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LAUFEN – THE HISTORY
1892
It was on 4th July 1892 when the success
story of the „Tonwarenfabrik LAUFEN“
started with the production of bricks and
clinkers. The company was founded by
three men: Albert Borer, Johann Spillmann &
Joseph Gerster-Roth.
1898
Demand for earthenware increases to a
volume that makes the construction of a
second factory in LAUFEN necessary. The
factory, which started production in 1898
was mainly used for the production of roof
tiles and bricks as well as drainage pipes.
1905
A canteen is installed on the premises, where
quality meals are offered for the workers at
40 cents.
1924
The acquisition of the Aktienzie-
gelei Allschwil, the chimney production
Allschwil and the brick factory Tranzer had
a „positive impact on all brickyards in the
LAUFEN valley“. As a result, a third kiln is
inaugurated. In the same year, the share
capital of the „Tonwarenfabrik LAUFEN“ is
increased to 1 Mio Swiss Francs.
1925
Under the directive of Guido Gerster, CEO
and member of the supervisory board of
the Tonwarenfabrik LAUFEN, the „Aktien-
gesellschaft für keramische Industrie
LAUFEN“ is established on 26th November.
Fire clay is introduced, which enables the
company to produce washbasins and sinks.
1931–1933
An innovative porcelain-like material is
launched under the brand name KILVIT.
KILVIT is much stronger than fire clay and
the pieces come out completely white and
dense.
1934
A factory is built to produce wall tiles
from stone ware. Thus turning the
„AG für keramische Industrie“ into
the first manufacturer of wall tiles in
Switzerland and serving the national con-
struction industry during the war years
1938
The production of wall tiles is followed
by that of floor tiles. Another factory
is built in LAUFEN to produce these
floor tiles from stone ware. In a difficult
business environment new jobs are
created.
1949
After World War II, the Swiss Federal
Railways, SBB, turns its attention to the
electrification of the vast national rail-
road network. LAUFEN responds with
the production of electro-technical
porcelain – mainly insulators – and becomes
a strong supplier of SBB.
1952
Within a short period of time, a new
factory is constructed in Campo Largo, in the
greater Curitiba region, by „AG für keramische
Industrie LAUFEN“ to also manufacture wall
and floor tiles in Brazil. The company is regis-
tered under the name of INCEPA S.A.
1967
LAUFEN acquires the Vienna-based OESPAG
(Österreichische Sanitär-Keramik und Porzellan-
industrie AG) with its two Austrian production
sites in Gmunden and Wilhelmsburg.
1970
The „Keramik Holding AG LAUFEN“ is founded
in response to the organisational structure
needed to successfully guide the 4’000
employees at various locations in Switzer-
land, Austria, Germany, Spain and Brazil.