The Zumtobel Group is celebrating the 75-year anniversary of its core brand, Zumtobel.
Initially started as a family business, the company was founded as ‘Elektrogeräte und Kunstharzpresswerk W. Zumtobel KG’ by Dr. Walter Zumtobel in Dornbirn in 1950 and started producing ballasts for the newly introduced fluorescent light fitting technology.
Back then, the replacement of incandescent lamps by fluorescent lamps marked the beginning of a new era in lighting technology and prompted Dr. Zumtobel to start producing luminaires only two years later. Listed on the stock exchange since 2006, the lighting group bundles its strong brands – Zumtobel, Thorn and Tridonic – and operates globally today. The headquarters is still firmly anchored in Dornbirn.
Karin Zumtobel, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of the Zumtobel Group, comments, “Celebrating Zumtobel’s 75th anniversary fills me with immense pride and joy, accompanied by a deep personal responsibility. Growing up in Dornbirn, I became acquainted with the company through my grandfather and father. Throughout our journey, we’ve not only celebrated numerous successes but have also navigated significant changes. Our continued presence and progress testify to our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.”
Alfred Felder, CEO of the Zumtobel Group, adds, “What has made the company successful is still valid; namely, the unconditional aspiration to design innovative lighting solutions for tomorrow. 75 years of Zumtobel of course also entails the responsibility to remain successful going forward.”
At the very beginning, the company pressed small plastic parts – for example buttons, or lids for toothpaste tubes. Production also included clamps, connectors, plugs as well as starterholders and sockets for fluorescent lamps. Today, the group develops state-of-the-art lighting technology and provides comprehensive lighting expertise across each of its brands. Now, as then, the headquarters in Dornbirn is the central hub for innovation within the Zumtobel Group.
Alfred continues, “The company’s innovative culture was significantly shaped by founder Dr. Walter Zumtobel back then – he was a gifted inventor. Attributes like openness, curiosity and courage are associated with this culture in our company. Having the courage to embark on new paths, while at the same accepting that we are not always alone in this effort, being open to getting external partners on board.”
Karin Zumtobel concludes, “We are celebrating our anniversary year under the motto ‘perspectives of light’. This underlines our open culture and our curiosity. It is exactly these characteristics that have shaped the Zumtobel brand since its beginnings.”
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