Innovation based on tradition

1828 to 1862

Founding Pioneers and Early Growth

Stauf turned the waste from the tannery into a new source of income

In the early 19th century, facing economic challenges due to the Napoleonic Wars and the continental blockade disrupting the import of animal hides, Eberhard Stauf, founder of the glue factory, ingeniously turned the waste from his tannery into a new source of income. Recognizing an opportunity in the leftover materials from leather production, he ventured into glue manufacturing. The Siegerland region's economic landscape, shaped by mining, iron and steel industries, as well as agriculture and forestry, played a pivotal role in the company's development. Eberhard Stauf's transition from a tanner to a glue boiler showcased imaginative and far-sighted management.

Tanning had a long tradition in the Stauf family, dating back to Johann-Jacob Stauf in 1654. Eberhard Stauf's innovative idea involved using the 14 kg of meat and fat waste generated from the tanning process, known as "glue stock," to produce glue. This shift granted the family a degree of independence from the fluctuating leather industry influenced by overseas production. The glue manufacturing process involved cleaning the glue stock, storing it in lime pits for up to ten weeks, and subsequent washing to remove lime residues. The boiling process followed, where the glue stock and water were heated in large vats, and preservatives were added before solidification and drying of the gelatine blocks. This inventive adaptation marked the beginning of the Stauf family's journey from a small glue boiler to a modern adhesive factory.

1862 to 1900

Resilience and International Expansion

Following Eberhard Stauf's death, his son Wilhelm assumed control of the company in 1862, implementing modernizations at the glue factory. The traditional hide glue manufacturing process persisted until the late 19th century, when technological advancements enabled more efficient year-round production. Wilhelm Stauf's entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond leather-related ventures. Collaborating with individuals like Eduard Giesler, Vollpracht, and Weiss, he co-founded the significant felt factory "Stift Keppeler Filzfabrik," Germany's largest at the time. This facility processed animal hairs leftover from tanning shops, transforming them into felt through washing, drying, and pressing. Recognizing changing trends, Wilhelm Stauf transitioned away from the declining tanning business, marking a new era in the company's history. He ventured into mining, opening new iron ore mines, and partnered with his son-in-law, Emil Pipers, in establishing a rolling foundry that remains influential today.

1900 to 1930

Times of Growth and Crisis

In 1900, when Ernst and Richard Stauf assumed leadership, the hide glue industry flourished with improved quality due to advanced production processes. Techniques like draining glue stock in presses and employing steam heating before boiling enhanced efficiency. However, difficulties arose as competition from the Ruhr intensified, impacting the mines and iron and steel industry in Siegerland. With the decline of local tanneries linked to wood production, the glue factories faced raw material shortages, forcing importation and exacerbating challenges. Northern German regions' faster, cheaper leather production and the influx of imported products threatened the survival of regional glue factories. The First World War further disrupted the industry, leading the Stauf brothers to shut down the glue factory from 1915 to 1920. Despite a brief upturn until 1923, the economic crisis and political unrest from 1929 dashed hopes of recovery for the hide glue industry in Siegen.

1930 to 1961

Post-War Innovation

In 1930, when Dr. Werner Stauf assumed control of the paternal business, challenging conditions prevailed under the National Socialists. Strict quotas from the "Reich Chemicals Agency" led to a forced reduction in production, and in December 1939, a state order mandated the closure of the STAUF glue factory. Necessity spurred inventiveness, prompting Dr. Werner Stauf to develop a method for recovering hide glue from abrasive paper and cloth waste.

Despite this, air raids in December 1944 and February 1945 destroyed the entire production facilities, and the STAUF family lost all its assets. Post-World War II, Dr. Werner Stauf strategically decided not to resume hide glue production due to conflicts with authorities and communities. Instead, he pioneered a new type of glue from surplus soluble glass, marking the birth of STAUF Leimtafeln.

With the discovery of viscid cold glue, the STAUF company found a new direction, reshaping the adhesive industry in Siegerland. This innovation, perfect for gluing hardboard to concrete, laid the foundation for a specialization in construction adhesives. Dr. Werner Stauf's concentration on dispersion adhesives led to the "STAUF Rapid-M2A" launch in 1952, a breakthrough in full-spread gluing for wood flooring. This marked a significant shift and confirmed the company's prowess in the adhesive industry.

1961 to 1998

Legacy Continues through Market Expansion

Following Dr. Werner Stauf's legacy, Helmut Stauf strategically directed the company toward construction chemical products and the construction industry, emphasizing marketing efforts in Germany and abroad. Under his leadership, STAUF evolved into a leading enterprise in flooring adhesives.

The company's steady growth in the 1970s prompted Helmut Stauf to develop innovative products, such as the WFR wood flooring adhesive and the dispersion-based "M2A" line. Challenges of increased user and consumer protection requirements led to the creation of two polyvinyl acetate dispersions-based adhesives: Type “Rapid M2A-712” and “Rapid M2A-720,” with later advancements using polyurethane.

To offer a comprehensive system for wood flooring and floor covering work, Helmut Stauf introduced an extensive range of accessories. However, limited space in Siegen necessitated a relocation plan in the mid-1990s. Helmut Stauf chose Wilnsdorf, but his sudden death in 1998 altered the course. Despite the relocation plans being put on hold, Siegrid Stauf, his wife and a seasoned executive at the company, took charge alongside her older son Wolfgang Stauf, steering the family business through unexpected changes.

1998 to Today

Global Growth and Stauf USA

After Helmut Stauf's sudden death in 1998, Siegrid and Wolfgang Stauf led the family business, emphasizing a focus on construction chemical products. In 2002, Wolfgang founded Stauf USA LLC, successfully introducing German technology to the American market. Construction of a modern production plant marked a pivotal moment, transitioning production from Siegen to Wilnsdorf by 2002.

Innovation continued with the development of adhesives like WFR wood flooring and the "M2A" line. The closure of the Siegen plant and the commissioning of the new factory reflected the company's evolution. Looking forward, STAUF faces challenges in a globalized market, shorter construction times, and the need for creative strategies. The company remains committed to the visionary principles of Dr. Werner Stauf, ensuring dynamic and innovative approaches for continued success.

"A good company must remain young, dynamic, and develop new, creative ideas day after day." - Dr. Werner Stauf