The David+Baader company established by Josef David senior and Theo Baader in the Palatine village of Kandel. Since then, the symbiosis of technology and market orientation has left its mark on the history of the company. It is characterised by a number of advances that not only provide evidence of the company's high level of technical innovation, but also of its international expansion. DBK has developed and produced many exciting and interesting products over the decades. Allow us to take you on a journey through the history of DBK heating technology.
1946. Production is primarily focused on heating components, such as those used in kettles or irons. Rowenta is one of the company's first customers. Fan heaters and irons are just some of the manufactured appliances.
The years that follow are essentially marked by consolidation and expansion work. A new Germany gradually emerges from the heap of rubble to enjoy the economic miracle.
1950 - 1959. The first baby's bottle warmer is developed and manufactured. DBK still holds its leading position in this market today, producing and delivering products for many reputable suppliers of baby articles.
1956. The stoves, ovens and furnaces division is established. This division manufactures drying stoves for various industrial applications. These particularly include customised products. A worldwide sales and marketing organisation had already been set up at this time, supplying articles to Mexico and the USSR.
1960 - 1969. The world's very first mobile oil radiator is launched onto the market as the first of its type. The paintwork is applied using an environmentally compatible powder coating system for the first time in Germany.
1961 sees the emergence of the first coffee mill and heralds the beginning of the boom era for bed warmers. Producing around 360,000 of these heated blankets each year, DBK assumes the leading position in the market for many years to come. The company continues to expand, starting up operational facilities in Schaidt and Minfeld.
Modern office and storage premises are built in three stages. A two-storey bridge construction joins the old building to the new one to produce a single enclosed unit.
1970 - 1979. The manufacturing facility in Minfeld is extended. Baby food warmers are now produced here, as well as the heated blankets.
1971. Another building goes up in the spring of 1971, providing additional storage space and room for production equipment.
This means that DBK manufacturing facilities occupy a total of 2000 m² in Kandel alone. Now 25 years old, the company employs 220 people and sells its products all over the world.
1980 - 1989. The David+Baader vaporiser is the first device of its kind to be introduced onto the market. It is virtually impossible to imagine any household with children that does not have this practical device nowadays, and DBK has managed to maintain its leading position in this market.
1983. Josef David jun. takes over the management of the company.
1987. sees the first PTC heating element going into series production for BMW.
The company's expansion continues in the years that follow with the founding of DBK-Technitherm in England and DBK-Technology in Hong Kong.
1991 - 2001. DBK North America Inc. is established in the USA and the series production of the first PTC-based interior heating system is launched for the Audi A6.
1996. The Baader family leaves the GmbH (limited liability company) in 1996 and the David family takes the firm over.
1998. Joint Venture DBK David + Baader with J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co to catem GmbH & Co. KG.
2001. sees the death of Josef David, our managing partner, whose visions guided our activities. We shall continue to pursue his objectives with the same commitment, innovation and enjoyment of new technologies and developments.
2008. Sale of catem shares to J.Eberspächer GmbH & Co.
2008. Formation of DBK electronics GmbH.
2009. Taking over the Lüdtke Elektronic GmbH & Co. KG
2010. Formation of DBK Omega Electronic Technology (Guangzhou) Ltd.
2011. Cut of spade in Rülzheim.
2012. Relocation to new building in Rülzheim