Gründung
Foundation of the company by Karl Spohn and David Burkhardt at the current location in Blaubeuren Mauergasse 5.
The family business began, initially with 2 employees, with the repair of electrical machines and switchgears. At the same time, the development of own starting devices and switchgear began.
Bis 1930
Until 1930, the number of employees grew to 30. Products such as the star-delta switch and starters expanded the product range.
1. Patent
In November 1942, Spohn + Burkhardt applied for its first patent: The drum switch.
Schaltschränke
From 1948, construction of complete control cabinets for the control of cranes.
At the end of the 40s, the number of employees grew to 100. Machines such as lathes and presses were purchased and the production facilities gradually expanded.
The clientele, which originally consisted of local customers, expanded to include industrial companies and power stations. A further boost came with participation in trade fairs. First with the presentation of the products at the Leipzig Fair and then at the Hannover Fair.
Mauergasse
Until 1955, SPOBU expanded in the Mauergasse, near the famous Blautopf, to its present size. The last construction phase was the 7-storey high-rise building with technical and commercial offices, as well as additional production areas on the lower floors.
Gusswiderstände
From 1960, Spohn + Burkhardt manufactured cast resistors for cranes and industrial applications. The resistors product portfolio was later expanded to include wire wound and steel grid resistors.
Steuerschalter
From 1963, the product range was expanded to include single and dual axis control switches which were the forerunners of today‘s VNS0. They enabled the changeover from direct switching to contactor control and a simpler and more ergonomic operation of machines.
Schelklingen
In 1964, the second plant was built in neighbouring Schelklingen. Initially, only sheet metal processing was located there. Later, control stations and portable consoles for Liebherr were built on there. The Schelklingen plant was gradually enlarged by the addition of further halls, and departments from the main plant in Blaubeuren (paint shop, starter construction and resistor construction, ...) were relocated to Schelklingen.
CS0
The CS0 master switch expanded the product portfolio in 1974.
Universalgriffe
Development of own universal handles. The ergonomically shaped handles offer installation options for various push-buttons, rocker switches and command devices for controlling additional functions.
FSMMD
A new generation of control stations, the FSMMD, sets new standards with its many electrical adjustment options.
Together with an ergonomically shaped seat and memory function, it is ideally suited for demanding multi-shift operations and for the first time offers the possibility of seated or standing operation of cranes.
Meisterschalter
At the beginning of the 2000s, the first master switches were equipped with bus systems. Via the so-called bus line, all functions of the joystick can be transmitted together, thus simplifying the connection to the subsequent machine control.
UGAs
A new universal handle series, the UGAs, expand the control possibilities of the master switches due to their modularity and combination possibilities of the master switches. At the same time, their functions can be connected to industrial bus systems via the bus interface integrated in the switch.
FSRHDG
The FSRHDG, is presented.
Especially for harbour cranes, it offers an ergonomically adaptable workplace for relaxed and fatigue-free working. A free view downwards as well as working in forward position are possible due to its many degrees of freedom.
JMS3
The JMS3 joystick for smooth, sensitive and precise control. The base for this is its metal body and the high quality bearings, as well as oil-damped dampers.
ST4
Extreme environmental conditions require resistant joysticks. The ST4 guarantees tightness and functionality even with a damaged rubber boot and thus withstands adverse weather such as snow and ice.
Pistenbully
For the company Pistenbully, a customised handle, produced in 3D printing, was projected with a variety of internals.
HS2
Especially for applications with different bus systems, the new HS2. Thanks to the wear-free 3D Hall sensor system with 10 million switching cycles.
3D-Druck
3D printing is also making its way into control stations. The FS with I consoles (I for innovation) offers console covers made of plastic using the 3D printing process. This makes it possible to also offer small series with customised plastic covers.
G50
The compact G50 handle adds another axis to the control functions of the joystick.
MFA
A new multifunctional armrest MFA for new fields of application such as agricultural and municipal vehicles or forklifts.
Tochterfirmen
Also in 2017, the first subsidiaries of Spohn and Burkhardt were founded. Spohn & Burkhardt India Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore and EFD Elektrotechnische Fabrik Düsseldorf GmbH, which manufactures maintenance and safety switches for industrial sectors under the brand name SiTec.
HS0
The HS0, the little brother of the HS2, completes the series of 3D-HALL based joysticks. With its small size, it can be used in applications where limited installation space and robustness are important at the same time.
Produktionshalle
At the end of 2019, at the beginning of 2020, production began to move to the new assembly hall in Württembergerstrasse. New and modern production lines were planned and implemented here on around 5000 m2. Around 100 employees work here with recognized Spobu quality.
FSMMD
Functionality meets design and ergonomics. This sentence is probably the best way to describe the new edition of the FSMMD control station and the new development of the RCD control station. With its numerous electrical adjustment options and the memory function, the FSMMD is perfectly suited for demanding shift work.
RCD
The Remote Control Desk, or RCD for short, eliminates the need for long journeys to the crane and allows safe and comfortable working from a sitting or standing position.
By joining KML GmbH in Lahr, a manufacturer of cabins, Spohn & Burkhardt becomes a system supplier.
Tochterfirma China
On 01.07.2021, the third subsidiary of Spohn und Burkhardt was established with the foundation of S+B Shanghai Co, Ltd.
