Unveiling History: STABILA’s 135 Years of Innovation

 Words:  Tim O'toole

STABILA stands as a distinguished global manufacturer renowned for its top-tier branded measuring tools. Operating across more than 80 countries, with an extensive network of sales companies, representatives, and importers, the STABILA brand remains the foremost choice for millions of professional tradespeople in critical measurement technology sectors.

The array of products encompasses spirit levels, line and rotation lasers, electronic measuring tools, rules, and tape measures. With a dedicated team of approximately 600 employees worldwide, including 350 at the headquarters in Annweiler in the Palatinate region of Germany, STABILA demonstrates its commitment to success. The primary manufacturing hub in Germany produces all STABILA spirit levels, electronic measuring tools, and high-end rotation lasers, complemented by additional factories in the Czech Republic (for rules) and China (for laser measuring tools).

The company's global success and robust growth stem from its innovative prowess, application-centric product development in collaboration with construction and trade professionals, adoption of modern production technologies, and consistent refinement of sales and marketing endeavors.

For those who prioritize quality, STABILA stands as the epitome of trustworthiness.

In the realm of manual work, precision measurement holds the utmost significance. Professionals necessitate tools of unwavering accuracy, resilient enough to withstand any weather conditions or the most challenging construction site environments. STABILA specializes in crafting such tough, durable, and precise equipment. This dedication has persisted since 1889.

STABILA oversees the entire production process from conceptualization to manufacturing. The world-renowned quality of STABILA products is ensured through extensive in-house manufacturing and the use of superior-quality materials. These products distinguish themselves through enduring accuracy, robust construction, user-friendly design, and practical application benefits.

A Heritage of Family Tradition

The roots of STABILA trace back to the entrepreneurial spirit of brothers Anton and Franz Ullrich, who commenced the production of folding rules in the mid-19th century. In 1886, their patent for a spring-loaded joint revolutionized the folding rule, forming the cornerstone of the company's subsequent success.

Gustav Ullrich, Franz's son, founded the 'Ruler Factory' in Annweiler am Trifels in Germany's Palatinate region in 1889. The factory introduced folding rules with spring-loaded joints, a design that remains prevalent today.

Key Milestones

1865: Anton Ullrich initiates folding rule production in Maikammer/Palatinate.

1886: Anton and Franz Ullrich secure a patent for a spring-loaded joint in folding rules.

1929: STABILA brand name registration.

1952: STABILA secures the patent for the acrylic glass vial and becomes the first German manufacturer of measuring tools to produce light-metal spirit levels. 

1979: A patent — unsurpassed even today — gives spirt levels life-long accuracy: STABILA casts the vials securely in the profile body (LOCKED VIALS). 

1994: Introduction of laser measuring tools, marking the electronic age.

1997: STABILA’s United States of America and Canada sales branch opens. 

2006: The patented STABILA Protector System protects rotation lasers reliably if knocked over. 

2010: STABILA develops an IP65 dust- and waterproof electronic module for spirit levels that set new benchmarks in construction site application. 

2013: STABILA unveils a revolutionary new spirt level design. The patented aluminum R-profile form combines the wishes of numerous craftsmen for sturdiness, stability, grip, and the option of marking out with the spirt level.  

2023/2024: Investment of 15 million euros in constructing a new logistics center in Hauenstein-Wilgartswiesen, Palatinate region of Germany.

2023: STABILA releases a new digital spirit level with even more advanced capabilities. This level is IP67 and water and dust-resistant with new digital features such as pitch mode.

STABILA's 135-year journey epitomizes a relentless commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining standards in the world of measurement tools.

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Press Contact: 

Sabrina Bowgren

Marketing Team Lead — STABILA US & Canada

sbowgren@stabila.com