Klinger’s successful invention of the reflex level gauge in 1891, the company expanded and opened their plant in Gumpoldskirchen in 1893.

In 1898 KLINGER paved the way for the future with the creation of compressed fiber gasket material, KLINGERit®.

In 1923 KLINGER expands to Europe, opening its doors in London.

Following the growing success of the company, KLINGER UK expanded its doors and opened a manufacturing plant in Sidcup, Kent in 1923.

Karl Klinger takes over the family business in 1928, following his father’s passing.

Following the outbreak of World War II in 1939, KLINGER were forced into the production of armaments. This continued until the end of the war in 1947, when regular production resumed.

The title of managing director of the KLINGER GROUP was passed down to Karl’s son, Hubert in 1957.

Due to the growing business, KLINGER expanded to more countries around Europe, meaning they were able to implement a 24/7 service.

1968 welcomed the introduction of the KLINGER Ballostar.

We developed the KLINGERsil, the world’s first asbestos-free jointing material, along with PTFE sealing materials.

The 4th generation of KLINGER was passed down to Thomas Klinger-Lohr.

Merger of the automotive segment with the German market leader Elring.

This era saw the opening of KLINGER head office in Bradford following the purchase of MacMichael Gaskets. Over this period of time, we also saw the opening of various UK service Centres in Aberdeen, Runcorn, Grangemouth and Southampton.

In 2000, KLINGER went into partnership with Kisco, manufacturing gaskets in Kazakhstan.

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.

KLINGER introduces a new dedicated aerospace in 2009.

In 2010 KLINGER undertook a new management team of Heinz Scharl and Peter Müller.

(2012 – 2015) Daniel Schibli (CEO), and Peter Müller (CFO) take over management of the KLINGER group.

In 2012 Bradford welcomed KLINGER precision, an automated press system, and Runcorn saw a new CNC knife cutter installed.

Strategic acquisitions in target segments. Focus on services and organic growth outside of Europe.

In 2018, Christoph Klinger-Lohr joined the KLINGER group management board as CEO.

In 2020 KLINGER Integrity Solutions was launched, making KLINGER the UK’s first total Integrity Solutions company, from product to service to solution, all done in-house by our experts.