IDEAL is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
On July 1, 1951, Wilhelm Krug and Ludwig Priester laid the foundation for the company. Seventy-five years later, IDEAL stands more than ever for quality, reliability, and innovation. For generations, we have been developing solutions that meet the highest standards of precision, durability, and ease of use. This anniversary is not only an opportunity for us to look back on a successful company history, but also an incentive to actively shape the future with new ideas and proven quality.
70th Anniversary of the Company
Just in time for its 70th anniversary, THE 56—an innovative stack cutter that redefines cutting—is being launched on the market. With sophisticated digital features, intelligent controls, intuitive and convenient operation, and streamlined workflows, THE 56 makes working with a compact cutting machine easier and more efficient than ever before, setting new standards in the process.
Ramp-Up Factory Makes Its Debut at K+P
A ramp-up factory has been established in the production department. This was prompted by a new, complex future-oriented project in the stack cutter product area. All processes, factors, and components are optimized here until successful assembly and efficient workflows can be guaranteed down the line.
The IDEAL AP40 PRO Air Purifier is “Product of the Year”
Our IDEAL AP40 PRO air purifier was named “Product of the Year 2019.” It emerged as the clear winner in the “Commercial Office Supplies” category. The distinguished jury was particularly impressed by the IDEAL AP40 PRO’s outstanding combination of design, functionality, and build quality.
Four business units established
In addition to IDEAL Shredding, IDEAL Cutting, and IDEAL Health, the IDEAL Components division was established as the fourth division.
First Air Purifier “Made in Balingen”
A major milestone for the IDEAL Health division is our first professional, high-performance air purifier, the IDEAL AP60 PRO. With its very high airflow, maximum purification performance, user-friendly features, and top-quality components, we are setting entirely new standards.
Newly Formed Dual Leadership
Hubert Haizmann retired after more than 24 successful years with the company. Since July 1, 2016, the new management team has consisted of Managing Directors Daniel Priester (Sales/Marketing) and Dr. Ralf Krohn (Engineering/Development).
Change in Management
Daniel Priester has been appointed to the Executive Board, succeeding his father, Wolfgang Priester, who will continue to serve as spokesperson for the shareholders. The new Executive Board consists of Daniel Priester, Hubert Haizmann, and Dr. Ralf Krohn.
New Business Unit: IDEAL Health
In addition to our product lines of paper shredders and cutting machines, we have introduced the new IDEAL Health division, featuring a variety of air purifier models. With this move, we are breaking new ground and expanding our product range into the “health and well-being” sector.
Blue Angel Certification for IDEAL Shredders
We were the first document shredder manufacturer to be awarded the “Blue Angel” certification for the high energy efficiency of our IDEAL shredders.
New, modern production facility
The oldest part of our manufacturing facility is being demolished and replaced with a new, modern production hall. Optimized production space, high productivity, a strong focus on processes, and a commitment to sustainability are the guiding principles behind this new building.
60th Anniversary of the Company
From the very beginning, the company’s history has been guided by the principle of sustainability. In addition to a commitment to Germany as a business location and the continuous development of high-quality products, responsibility for people and the environment are also cornerstones of the company’s culture.
Global Awards
The AL1 Aluminum Shredder has been honored with prestigious and globally recognized design awards, including the “red dot design award,” the “iF product design award,” a nomination for the “Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany,” and the title of “Product of the Year 2008.”
Expansion of the Administrative Building
Investment in the Balingen site and the expansion of the administrative building by approximately 1,000 m² on Simon-Schweitzer-Straße. The goal of this construction project is to centralize all commercial and technical administrative departments.
The Company's 50th Anniversary
An anniversary celebration was held on June 30 at the Balingen City Hall to mark the company's 50th anniversary. At that time, the company employed approximately 380 people in Balingen.
Market Leader in Paper Shredders
DEAL is the world's leading manufacturer of paper shredders and office cutters. The K+P Group's revenue (including the U.S. and France) is well over 100 million German marks.
Continuous Growth
The expansion of the factory facility by an additional 2,000 m² of production and storage space is the result of IDEAL Krug & Priester's continued growth.
IDEAL Acquires a Majority Stake
IDEAL acquires 93 percent of the share capital of E.A. Clementz & Cie. in Reichstett, its long-standing general agent for France.
German Reunification
German reunification is fueling a boom in domestic business. Factory sales in Balingen have reached nearly 90 million Deutschmarks.
40th Company Anniversary
IDEAL is celebrating its 40th anniversary. A 50% stake in its long-standing U.S. representative office secures market share in IDEAL's most important export market.
New Administrative Building
A modern administrative building with a logistics center on Simon-Schweitzer-Straße is being inaugurated.
Modern Powder Coating
The purchase of the property will enable the construction of a modern, environmentally friendly powder coating facility. Innovative developments, combined with modern sales techniques, will ensure growth and market share in the document shredder and paper cutter markets.
Death of Ludwig Priester
Joy over the company’s 25th anniversary and the acquisition of an adjacent plot of land measuring over 10,000 m², which will ensure the company’s growth for years to come. Sadness, on the other hand, over the death of company founder Ludwig Priester.
Training Workshop Set Up
An adjacent property with a factory building is purchased and converted into a training and experimental workshop.
Wilhelm Krug is stepping down
Wilhelm Krug is leaving the company. Wolfgang Priester is joining the new limited partnership as a limited partner.
New Production Facility
An additional 2,000 m² of production space will be created in a new building.
Production Area Expanded
The production area is being expanded through new construction to meet the ever-increasing demand for IDEAL products.
Paper Shredders for the U.S.
IDEAL develops paper shredders for the U.S. market. Along with cutting machines, these become the company’s second mainstay in production and global sales. Production and administration are consolidated in a new office building.
First Stack Cutters
The office supply store is being closed. Stack cutters are being added to the product line.
Expanded Production
The manufacturing building is being expanded with new wings, and production is being focused on the manufacture of cutting machines and duplicating machines.
First Company-Owned Building
Production of stencil duplicators, cutting machines, ballpoint pens, and tree sprayers is moved to the company’s first building on Schickhardtstraße.
Starting a Business
On July 1, Wilhelm Krug and Ludwig Priester begin selling, repairing, and manufacturing office machines at Tübinger Straße 7 in Balingen.
