Our History

Since 1923 the STAHLGRUBER group has been delivering top quality for satisfied customers. Today subsidiaries and agents represent the brand REMA TIP TOP in over 170 countries around the globe. The continual expansion of national and international market activities and the expansion and optimization of the sales structure, service and product range guarantee customers the best possible performance.

Two men in suits and coats stand outdoors, smiling and holding arms. The image is in black and white.

1923 – The Beginning

In 1923 the brothers Otto and Willy Gruber found a joint company. The brothers’ first trade in screws and small metal parts under the name Otto Gruber & Co., but soon start selling compressors and lift platforms.

A vintage car is elevated on a hydraulic lift as a uniformed attendant stands beside it in a garage setting.

1928 – The Term ‘Stahlgruber’

Steel, a more modern material, increasingly replaces conventional iron. The Gruber brothers therefore include steel screws and bolts in their commercial program. The term “Stahlgruber” soon comes into common use and this is finally adopted and retained as the company name.

Increasing transport mechanization also extends the circle of customers. New car repair workshops are opened up everywhere. Stahlgruber becomes the leading trade supplier of automobile accessories, tools and workshop equipment.

Two men work in an industrial factory setting with machinery, tables, and tools visible; one faces away, while the other is in the foreground wearing work clothes and gloves.

1935 – A Real Market Niche

Otto Gruber & Co. KG, headquartered in Munich, is founded.

The Grubers discover a real market niche when visiting a vulcanizing operation. Up to this point, tyre repair material has been laboriously cut out by hand from old tyres. No alternative is been available on the market up until this point.

A rectangular, vintage packaging labeled TIP-TOP Schnellflick für Autoschläuche with instructions and manufacturer details in German on a beige background.

1937 – Tyre Patches

The Gruber brothers decide to produce inner tube patches. This is followed in 1938 by inner sleeves and tyre patches. The breakthrough, however, comes shortly after the end of the war with the development of a cold vulcanization material that for the first time permits a temperature-resistant tube repair.

A close-up of vintage REMA TIP TOP packaging featuring a large tire and cars on a green background with bold text.

1938 – The Name

During a product trial, Willy Gruber exclaims: “This is tip-top!” and thus creates the name of an idea whose fulfillment one day led to the conquest of the world market.

Large yellow mining dump truck numbered 46 is parked on a dirt road with a pile of rocks in the background under a clear sky.

1949 – Record Level

The millionth inner tube patch is manufactured.

Two men stand in an industrial workshop near large mechanical equipment and wheels, with tools and machinery visible in the background.

1950 – First Agencies Abroad

Stahlgruber opens its first agencies abroad in Italy and Japan, with production running at full capacity. The trading portfolio, comprising of car parts, accessories, tools and workshop equipment, is continually extended. Both the services offered, and international involvements also increase strongly.

A worker wearing protective clothing stands beside a large industrial mixing machine, using a tool to stir or manage the contents inside the metal container.

1960 – Expansion

The first jointly-owned companies abroad are founded.

Large yellow mining dump truck numbered 46 is parked on a dirt road with a pile of rocks in the background under a clear sky.

1965 – Wear Protection

Product development gets underway and Wear Protection materials are developed.

Modern building facade with large glass windows and STAHLGRUBER · STIFTUNG sign above the entrance, illuminated at night.

2002 – From Munich to Poing

The REMA TIP TOP German headquarters is moved from Munich to Poing.

Modern office building with large windows, a tree and green lawn in the foreground, and a banner on the left side of the building.

2007 – Foundation of the GMBH

REMA TIP TOP GMBH is founded.

The image shows the REMA TIP TOP logo with REMA in black text above TIP in red and TOP in black, all set within red and black outlined rectangles on a white background.

2008 – Merges into AG

Merges into STAHLGRUBER Otto Gruber AG.

A white pickup truck with REMA TIP TOP branding parked in front of a brick office building with the same logo on the exterior wall.

2009 – South Africa

Dunlop Belting (Pty,) Ltd., South Africa is acquired.

Black and white logo if alfa inside a circle with curved lines to the left and the word DEVELOPMENT to the right on a plain background.

2010 – Alfa Development

The manufacturing and development departments are consolidated into the independent alfa DEVELOPMENT GmbH.

The image shows the red letters AG in sharp focus over blurred gray letters GmbH on a light background.

2014 – New Milestone

REMA TIP TOP trades as a non-listed stock corporation.

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