Sheet metal fans since 1963.
But it is not only since 1963, when Gerhard Schwabe founded GSW that the Schwabe family has passion for sheet metal. |
His grandfather started an apprenticeship as metal & hardware distributor in 1914. In 1925 he became CEO of a hardware store in Mettmann and only 5 years later started his own business in Witten which soon became the leading local store for tools and hardware. His parents took over the business and were bombed twice during World War II. Both times they were the first to re-open their doors. Gerhard Schwabe was a little then, and helped looking for usable remainders within the debris… 1960 he officially entered his parent’s business and started to build up sales of machine tools. On this segment he founded what today is the GSW Schwabe AG In 1963. |
In the early 70s, the big step from Distributor to Manufacturer could be made. In Hüls, near Krefeld, the production of the first own program with cradles, coil reel and air feeds is launched. Soon more space is required. In 1983 new facilities are erected and the company moves.
Already in the 80s, GSW starts selling part of their product line in the US. Having started with press room accessories in local markets, the engagement is continually broadened so that complete coil processing machinery and production lines are sold in all North America in the mid 90s. Since 2007, GSW has started a successful joint venture with Coe Press, one of the leading coil equipment manufacturers in the US. |
In 1993, GSW Automation in Dresden is founded. Over Millennium the production facilities are greatly enlarged which means another milestone toward a successful future. Today complex tooling of up to 2.5 tons is designed and built there.
Toward the end of the 90s, GSW takes over the LEINHAAS-HMS company. Leinhaas manufactured presses and also coil lines for the automotive industry. (the Leinhaas hydro-mechanical kinetics design is especially suited for flush-cuts and coining operation and comes close to fineblanking quality). This step allows to further broaden the company’s knowledge for complete installations and the service for the about 400 Leinhaas presses can be guaranteed.
The production facilities in Kempen again become too small so in 2000 GSW moves into a place twice as large. Construction and service department are increased and the company administration and head office as well as the sales department are moved from Witten to the new Kempen facility. |
In 2008, the next generation takes over responsibilities from Gerhard Schwabe. Despite the global focus, GSW has managed to remain a family-owned company. |
