100 years of SÜDWEST
How do we reflect on our first century in business? And how are we approaching the next one? Take a look at our anniversary magazine marking 100 years of SÜDWEST to find out the answers.
Moving moments
Dive into the history of SÜDWEST and accompany us on our journey through the last century. In addition to discovering our company’s milestones, you will also be reminded of some of the key events of the times.
The dawn of a new era. Where is our path leading us and what will our journey be like? SÜDWEST employees have their say.
History
On 10 August 1923, Georg Schöffler opened up a paint store in the German town of Neustadt an der Weinstraße. Even back then, his goal was to manufacture paints himself. In 1937, he acquired a 6,000-square-metre hall in Böhl-Iggelheim, the current headquarters, with his partner and son-in-law Johannes Kaffenberger.
Early on, it was clear that SÜDWEST was to be an exclusive brand for professionals and the trade, so the decision was made to adopt a multi-stage distribution approach. After the Second World War, the company grew continually and became a major paint and coating manufacturer. SÜDWEST has been part of the STO group of companies since 2002.
Milestones
• 10 August 1923: Georg Schöffler establishes the manufacturing and wholesale business for paints, coatings, and painters’ supplies in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany.
• 1937: In February, Hans Kaffenberger, son-in-law of Georg Schöffler, purchases the current 6,000 m² factory site in Böhl-Iggelheim.
• 1938: A patent application is filed for the SÜDWEST word mark for paints and coatings.
• 1968: With All-Grund, SÜDWEST develops the first all-purpose primer and sets standards that have yet to be matched to this day.
• 1986: The bid from the Dyckerhoff Group is accepted.
• 1999: Lotusan®, the first and only facade paint with the Lotus-Effect®, is launched.
• 2002: SÜDWEST is purchased by the Sto Group and finds its perfect home: a global group of companies led by a founding family.
• 2003: SÜDWEST enters the mix: All-Color AquaMix: for water-based coating materials, lasures, interior paints, and facade paints …
• 2004: … followed by All-Color ClassicMix: paint-in-paint technology for solvent-based paints, lasures, and special products.
• 2012: AquaVision® paints: new products based on a PUR hybrid formulation. The advantages of two binders are combined – for optimum flow properties and hard-wearing surfaces.
• 2013: Bio-InnenSilikat: the first interior paint with the natureplus® seal. Allergy sufferers can breathe easily.
• 2016: KlimaKomfort – the mould remediation system impresses with an exceptionally high water absorption capacity.
• 2017: With Drytec® facade paint, a further biomimetic product enters the market: rain, fog, or dew rapidly dry off.
• 2021: The new Logistics Centre in Böhl-Iggelheim opens.
• 2023: SÜDWEST celebrates 100 years of success.