KREBS Switzerland

1945

1949

The company produces its first paint spray gun named “Whisker”, and begins to perfect, patent and develop electric spray gun technology

1957

Josef WAGNER, a gifted engineering partner of the Krebs Corporation departs due to differences in strategic outlook. He sets up his own factory in Friedrichshafen, Germany and drives a focus upon Paint spray guns. Today, Wagner is a highly respected manufacturer of decoration tools.

1961

The original technology is developed into a highly effective spot removal gun for the textile industry using "mechanical action"; a more people and environmentally friendly technology which significantly reduced the reliance upon harsh chemicals.  Over the next years, the company would develop and expand it's product range, experiencing a period of substantial growth

1974

 Upon the death of the founder, the company is incorporated as "Theo KREBS AG" in Switzerland, and is branded as KREBS Switzerland

1979

 Foundation of KREBS Inc. in the USA where the company experienced high demand for its paint spray products

1981

 Having outgrow it's original factory, the company builds a new production, stock and R&D centre.

1988

 Theo KREBS AG is acquired by the Leuenberger brothers

1989

With increasing pressure upon the textile industry to reduce environmentally damaging CFC usage, the company developed an alternative water-based spot removal system. With the banning of the very effective but toxic Hydrocloro1.1.1. (trichloethane) which lifted stains off the material as the banned chemical vaporised, customers were quick to adopt a system which leveraged mechanical action and on-board drying

1998

Introduction of food spray guns based upon customer requests to i)reduce labour and wastage costs from brushing and ii) meet Food Safety regulations which would require that all materials coming into contact with food during its production should be approved.  (Cheap paint guns, which are widely utilised in the industry are a serious hygiene risk).

1999

The WAGNER Group aquires the company and moves operations to Marktdorf, Germany

2007:  Production, sales and R&D moves back to Switzerland.

2010: The company introduces 2 new spot removal tables to the market.  Working with the Hohenstein Institute the K950 is designed to solve some of the major issues which dry cleaning specialistsexperience- the need for hot liquid soap, on-board hot air drying and steam.  The KREBS 500 Portable is another unique product- it provides small, semi professional locations such as clothing shops, nursing homes,film sets and the like, a system which can remove and dry stained materials without the need for compressed air whilst being portable and quiet.

I