Our chronology

From past to present

1961

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

1970

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

1981

The first combined foot switch for medical equipment is developed.

1987

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

1995

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

2002

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

2003

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

2004

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

2005

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).

2011

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.

2012

New R&D centre opens.

2015

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".

2017

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.

2019

Acquisition of new Sales and Marketing building.

2023

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

2023

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.

1961
1970
1981
1987
1995
2002
2003
2004
2005
2011
2012
2015
2017
2019
2023
2023