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From a one-man operation to market leader

Since 1967, Grünig-SignTronic AG has developed technical solutions for industrial screen-making automation. This timeline outlines the key steps from a garage workshop to internationally established system technology.

2020-present

Recent innovations

New solutions for quality control and medium formats complement today's system portfolio.

Two strong brands. One common path.

Grünig-Interscreen AG and SignTronic AG become Grünig-SignTronic AG. After more than ten years of successful partnership, Grünig-Interscreen AG and SignTronic AG take the next logical step: Retroactively from January 1, 2025, we have merged – and from now on we operate under the new name Grünig-SignTronic AG.

Grünig-SignTronic AG founded in 2025

G-STRETCH 281 UV-BOND LED

New large-area stretching and bonding machine.

G-STRETCH 281 UV-BOND LED

Revised version of the G-CHECK

The mechanical fabric stretching measuring device for stable printing processes.

G-CHECK for quality control in screen production

Introduction of Edition 2

G-Wash 104 / 106 / 112 with optimized functions

G-Wash 104 / 106 / 112 with optimized functions

Development of G-Gateway

The central hub between machine, data acquisition, process control, and visualization.

G-Gateway as a central interface for data and process control

G-COAT 414 for medium formats

The G-COAT 414 closes the gap between the G-COAT 406 and G-COAT 415 and covers double-sided coating up to medium formats.

G-COAT 414 coating machine for medium formats

World first G-PROOF 390

Professional requirements are also increasing in the final step of screen production. In 2020, the G-PROOF 390 is introduced as a new solution for quality control.

G-PROOF 390 for quality control in screen production
2013-2018

Integration and portfolio growth

New washing and stretching systems, together with deeper cooperation with Sign-Tronic, further broaden the offering.

Expansion of the PLUG & WASH range

The G-WASH 106 further extends the PLUG & WASH product range.

G-WASH 106 as an expansion of the PLUG & WASH range

Expansion of the PLUG & COAT range

The G-COAT 406 expands the PLUG & COAT product range.

G-COAT 406 as an expansion of the PLUG & COAT range

50th company anniversary

The 50th anniversary is celebrated with customers and partners during FESPA in Hamburg. A company trip to Portugal also recognizes the commitment of all employees.

50th anniversary celebrated during FESPA in Hamburg in 2017

Revised G-WASH 130 and DMS

The G-WASH 130 is revised and its modularity is significantly increased. A DMS system is also introduced.

Revised G-WASH 130 with increased modularity

G-WASH 170XM for large formats

The G-WASH 170XM is launched as an inline washing system for screen formats from 2 x 3 m up to 3 x 6 m. The large washing chambers are removable, enabling shipment in standard containers.

G-WASH 170XM for large screen formats

G-STRETCH 275 with UV-LED bonding head

With the G-STRETCH 275 and a newly developed UV-LED bonding head, both open mesh and pre-coated mesh can be processed.

G-STRETCH 275 with UV-LED bonding head

100% acquisition of Sign-Tronic AG

Marcel Grünig and Andreas Ferndriger acquire 100% of the shares of Sign-Tronic AG. Andreas Ferndriger becomes the new Managing Director of Sign-Tronic AG.

Full acquisition of Sign-Tronic AG in 2013

G-WASH 150 and G-WASH 130

With the G-WASH 150, rotary screens for label printing can now also be washed. The machine has two washing chambers and moves the screens through the process automatically. In addition, the G-WASH 130 inline washing system is developed for the American textile market.

G-WASH 150 for rotary screens and G-WASH 130 for the textile market
2006-2011

Expansion and networking

New production capacity, modernized machine platforms, and strategic alignment with Sign-Tronic shape the next stage of growth.

Strategic shareholding in Sign-Tronic

Marcel Grünig and Andreas Ferndriger take a stake in Sign-Tronic AG and initiate the strategic cooperation between the two companies.

Start of the strategic cooperation with Sign-Tronic in 2011

Market launch of the G-COAT 415

With the G-COAT 415, production of the G-405 and G-411 models comes to an end. The new machine concept can be expanded with various options and, in the appropriate configuration, also supports inline operation.

G-COAT 415 coating machine

G-WASH 170XS and ERP system

The newly developed G-WASH 170XS inline washing system, together with the G-LINE 190XS screen handling system, provides high flexibility in scalability and CtS integration. Screen sizes up to 2 x 3 m can be processed. The ERP system is introduced in the same year.

G-WASH 170XS inline washing system with G-LINE 190XS screen handling

Launch of the G-PREP 370

The G-PREP 370 enables frame cleaning with 1,500 bar water pressure at a quality and efficiency level previously not achieved.

G-PREP 370 for high-pressure frame cleaning

Sale of the 4,000th Grünig machine

In 2008, the 4,000th Grünig machine is sold, illustrating the company's market reach.

Milestone machine as the 4,000th Grünig system delivered

G-STRETCH 270 with Windows interface

Eight years after the G-260, the G-STRETCH 270 makes automated bonding of mesh and larger screen-printing frames possible for the first time using UV adhesive. It is the first machine in the company's history to be controlled via a Windows interface.

G-STRETCH 270 with Windows interface and UV adhesive

40th company anniversary

For the 40th anniversary, international partners, suppliers, and the local community are invited to an open house event. At the same time, the new 1,400 m² production hall is inaugurated and the workforce grows to 40 employees.

40th anniversary and inauguration of the production hall in 2007

G-WASH 112 with Plug & Strip

Plug & Strip becomes the guiding concept of the new G-WASH 112 machine for decoating, developing, and degreasing.

G-WASH 112 for decoating, developing, and degreasing

G-STRETCH 281

The G-280 stretching machine is revised. With the new G-STRETCH 281, lower overall height, updated technology, and newly developed aluminum beams improve ergonomics and handling.

G-STRETCH 281 with revised mechanical design

Second building extension

As the machines become larger and more complex, construction begins on the second building extension. In the same year, Elisabeth Grünig withdraws from active business life.

Construction work for the second building extension in 2006
1996-2005

Automation and system expansion

New stretching systems, modular inline concepts, and the move to digital engineering tools define this phase.

G-WASH 140 and G-WASH 040

The modular G-WASH 140 inline washing system is developed and can be adapted easily to a wide range of requirements. In addition, the G-WASH 040 slanted filter is introduced for the continuous cleaning of washing liquids.

Modular G-WASH 140 inline washing system with G-WASH 040 slanted filter

New corporate design

The company and its machines receive a fresh and distinctive visual identity. The new appearance is presented publicly for the first time at FESPA in Munich.

New Grünig corporate design from 2005

G-104 and switch to 3D CAD

Plug & Wash follows with the G-104, which can also be installed by the customer. It is available in two configurations and four widths. In the same year, the company switches to 3D CAD.

G-104 machine and the introduction of 3D CAD

G-404 with Plug & Coat

The product range is expanded in the smaller machine segment. The G-404 coating machine for screens up to 1.5 m high is marketed under the slogan Plug & Coat due to its simple installation.

G-404 coating machine with Plug & Coat concept

New management team

Management is transferred to Marcel Grünig as CEO and Chairman of the Board and Andreas Ferndriger as member of the management team. Hans-Ulrich Grünig withdraws from active business life.

Management handover in 2002

Modular inline washing system G-170

The development of the modular G-170 inline washing system opens new perspectives for automatic screen cleaning.

Modular G-170 inline washing system

G-125 for screens up to 5 x 12 m

With the G-125, developing and decoating screens up to 5 x 12 m becomes possible.

G-125 for large screen formats up to 5 x 12 meters

G-421 and land for expansion

Demand for ever larger machines continues to rise. The new G-421 coating machine replaces the G-420 after seven years. In addition, 3,600 m² of land are acquired for the second building expansion.

G-421 coating machine and expansion planning from 2000

New G-260 stretching and bonding system

Automation in the CD industry continues to advance. The newly developed G-260 stretching and bonding system sets new standards.

G-260 stretching and bonding system for the CD industry

Generational transition

Marcel Grünig succeeds his parents as owner of the company and takes over entrepreneurial responsibility in the next generation.

Generational transition to Marcel Grünig in 1999

Pneumatic stretching system G-215

Building on the proven G-210 stretching device, the G-215 pneumatic stretching system is introduced, optionally equipped with automatic stretching control.

Pneumatic stretching system G-215
1984-1995

Portfolio and brand development

New washing, coating, and stretching systems broaden the range and strengthen the Grünig brand.

G-600 inline solution for the CD market

The booming CD market requires large quantities of printing screens. With the G-600, Grünig offers an efficient inline solution for degreasing and coating.

G-600 inline system for degreasing and coating

Development of the G-280A

With the G-280A stretching machine, mesh can be stretched fully automatically to a predefined final value for the first time thanks to an integrated measuring system.

G-280A stretching machine with integrated measuring system

Merger into Grünig-Interscreen AG

HU. Grünig AG and Interscreen AG merge into Grünig-Interscreen AG. The company remains owned by the Grünig family with share capital of CHF 200,000. A new company logo is also introduced.

Merger into Grünig-Interscreen AG with new company logo

Expansion of the coating portfolio

The coating machine range is expanded with the G-405 and G-411 models. At the same time, the first G-15L developing machine is sold.

Expanded coating range with G-405 and G-411

Mechanical stretching device G-210

The mechanical stretching device G-210 is introduced as a new development.

Mechanical stretching device G-210 from 1994

Showroom in the neighboring property

In 1994, the neighboring property is acquired and a showroom is set up.

Showroom after the purchase of the neighboring property in 1994

New G-420 development

In 1993, the G-420 coating machine is newly developed.

G-420 coating machine introduced in 1993

Repositioning of the washing range

In 1993, the cooperation with Harlacher ends. The washing systems are revised and the first G11L and G12L machines are sold.

Revised washing systems with the G11L and G12L models

25th anniversary and Interscreen AG

At the 25th company anniversary, the workforce has grown to 32 employees. The sales company Interscreen AG is founded. The Grünig brand is launched and the company's first own exhibition appearance follows at FESPA in Amsterdam.

25th company anniversary and Grünig brand presentation in 1992

Washing systems under the Grünig brand

The G-11E, G-12E, and G-15E washing machines with vertically operating roller doors are developed. Washing systems are now produced and sold under Grünig's own brand.

G-11E, G-12E and G-15E washing systems under the Grünig brand

Introduction of AutoCAD 9

With the purchase of AutoCAD 9, the era of the drawing board definitively comes to an end and design work becomes digital.

Engineering work with AutoCAD 9 from 1989

H42 presented at FESPA Amsterdam

The fully automatic H42 coating machine is presented at FESPA in Amsterdam. It is the first machine with automatic screen feeding and can coat three different screen formats in mixed operation. However, large-scale automation in prepress reaches the market only about ten years later.

Fully automatic H42 coating machine at FESPA Amsterdam

First CNC machining center

With the first CNC machining center, demanding components can now be manufactured more efficiently and with higher precision.

First CNC machining center at HU. Grünig

Production hall expanded by 700 m²

Thanks to a 700 m² extension of the hall, operations are reorganized and the departments gain additional space.

Expanded production hall with additional manufacturing space from 1988

First H-12 decoating machine

In 1986, the first H-12 screen decoating machine is sold, further expanding the prepress portfolio.

H-12 screen decoating machine in operation

Explosion-protected H-11 screen washer

In 1984, the explosion-protected H-11 screen washing machine is developed and produced.

H-11 screen washing machine from 1984
1967-1979

The founding years

From a garage workshop to the company's own production hall in Schwarzenburg.

Inauguration of the production hall

With the inauguration of the new production hall, the company reaches a workforce of 16 employees.

Inauguration of the new production hall in 1979

World's first H-41 coating machine

In 1979, HU. Grünig develops and builds the world's first H-41 coating machine, setting an important technological milestone in prepress.

H-41 coating machine introduced as a world first in 1979

Construction of the production hall

In 1978, the new production hall with 1,600 m² of usable space is built, creating the physical basis for further growth.

Construction of the production hall in Schwarzenburg in 1978

Building land in Ringgenmatt

The municipality of Wahlern sells 2,000 m² of building land in Ringgenmatt to HU. Grünig AG. Hans-Ulrich Grünig is present with his children Marcel and Astrid at the groundbreaking ceremony for the future site.

Groundbreaking in Ringgenmatt with the Grünig family

First large-format stretching machine H-28

The first large-format stretching machine, H-28, is presented in 1974 and marks an early focus on specialized solutions for screen printing.

Large-format stretching machine H-28 from 1974

Elisabeth Grünig joins the company

Elisabeth Grünig takes responsibility for HR and accounting. At the same time, the sole proprietorship is converted into HU. Grünig AG with share capital of CHF 100,000.

Elisabeth Grünig and the transition to HU. Grünig AG

Move to Schönenbuchen

A larger workshop becomes necessary. Suitable premises are found in Schönenbuchen, not far from Schwarzenburg, providing room for the next stage of development.

Workshop site in Schönenbuchen from 1971 onward

Cooperation with Harlacher

Hans-Ulrich Grünig's ideas for technical and mechanical innovations bring him into contact with Harlacher. At first he manufactures mechanical parts for the company, and later develops and designs complete machines.

Early mechanical production for the cooperation with Harlacher

Foundation of the sole proprietorship

In 1967, HU. Grünig is founded as a sole proprietorship with the goal of producing general metalwork and garage doors. The workshop is the garage at the in-laws' house. The first employee is hired in May 1967.

Hans-Ulrich Grünig during the early workshop phase in 1967

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