#: locale=en
## Tour
### Beschreibung
tour.description = 100 YEARS building automation
### Titel
tour.name = Theben
## Skin
### Multiline Text
HTMLText_0A589523_1E01_ECB1_41A8_8B815BFD0B06.html = RAMSES
Introduced in 1979, the RAMSES room and clock thermostat can be set to daily or weekly programs using a rotatable disc. The innovation was patented in 1987.
Staircase timer Elpa
Unveiled in 1930, patented in 1934:
the Elpa staircase device, the mechanism was controlled by magnetic switching – making it contactless for the first time and, as a result, wear-free.
Elpa fan
The Elpa fan from 1935 shows Paul Schwenk’s creativity. This sophisticated, mechanically operated hand fan was advertised as an “exquisite gift for any lady”.
Paul Eberhard Schwenk bought Schloss Haigerloch in 1974.
But his purchase wasn’t borne out of a desire to live like a prince. Instead, Schwenk’s aim was to preserve the property, renovate it and give it a creative, practical purpose. He transformed the castle, first mentioned in records back in 1296, into a place for art, culture and communication. His efforts created conference rooms and banqueting halls, converted the “Obervogtei” into a hotel with fine-dining, and laid historic paving stones sourced from Prague in the courtyard.
Since the extensive renovation and restoration process was completed in 1981, the castle has been a vibrant visitor attraction for concerts, exhibitions, conferences, meetings and weddings. Paul Eberhard Schwenk’s vision has become a reality – and his heirs continue to maintain it to this day.
In 1987, Paul Eberhard Schwenk put on a spectacular exhibition.
Titled SI°N-optikum, it took visitors on a creative journey through a range of spaces that communicated the various stages of human existence. Stations illustrated themes including birth, success, failure, joy and sorrow, leading all the way through to death. Some of the multimedia elements they used were a novel concept for the time.
theben-timer
Plug and play: requiring no specialist knowledge, the user-friendly theben-timer has been in production since 1976. Today, it is available in 24 versions and more than 33 million examples have been sold.
A desire to conserve energy usage was what inspired Paul Schwenk to found his company more than 100 years ago.
Since then, the opportunities that technology has afforded
us have resulted in major progress – thanks in part to Theben. Energy-saving measures are still high on the agenda. Finding intelligent ways of combining them with comfort and safety features is the aim of innovative Theben developments like the LUXORliving smart home system and the CONEXA 3.0 Performance Smart Meter Gateway.
The internationalisation
of Theben
A new chapter opens in France
Almost half a century ago, in 1971 – a year that marked 50 years of Theben and brought celebrations in Haigerloch – the company took its first steps beyond Germany’s borders, and into France. Three years previously, Theben had done well at a trade fair in the country and managed to establish some steadfast business relationships as a result. This inspired the company to open its own branch in Le Blanc-Mesnil, a suburb located in the north-east of Paris. It was managed by Daniel Pressi, who remained with the company until 1997.
The French market developed so well that Theben S.à.r.l. France relocated to bigger premises in Drancy ten years later. Three years after that, it moved again to Bobigny, another location on the outskirts of Paris. Since 2014, Theben S.à.r.l. France has been based in Chelles, slightly further east.
Internationalisation as a pillar of the corporate strategy
Since the early 1970s, Theben has increasingly – and successfully – cultivated a presence at trade fairs that attract international visitors. By 1973, it had already reached an export ratio of 40 percent, thanks in no small part to its innovative, energy-saving products.
Ten years later, Theben opened a sales company in Switzerland, followed by Theben S.r.l. in Milan, Italy, in 1993. The Swiss office became Theben (Schweiz) AG in 2001 and then acquired HTS High Technology Systems AG in 2007, a leading manufacturer of presence detectors and energy-saving products for building
technology. This was a logical addition to Theben’s product range. Over in the UK, Theben acquired long-term customer and licensee Timeguard Ltd in London back in 1996, together with its 75 employees and well-established British sales network.
In 2010, Theben then opened a branch in the Netherlands. Three years later, it developed its commitment to the booming Asian markets by establishing Theben Asia in Singapore. No fewer than four branches and subsidiaries were founded in 2017: in Sweden, Finland, Norway and, on the other side of the world, Australia.
More recently, the company founded a branch in Austria in 2019 and a joint venture in India in 2020. 2021 Theben Group acquires trademark rights from the traditional Grässlin brand. The internationalisation strategy has also resulted in 60 sales agencies across the world, and there is one figure that illustrates the significant role it plays in Theben’s business: 64 percent of sales are now generated outside of Germany.
A passion project gives rise to a longstanding company
After its founding in 1921, Theben quickly made a name for itself with its innovative timers. As they combined energy savings, comfort and safety, and were of high quality, the company grew quickly. In 1928, it moved into its own premises in Stuttgart and began selling internationally. The Elpa staircase device patented in 1934 was a groundbreaking product range.
“Oswald, the castle ghost”
Part one
Did I scare you? Do you feel afraid in this eerie cellar? Are you wondering why you can hear me but not see me? Marvellous – that’s how it should be! That’s my job! Allow me to introduce myself: I am Count Johann Baptist Oswald von Hohenzollern-Berg. Or Oswald, for short. The ghost of Schloss Haigerloch castle.. It is my honour to accompany you through this exhibition. And believe me, I know my way around. This here was once the dungeon – and included a torture chamber. From 1769 to 1781, I spent several – quite unpleasant – years here as a prisoner of state. Simply because I was quite argumentative and not all that prim and proper. They used to call me the “wild count” – what they meant by that was that I was a bit crazy!
Well in those times, it wasn’t normal to donate a large amount of one’s wealth to charity like I did. But please, I invite you to step into the fascinating and long history of Schloss Haigerloch. We’re listening ...
A typical day in the year 2031
Welcome to Schloss Haigerloch castle and to the Theben centenary exhibition … And: welcome to the future! Because the future is where our journey through time begins. Admittedly, it is difficult to make predictions, particularly about the future.
But even today, we can already say that intelligent, networked building technology and an efficient approach to energy will become a reality in the near future. And Theben has been a pioneer in these areas since its very beginnings.
“Building Automation since 1921” – more than a slogan, this has been a reality for 100 years. That is how long this family-owned business has been an expert in combining economical energy usage with comfort and safety. And bringing us right up to date, it is now working on solutions that will dramatically alter our lives in the not-too-distant future.
How? …. Let’s take a look at a typical day in the year 2031
At 6.41 a.m., I’m woken by my sleep tracker. After just 5 hours of sleep, I feel fit and rested as my sleep tracker has chosen the right phase of sleep to wake me.
In the bathroom, the temperature and lighting are tailored to my preferences, as is the temperature of the water in the shower. A screen integrated into the mirror shows me the latest news and my appointments for the day ahead.
At 7.30, my self-driving car drops my children off at school, then picks me up and takes me to the office. Then it travels to where it can use an energy surplus to charge its battery.
At 8 a.m., I have my first meeting. Thanks to holo-lens displays, all the participants are sitting around one table – a virtual one, naturally. It’s almost like they are really there.
At 12.30, my smartwatch tells me that the energy storage system at my house is full. I give the OK to offer the excess power to the power community.
At 6.30 p.m., I arrive home to be greeted by my children, dog and husband – and our digital robot helper. He is the perfect household and energy manager.
At 11 p.m., the house automatically switches to security mode. From the bathroom mirror, I give the signal to switch off all the lights … as well as the internet in the kids’ rooms.
This is what a day in 2031 could look like. Smart home, smart energy, smart living – these are terms that are set to shape our future. A future that is already emerging – especially at Theben.
Now, we once again warmly welcome you to join us on a tour through the past. You will find out how Theben became what it is today – and what it will be in the future.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
“Oswald, the castle ghost”
Part three
Can you hear those beautiful harmonies floating through the castle? These – and much more besides – are all thanks to Paul Eberhard Schwenk. He bought the castle in 1974 when it was in a sorry state. He spent 6 years renovating everything – with great attention to detail and investing a small fortune. But above all, he introduced some quite extraordinary things that I haven’t experienced in my 250 years here: he established a hotel and conference centre, and arranged concerts and art exhibitions. Mr Schwenk even created a work of art himself. Here in the dungeon, he arranged some strange objects – and gave some visitors quite a fright! Yes, Paul Eberhard Schwenk was no ordinary man, you might say.
There was often lots going on at the castle during those times. He also enjoyed coming over here with his clients and employees.
As the reformed, friendly ghost of Schloss Haigerloch, I’d like to bid you farewell by wishing you a safe journey back upstairs – and I hope you have a marvellous day at my castle.
“Oswald, the castle ghost”
“Forbidden” room
Stop, stop, stop! Did you hear my sabre-rattling? You can’t go any further. I know that you’re awfully keen to find out what’s down here. Now that you’ve got used to me, you’re feeling braver – naturally. But even a castle ghost needs his privacy! And that starts here. I know, I’m no fun – and neither are the current lords of the castle!
“Oswald, the castle ghost”
Part two
I’m back – welcome to the former torture chamber. Let me torture you a little – with a little history lesson. Well, the castle was built around 1200 by the Counts of Hohenberg. A number of important extensions were added later. Notably, the baroque castle church in 1580 and, a short time later, the court chapel in the gate tower as well as the granary. Around 1588, they built the guardhouse – including this dungeon below. They could have done without that if it were up to me …
Around 1700 – when the castle belonged to the Hohenzollern family – the “Obervogtei” governor’s residence and stables were constructed. Today, this area is the hotel and restaurant. During the First World War, the building was used as a military hospital. Afterwards – and rather mundanely – it became the offices for the administrative unit – as well as a court. After 1945, an administration school was housed in the “Obervogtei”, while the seat of the agricultural office and an agricultural school resided in the main building.
But the castle wasn’t all that stately anymore. The whole place was draughty, everything was damp and the plaster was crumbling from the ceilings. It doesn’t bother me – but I know it bothers you mortals! Luckily, that’s when Paul Eberhard Schwenk turned up. But that’s another story …
The internationalisation
of Theben
A new chapter opens in France
Almost half a century ago, in 1971 – a year that marked 50 years of Theben and brought celebrations in Haigerloch – the company took its first steps beyond Germany’s borders, and into France. Three years previously, Theben had done well at a trade fair in the country and managed to establish some steadfast business relationships as a result. This inspired the company to open its own branch in Le Blanc-Mesnil, a suburb located in the north-east of Paris. It was managed by Daniel Pressi, who remained with the company until 1997.
The French market developed so well that Theben S.à.r.l. France relocated to bigger premises in Drancy ten years later. Three years after that, it moved again to Bobigny, another location on the outskirts of Paris. Since 2014, Theben S.à.r.l. France has been based in Chelles, slightly further east.
Internationalisation as a pillar of the corporate strategy
Since the early 1970s, Theben has increasingly – and successfully – cultivated a presence at trade fairs that attract international visitors. By 1973, it had already reached an export ratio of 40 percent, thanks in no small part to its innovative, energy-saving products.
Ten years later, Theben opened a sales company in Switzerland, followed by Theben S.r.l. in Milan, Italy, in 1993. The Swiss office became Theben (Schweiz) AG in 2001 and then acquired HTS High Technology Systems AG in 2007, a leading manufacturer of presence detectors and energy-saving products for building
technology. This was a logical addition to Theben’s product range. Over in the UK, Theben acquired long-term customer and licensee Timeguard Ltd in London back in 1996, together with its 75 employees and well-established British sales network.
In 2010, Theben then opened a branch in the Netherlands. Three years later, it developed its commitment to the booming Asian markets by establishing Theben Asia in Singapore. No fewer than four branches and subsidiaries were founded in 2017: in Sweden, Finland, Norway and, on the other side of the world, Australia.
More recently, the company founded a branch in Austria in 2019 and a joint venture in India in 2020. 2021 Theben Group acquires trademark rights from the traditional Grässlin brand. The internationalisation strategy has also resulted in 60 sales agencies across the world, and there is one figure that illustrates the significant role it plays in Theben’s business: 64 percent of sales are now generated outside of Germany.
Expansion in the countryside
Courageously embracing change, Theben experienced a decade of vigorous growth. This period included the gradual construction of a new plant from 1958 onwards, and the development of an electronics department, which succeeded in creating a groundbreaking innovation with the Luna twilight switch. The change of name to “Theben-Werke” and creative marketing also contributed to the success, and the company turned international with the founding of a branch in France in 1971.
Theben is a family company – in more than one way:
For 100 years now, it has been in the ownership of a family that takes responsibility for it – in management positions and with a view to long-term planning. But Theben is also a family for its employees – a place where they feel valued and enjoy better-than-average social security benefits. Many of them have proudly stayed faithful to the company throughout their careers – and sometimes over several generations.
Paul Sebastian Schwenk was born in 1981 and grew up in a world of freedom.
Having studied industrial engineering and gaining a master’s degree with a focus on entrepreneurship,
he believes that his future lies in his family’s company – a role he intends to embrace now that his mother and his grandfather,
Paul Eberhard Schwenk, have both passed on. He joined the ranks of Theben in 2016 and took up a position on the Executive Board in the same year. Since 2020, he has been the Chairman
of the Board and CEO of Theben.
Hard times in the former tavern
Life was tough during Theben’s early days in Haigerloch, as the war had led to a lack of orders and materials. Housed in a former tavern, the company had to improvise during those years of conflict – one reason being that it refused to take on orders for military equipment. Founder Paul Schwenk died in 1944. After 1945, his son Paul Eberhard embarked on a modest new venture – one that he soon developed into a major success story.
A difficult chapter reaches a conciliatory end.
After years of owning the “Zur Rose” tavern, Julie Levi, a Jew, emigrated to the USA in 1939 and sold the property to a dentist for less than its value. Paul Schwenk then purchased it in 1940. Julie Levi attempted to reclaim ownership in 1949, but a compensation payment was settled upon instead. Later on, Paul Schwenk KG received part of this from the previous owner.
Ellen Herl’s warmth and humanity made her an unforgettable character in Theben’s history.
The founder’s youngest daughter, she grew up in the company and worked there during her school years. In 1948, she joined the company in a “girl Friday” role, and employees viewed her as a caring partner in the business and a confidante in all kinds of situations. She died in 2016, but many of those who were there during her lifetime still have strong memories of her.
Multi-talented, Paul Eberhard Schwenk’s life achievements were truly remarkable.
As a 20-year-old, he took responsibility for the company in 1945 after the death of his father. Theben’s longstanding success story is down to him, with his strategic thinking, his energy and his determination. In 1976, he gave himself the freedom to find another way to leave his mark – his efforts as a castle owner and promoter of the arts have endured beyond his death in 2005.
Paul Schwenk was a skilled and talented person.
Born in 1889, he trained as a precision mechanic at a clock manufacturer. After spending several years at a company in Stuttgart and returning from the First World War, he developed his own timers and started a company in 1921. Thanks to his hard work and innovations, the business grew quickly. In 1941, he relocated to Haigerloch, where he died in 1944 after a long illness.
1999–2021
The new millennium ushers in a period of crisis and challenges. At the same time, digitalisation and efforts to network the world are continuing rapidly.
Lydia Schwenk was more than just the boss’s wife.
Armed with training in business administration and experience from working in England, she played an active role in developing the company – even after the birth of her four children. Her warm demeanour led employees to praise her as the “good soul” of the company. It was a role that she continued to adopt in Haigerloch, where she was involved in the church community for decades. The senior partner in the company, she died in 1984 after a long life.
From the time switch to the Smart Meter Gateway
Theben transformed itself from a component manufacturer to a system provider for intelligent, complete building control solutions through various products, such as the KNX fieldbus standard and the LUXOR living comfort control, and through the acquisition of presence detector pioneer HTS. The CONEXA 3.0 Performance smart meter gateway for intelligent digital data exchange in the energy sector was certified in 2020 – another major milestone.
1889 –1941
Germany plunges the world into two world wars. At the same time, industrialisation continues apace and many pioneering achievements in technology are made.
1942–1957
At the end of the war in 1945, Germany and its economy are at rock bottom. However, the Deutsche Mark’s introduction in 1948 helps the country undergo a spectacular recovery.
1958–1971
Just a decade later, almost everything has changed. The Berlin Wall has been built, and a new youth culture has developed, along with protest movements that are permanently changing the face of politics and society.
1972–1998
The final decades of the 20th century are marked by a revolution in technology. Digitalisation is bringing fundamental changes to life and work.
Heading towards a new era
Plastic gained in importance in the 1970s, just like electronics, which were first found in timers in the form of quartz-controlled stepper motors, replacing the clockworks. Unveiled in 1976, the theben-timer proved to be a tremendous success – as did other innovative products with microprocessor technology. This led Theben’s subsidiary PEZET to erect a new production building in 1983. Theben decided to follow suit in 1998.