Eighty years after the first vacuum cleaner patent, two young consulting engineers were confident they could invent a vacuum cleaner on a whole new level. With a lot of theoretical and practical experience they founded the company “Stein & Co.” in Velbert in the “Bergischem Land” and developed the SEBO 350 in 1978.

This innovatively designed model contained so many new patents reflecting advanced technical progress that the ambitious cleaning staff in hotels, hospitals and offices were quickly impressed and convinced that this was the best vacuum ever made. Since 1978 up to the present, SEBO vacuums are found being used on all floors throughout the world.

With 4 million vacuum cleaners sold, SEBO is the global leader in commercial uprights. Our customers benefit from this know-how.

SEBO COMPANY HISTROY

1977

The experienced partners Klaus Stein, Heinz Kaulig and Axel Bellingen begin a development project for a new kind of upright vacuum cleaner with a clutch for the brush, integrated suction hose and top-fill filter bag.

17.01.1978

Stein & Co. GmbH become registered. The trademark SEBO, short for ”SEmigewerbliche BOdenpflege” (semi-commercial floor care), is created.

The production of the new upright vacuum cleaner SEBO 350 for commercial use starts.

18.07.1978

Vacuum cleaner No. 100 is produced in the first manufacturing plant, a previous weaving mill in Velbert.

Distribution in Germany and Europe begins.

1979

Windsor Industries become our partner, as sales start in the U.S.

1980

The company moves to a larger location and the product range is extended.

The 25,000th vacuum cleaner is built.

1981

By 1981, SEBO machines are distributed worldwide, also as Private Label products.

1983

By 1983, SEBO distribution companies have been founded in Austria, the United Kingdom, South Africa and France.

1984

Stein & Co. move into the newly built, modern company premises on Wülfrather Straße.

The introduction of the duo carpet cleaning system and the electrostatic microfilter leads to our continued business success.

1985

The production output doubles compared to 1983 figures.

1986

Introduction of the newly designed SEBO 360 series with electronic brush control.

1988

SEBO Stein & Co. have been in business for 10 years.

1991

We move into our new extended facilities with state-of-the-art storage and production technology. Introduction of the sensational SEBO AUTOMATIC X series.

SEBO UK starts distribution through electrical appliance retailers, Germany follows the same year.

08.08.1994

On the occasion of Klaus Stein’s birthday, unit No. 1,000,000 is manufactured.

1995

Presentation of the SEBO AIRBELT C cylinder vacuum cleaner for a new market segment.

The retail distribution in Australia and Korea begins.

1997

Retail distribution in the U.S. begins.

SEBO 370 series is presented to the commercial market.

1998

The company celebrates 20 years of SEBO Stein & Co.

Thomas Stein joins the company’s management.

The 1,500,000th unit is a SEBO AUTOMATIC X1.

1999

Foundation of SEBO America and start of SEBO retail distribution in the USA.

2000

Unit No. 2,000,000 is a SEBO AIRBELT C3.1.

2002

Two new product series are presented: SEBO PROFESSIONAL G and SEBO AIRBELT K.

Heinz Kaulig retires.

Achim Liffers joins the company’s management.