History

1920

• Explosion protected luminaires has developed to the basis of the whole manufacturing program. SCHUCH became a pioneer for ex-protected light fittings, junction boxes, switches and sockets.

1922

• The son-in-law, Dr Walter Pfaffenberger, joins the company and takes over the management of domestic and international sales.

1926

• Industrial light fittings, oval cast light fittings, ceiling and pendant light fittings up to 1,000 W as well as narrow, semi-narrow and inclined beam floodlights up to 2,000 W for illumination of industrial plants has become part of the product range.

1931

• The company founder Adolf Schuch dies. Dr Walter Pfaffenberger and Kurt Schuch manage the company.

1934

• SCHUCH introduces the first gas-tight cast-iron pendant light fitting ("completely hermetically sealed") onto the market.

1935/36

• Further luminaires for special applications follow, e.g. oven lamps, barrel illumination for breweries and wineries as well as special fittings, e.g. stable and cellar switches, air protection cylinders with blue glass.
• Introduction of the first modern pole-top luminaire (Type 10538) for parks in mushroom-shape.

1948

• The production of explosion-protected light fittings, street light fittings and industrial and special-purpose light fittings of all types was restarted.

1949

• New lamp technologies capture the market. With the production of the first general-diffuse luminaire for fluorescent tubes, SCHUCH enters the market of damp-proof linear luminaires.
• In the mid of the 50s, the first Ex-proof linear luminaires for fluorescent tubes follows as well as street and high bay light fittings for high pressure mercury lamps.

1950

• Karl-Werner Gutjahr, Kurt Schuch's son-in-law, joins the company.

1951

• Engineer Hans-Joachim Pfaffenberger, son of Dr Walter Pfaffenberger, follows just one year later.

1952/53

• With the experience of 50 years as a manufacturer of sturdy high quality light fittings for rough industrial applications, SCHUCH recognises the potential and the advantages of glass fibre reinforced polyester for luminaires. The industry-wide first damp-proof luminaire with a glass fibre reinforced polyester housing was introduced onto the market.
• Soon afterwards, explosion protected light fittings and street light fittings follow.

1957 

• The company enlarged its working and storage areas by more than 14,000 m².

1970

• Numerous patents and registered designs prove SCHUCH's extensive significance in the explosion protected light fittings market.

1973

• Dr Walter Pfaffenberger passes away on 28 January.

1975

• A foamed polyurethane gasket is used in waterproof light fittings for the first time, which automates the manufacturing step "gasket pasting".
• Production of the first industrial high bay light fitting made of glass fibre reinforced polyester especially for application in very aggressive environment, such as in galvanising plants, compost systems, steeping plants, etc. SCHUCH is known for its problem solving competence, especially for difficult operating conditions. 

1981

• Karl-Werner Gutjahr passes away on 21 August. Hans-Joachim Pfaffenberger is the sole managing director.

1986

• After substantial development work, SCHUCH introduces world‘s first  explosion-protected linear light fitting with electronic control gear. Only a few years later, SCHUCH presents the first explosion-protected linear light fitting for standard 2-pin fluorescent tubes. A pioneering solution that enables to generally use conventional fluorescent tubes in explosion-protected light fittings.

2000

• The new technology leads to revolutionary changes in all company activities and areas. The increasing complexity and even shorter development cycles will challenge us in the future.

2002

• Establishment of a new highly skilled engineering department that focuses on energy efficient LED lighting solutions.
• Within just a few years, a complete LED product range is successfully introduced onto the market.

2007

• Carlo Wolf takes over the management from Hans-Joachim Pfaffenberger.

2009

• By the end of the decade, two product portfolios are available for almost every product group. The classic conventional product portfolio with perfected and proven light fittings as well as the modern LED product portfolio with energy efficient LED solutions. 

2020

• Now in its 5th generation, SCHUCH has been working competently, innovatively and with a passion for good lighting for 125 years. Unfortunately, an anniversary celebration is not possible due to the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, all employees receive a handsome anniversary bonus.
• Nicolai Wolf and Aljoscha Wolf take over the management areas of technology/production and sales/administration respectively.
• SCHUCH has been on its way to becoming a climate-neutral company for years. The most important milestones to date: the energy-efficient refurbishment of the main building including the conversion of the factory lighting to LED, the installation of a PV system on over 3,000 m² of roof area, the purchase of the first electric vehicles and the development of a charging infrastructure.

2023 Introduction of the new, cross-series GreenLine product line. These outstandingly sustainable luminaires already fulfil the expected future European ecodesign requirements for sustainable products. 13 criteria, which are regularly reviewed and adjusted if necessary, ensure absolute transparency.