1922

Stefan Laxhuber and Josef Ackermann establish a locksmith's and panel-beater's shop in the outbuildings of the Laxhuber inn. Above all, wind turbines for the water and power supply of the farms are produced.

1932

Having parted company in 1926, the two founders build up their own business each. Stefan Laxhuber specialized mainly in agricultural machinery. As early as in 1928, he sells the first much-admired tractor of the region. Mowers and threshing machines with steam boiler drive form further centres in the business of agricultural machinery in the early thirties.

1937

The young entrepreneur belongs to the pioneers of the new harvesting technology. Already in 1937, he can deliver the first Claas combine harvester.

1947

A storeroom for the agricultural machinery is built. Reconstruction starts slowly and gradually and consequently the mechanizing of agriculture, that was interrupted by the war.

1961

The existing workshop is extended. The company now focuses on the trade with Claas combine harvesters.

1964

The 250. new combine harvester is delivered.

1967

The first drier for grain and maize is produced. It is a flat drier with feed-and-turn system still current today under the trade mark STELA. From this time, the slow, but continuous change from pure trade of outside makes to manufacturing own products starts.

1968

The one-man business Stefan Laxhuber is changed into a limited partnership.

1972

On the occasion of the 50th company anniversary, the founder Stefan Laxhuber hands the company over to his son. The 500. new Claas combine harvester is delivered. The following years, there are many changes and improvements in drying technology. The plants become bigger and more powerful.

1975

The first belt drier for drying food opens up a field outside agriculture.
Maize threshing machines especially developed to harvest grain maize are imported from France.

1976

A new production hall is built.
The field of food and industry counts increasingly on the know-how of the leading drying specialist in Europe – the company STELA.

1982

An independent company for control systems, which had been bought so far from another supplier, is founded. Thus another important step for improving force and service has taken place. The regulations and requirements for the control engineering of the driers, which get more and more complex, can be met first-hand now with full know-how. For dryer manufacturing, the computer age starts. The driers are constructed with CAD and produced on CNC machines.

1986

The production hall is extended.
A welding robot complements the high technical standard in manufacturing. 120 driers on average leave the factory every year. The products of make STELA are delivered in every continent.

1989

A new administrative building can be occupied. The work places are equipped with the most modern EDP systems and network among each other.

1997

The 75. anniversary is a great success.
Meanwhile, more than 2000 driers are in operation all over the world. The opening to the East offers new sales prospects for the future.
Meanwhile, STELA Laxhuber GmbH is the leading European Manufacturer of belt driers for food and industry.

1999

A further production and exhibition hall is built.

2001

Foundation of STELA Laxhuber GmbH.

2003

STELA secures the market shares in the upcoming fields of sewge sludge drying as well as drying of wood chips / saw dust.

2004

Construction of the globally first maize dryer with wood chips firing.

2005

Development of drying plants for waste heat utilizing from biogas plants.