Flowing smoothly: The history of our company.

Every watercourse starts with a small source, which gradually grows into a broad river. The history of our company begins in a similar way. A small company selling products for water treatment grew into a large manufacturing and research enterprise. In 2022, a total of 700 people give their all every day, and together generate around 150 million euros. But over the years, the basic values have remained the same: Responsibility for future generations and a corporate culture in which constructive teamwork plays a key role. Find out about the most important events in our company's history.

Two people, one goal: clean water.

We love water. And we protect it, with our commitment and with our products. It was no different in 1949 when the company “Wasserchemie und Apparatebau” was founded by Josef and Loni Grünbeck. In the early years, the company traded in water treatment products without actually manufacturing them. Even in the earliest days of the company, Grünbeck was characterised by involvement on a level playing field. The relationship with employees was one of partnership, communication was transparent, and great value was placed on a corporate culture based on mutual respect.

We build a home for progress.

In 1967, Josef Grünbeck commissions construction of his company's new administrative and production building in Höchstädt an der Donau. In 1968 employees' participation in the company is given a new and official form with the Grünbeck “Social Partnership” model. Grünbeck intensifies the development and manufacture of its own water treatment products, and in 1980 starts operating under the name of Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH At the same time, sales companies are set up in several European countries. In 1995 the company receives certification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001 and country-specific certificates, for example GOSSTANDART and UDT. This paves the way for dynamic, international growth.

Major awards, clear goals.

Grünbeck Wasseraufbereitung GmbH's commitment to keeping water pure is rewarded with the Bavarian Quality Award. The award, which was first given in 1997, honours not only municipalities in Bavaria but also Bavarian companies that “drive forward company-wide quality assurance concepts with innovative solutions”. For Grünbeck, the award is a clear confirmation that its commitment to the highest quality is the right strategy.

Certified quality, exemplary corporate culture.

In 1998 Grünbeck receives certification for medical products. Measures such as certification in accordance with the environmental management system in 2004 underline Grünbeck's aspiration to transparently connect responsibility for people and the environment with efficient corporate activity. This is borne out by the 4-star award by “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Partnerschaft in der Wirtschaft e. V.” (AGP) for a corporate culture of active partnership.

Expansion in European countries.

In 2009, Grünbeck's development project “Decentralised water supply for Brazil” receives an award as a “flagship project for 2009". One year later, the company expands further in Europe with the establishment of Grünbeck Italia S.r.l. and the Dutch company Waterzuivering B.V. In 2010, the Loni and Josef Grünbeck Foundation is set up, which ensures the independence of the Höchstädt-based company for the long term.

Water knowledge gains its own educational establishment.

In 2012, Grünbeck opens the “Grünbeck Forum”. The new, four-storey building becomes a place that sets standards in education for water and water treatment. Grünbeck continues to grow: In August 2013 the number of employees in Höchstädt exceeds 500 for the first time. At this point in time, Grünbeck has 25 sites in Germany and is represented in all the key markets worldwide by another 250 employees.

Strong brand profile, new digital presence.

Grünbeck was quick to take advantages of digital opportunities. In 1998, we launched our first website. For many years, Grünbeck's apps have offered partners and customers a plethora of planning and product information. The latest digital update took place in March 2015. Hand in hand with the honing of our brand profile and the redesign of our corporate designs comes our website relaunch. At www.gruenbeck.de, we present our employee expertise and product features, our commitment to water as a resource, our educational establishment, our technologies and our 65-year company history, now in an even more attractive form and with even more information than before.