Master electrician Volker Hübschmann founded Hübschmann Aufzüge in 1975, initially in a rented hall in Korbach.

Master electrician Volker Hübschmann founded Hübschmann Aufzüge in 1975, initially in a rented hall in Korbach. (Photo: © Hübschmann Aufzüge)

Hübschmann Aufzüge anniversary celebrations: 8,000 lifts in 50 years

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On 1 August 1975, Volker Hübschmann set up “Hübschmann Aufzüge” in Korbach (Germany). At that time, the company had three employees. This year, the company will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with what are now 130 employees.

As a master electrician, Volker Hübschmann had always been interested in solving problems. He had always personally planned, built and assembled. What could be more natural than founding his own company?

The first company headquarters were in a rented hall on Homberger Weg in Korbach. The move to the current location in Raiffeisenstraße occurred only two years later. Due to the steady growth in the following five decades, there are now five business halls, a test tower and a three-storey office building. Lifts were produced from the start for the "Eigenmarke Hübschmann" as well as for other lift companies.

Unfortunately, the head and founder of the company died in an aircraft accident on 2 July 1998. The next generation then took over with Hildegard and Ralph Hübschmann assuming the management of the company, which by then had 49 staff.

Hübschmann Aufzüge and ski jumping

In his welcoming speech, ski jumper Stephan Leyhe thanked Hübschmann for its many years of support in developing his sporting career. Photo: © Ronald BrandlIn his welcoming speech, ski jumper Stephan Leyhe thanked Hübschmann for its many years of support in developing his sporting career. Photo: © Ronald Brandl

The company’s expansion continued during the following decades: a new lift testing-training centre was built in 1998 and the company’s own test bench installed. Hübschmann Aufzüge also opened a branch near to Celle. Things became cramped in 2001, which led to the family company building another production hall with 1500 m2.

Technical further development was also expedited. At this time the company bought a combined computer-controlled laser coordinate stamping press for large sheet metal pieces. A new painting plant was installed at the same time.

Hübschmann-Aufzüge is also familiar to many outside the lift sector. For many years, the company name could be found on the skis of the prominent ski jumper Stephan Leyhe, the Olympic silver medal winner (2018) and world champion in team competition (2019). Incidentally, the proximity to ski jumping is no coincidence: in 2001, the company built the first lift without machine room at the world cup ski jumping hill in Willingen – the hometown of Stephan Leyhe.

The expansion continues …

Today's production area covers over 3,500 m2. Photo: © Hübschmann AufzügeToday's production area covers over 3,500 m2. Photo: © Hübschmann Aufzüge

In 2009, there was a change in the company management: in addition to managing director Ralph Hübschmann, Christoph Piorek joined the management from that date as authorised signatory.

In 2013, after things had once again become cramped, the office building was expanded by 50 percent. Four years later, Hübschmann-Aufzüge purchased a new business plot of approximately 3,500 m2 for future expansion. This is to be exploited in the near future: a two-storey building for warehouse purposes and for training is to be erected here.

Production in Germany

Volker Hübschmann with transmission at one of the first lift trade fairs. Photo: © Hübschmann AufzügeVolker Hübschmann with transmission at one of the first lift trade fairs. Photo: © Hübschmann Aufzüge

The balance sheet is impressive: in the last five decades about 8,000 lifts have been built at Korbach. Passenger and panorama lifts as well as goods and cargo lifts are currently in production.

Lifts from Korbach are now present in 13 countries on three continents. But the company has remained true to its roots: Hübschmann Aufzüge is one of the few companies in the lift sector that today still produces exclusively in Germany.

Since the electrical and mechanical design occurs inhouse, production could "respond very individually to customer preferences and local circumstances," the company emphasised. The company’s own specially-trained experts were responsible for the assembly and later maintenance of the lifts.

Lifts "Made in Korbach"

Photo: © Hübschmann AufzügePhoto: © Hübschmann Aufzüge

Hübschmann-Aufzüge is certified according to ISO 9001, EN 13015, ISO 14001, the Lift Directive Annex XI, EN 1090 and the German Water Act. In addition, the company is actively involved in the VDMA, VFA and local chambers of industry and commerce, including beyond the company’s own district.

Ralph Hübschmann and Christoph Piorek are proud of what the company has achieved upon its anniversary. "Thanks to the regular further training of our workforce and the steady digitalisation of our company, we can offer durable, proven quality in the manufacture, modernisation and maintenance of lifts ‘Made in Korbach’."


More information: huebschmann-aufzuege.de

Anniversary celebration: Around 300 guests attended the celebrations at the beginning of September, including employees, customers and suppliers, as well as representatives from chambers and associations (VDMA, VFA). During the historical review, the company's co-founder and senior manager, Hildegard Hübschmann, received a standing ovation lasting several minutes. To mark the anniversary, donations were made to local and international charitable organisations.

The celebrations continued late into the night. The next morning, all the halls, machines and employees were ready for the open day. Among other things, there was a steam train for the younger visitors, which had been built by one of the employees.

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