History of STOBER Drives, Inc.
The success story of STOBER Drives, Inc. starts with humble beginnings combined with the will to implement original ideas and optimize things that weren’t considered perfect. Read more about the history of STOBER and how the company has evolved to become industry’s Gold Standard.
1934 – The beginning of STOBER
In 1934 Paul (* 1908, † 1983) and Wilhelm Stöber (* 1904, † 1992) founded a mechanical workshop. Driven by the will to implement their own ideas and optimize things that they did not consider perfect. This spirit shapes the company to this day.
1943 – STOBER adjustment drive
In 1943, STOBER brought the self-developed STOBER adjustment drive onto the market, thereby revolutionizing manufacturing companies.
The second generation
In 1982 the management of the company changed to the second generation to Siegfried Thiel (* 1936, † 1990), Ursula Thiel (* 1937, † 1997) and Bernd Stöber (* 1944).
As technical director, Bernd Stöber recognized the growing importance of electrical speed adjustment for drive technology early on. For the first time, STOBER sold frequency converters, servo controllers and the corresponding software. The matching MGS geared motor system impressed with its modularity and unsurpassed quality.
1991 – STOBER USA
The establishment of a subsidiary with assembly in Maysville, Kentucky in 1991 was the big step for STOBER in the direction of a global company.
Further product developments
In 1993, STOBER succeeded as the first supplier in the world to directly marry high-precision planetary gear units with dynamic servomotors.
1997
In 1997, we bought land and broke ground for our new building at 1781 Downing Drive, which is our current location to date.
With constant further developments and additions to the range of products and services, STOBER has developed into a successful system provider and experienced partner with tailor-made drive and automation solutions from a single source. The increasing demand and growing importance of drive technology in many markets have been followed over the years by investments in new production capacities, modernization of buildings and production facilities as well as in the worldwide network of STOBER.
2000 – 2012
2000 – STOBER was quickly growing in the American market, so we added more office and production space in our building to accommodate our growth.
2010 – We introduced our revolutionary KSS gear unit, providing an ideal solution for food duty and severe washdown applications.
2015 – 2019
2015 – Launch of STOBER FITS, our first product configurator
2018 – STOBER Configurator released
2019 – We remodeled the manufacturing area to promote expansion and additional machining capacity
2019 – 2020
2019 – Began 3rd shift in production
2020 – Servo motor and geared motor assembly began in the USA.