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History of the Group

Ed. Züblin AG was founded over 125 years ago by the Swiss engineer Eduard Züblin. Since 2016, ZÜBLIN has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of STRABAG SE. Renowned for its major projects in building construction and civil engineering, ZÜBLIN has developed into one of Germany’s leading construction companies. ZÜBLIN has also established itself as a key player in Europe and beyond. Ever since its foundation, the company has impressed with its innovative strength.

ZÜBLIN continues to work towards shaping the future of construction. To this end, the company conducts research into, amongst other things, new building materials, machinery and manufacturing methods, as well as ways to reduce emissions and resource consumption in the construction process. You can find out more about the sustainability strategy and the associated goals here.

Selected milestones

2023
ZÜBLIN is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
2022
Together with STRABAG, a voluntary commitment is being developed to embed sustainability as an integral part of the corporate strategy. As part of its sustainability strategy, the Group is aiming to achieve climate neutrality in its own business operations by 2040. The joint slogan encapsulates this process: “Work on Progress”
2021
In recognition of its commitment to various sustainability initiatives, ZÜBLIN has become the first company to be awarded the ‘Sustainable Construction Site’ basic certificate by the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council).
2018
ZÜBLIN is increasingly turning to digitalisation in planning and construction. The company uses planning software, Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital tools and robots.
2016
STRABAG SE has acquired the remaining shares in ZÜBLIN and now owns 100 per cent of the company. However, the name ZÜBLIN and its status as an independent subsidiary will be retained. To make the affiliation clearer, ZÜBLIN’s yellow colour scheme will be replaced by STRABAG’s red and black colours.
2013
ZÜBLIN is expanding its portfolio of services in structural timber engineering through the integration of MERK Timber and Stephan Holzbau. The company ZÜBLIN Timber is being established.
2006
ZÜBLIN and STRABAG are specialising. ZÜBLIN is acquiring the building and civil engineering operations of the German company STRABAG AG. This will enable ZÜBLIN to increase its market share and turnover in these business areas, making it the new number one in Germany.
2005
Following the insolvency of the Walter-Bau Group, BAUHOLDING STRABAG SE acquires shares in the construction companies Heilit + Woerner, DYWIDAG (Dyckerhoff & Widmann AG) and ZÜBLIN. Ed. Züblin AG, based in Stuttgart, is initially continued as a sister company of STRABAG AG. The other companies are largely integrated into the STRABAG AG organisation.
1998
A milestone is celebrated in style. 100 years of ZÜBLIN.
1990
Following German reunification, ZÜBLIN established branches and offices in the new federal states, in Dresden, Chemnitz, Freiberg, Leipzig, Erfurt, Rostock and Wismar.
1988
ZÜBLIN is gaining a new majority shareholder in the Walter family of Augsburg-based entrepreneurs. The family is acquiring 51 per cent of ZÜBLIN’s shares.
1984
ZÜBLIN’s head office is moving. The cathedral-like building was constructed in Stuttgart-Möhringen and has since been known as the ZÜBLIN House.
1980
ZÜBLIN recognised early on how important environmental protection is in the construction industry. With the establishment of “Umwelt und Boden Altlastensanierung GmbH”, measures are being developed to strengthen environmental protection.
1975
ZÜBLIN has developed and patented an innovative method of constructing roofs. The spatial truss system consists of a composite of prefabricated concrete slabs and spatially interconnected steel bars. This enables the roof to be assembled on the ground.
1973
‘Thinktank’ was established as the forerunner of today’s ‘Central Technology’ division. This division pools specialist knowledge across all projects. It is a model for success and a unique selling point for ZÜBLIN.
1965
Tunnel construction is establishing itself as a new business model.
1945
The company’s headquarters in Stuttgart were destroyed as a result of the Second World War. In 1953, ZÜBLIN made a fresh start in a new administrative building on the outskirts of Stuttgart city centre. The site also included a vineyard, which is still cultivated by ZÜBLIN to this day.
1919
After the end of the First World War, Strasbourg returned to French control and the Ed. Züblin company based there was broken up. ZÜBLIN subsequently established itself in Stuttgart.   
1913
Establishment of an in-house pipe manufacturing facility in Kehl. Production of the pipes using centrifugal concrete.
1898
Foundation of the engineering firm Ed. Züblin in Strasbourg. Distribution of licences granted by François Hennebique, a pioneer in reinforced concrete construction, and the firm’s own pioneering work in reinforced concrete construction.

Find out more about the history of ZÜBLIN and STRABAG

A more detailed history can be found on the anniversary page.

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