Our chronology

Founding of "STEUTE-Schaltgerätebau Rose & Sölken KG" in Bad Oeynhausen. The name "steute" is taken from the German term Steuerungstechnik, meaning control technology.

Friedhelm Rose leaves, and Gerhard Sölken becomes sole owner of the company.

The first combined foot switch for medical equipment is developed.

Serial production of explosion-proof switches for extreme ambient conditions begins.

The Schmersal Group, based in Wuppertal, takes over steute Schaltgeräte GmbH & Co. KG with effect from 1st January 1995.

Production of first remote control foot switch for medical equipment. First foreign subsidiary, steute Meditech Inc., is founded in the US.

steute leaves the Schmersal Group, headed by Stefan Schmersal as sole Managing Partner.

Launch of self-sufficient wireless switching devices for industrial use.

Founding of steute do Brasil Ltd. as a sales and manufacturing company for South America, as well as further subsidiaries in Europe (steute Italia, steute France, steute Polska, steute UK) and Japan (Nihon steute).

steute celebrates its 50th anniversary. As a sales and manufacturing site for the Asian market, steute Electrical Components (a WFOE), is founded in Shanghai, China.

New R&D centre opens.

Participation in the OR.NET project researching secure and dynamic networking for the future operating room. A multifunctional foot switch is developed especially for this purpose.

Launch of first wireless switching devices for industrial automation, branded as "sWave".

Introduction of software-based wireless sensor network "sWave.NET®" for intralogistics and industry.

Subsequent launch of "nexy" brand for the control and optimisation of material flow.

Acquisition of new Sales and Marketing building.

Restructuring of the four previous business units and strategic splitting of the company into three divisions: Meditec, Controltec und Leantec. Redesign of corporate image.

Expansion of Management. Managing Partner Stefan Schmersal moves to Advisory Board and continues to support the company at a strategic level. Managing Directors are now Dr. Ing. Christof Gerhardy for the technical side and Marc Stanesby for the commercial and administrative areas.