30 years of STAUFF China: Local strength, global impact

From Taiyuan to Shanghai - an anniversary full of milestones and future plans

30 years STAUFF China celebration picture
People
28.10.2025
Estimated read time: 5 minute/s

30 years of STAUFF China: Local strength, global impact

From Taiyuan to Shanghai - an anniversary full of milestones and future plans

30 years STAUFF China celebration picture
People
28.10.2025
Estimated read time: 5 minute/s

STAUFF China celebrates 30 years of success

Three decades of STAUFF China - that means 30 years of technological expertise, partnership-based cooperation and continuous growth in one of the world's most dynamic markets.

The company was founded in 1995 by Knut Menshen, who initiated the expansion into China with vision and entrepreneurial courage.

Today, STAUFF China is present in over a dozen industrial centres, employs more than 150 people and supplies hydraulic solutions for major national projects as well as for international customers.

The 30th anniversary is an occasion to celebrate and look back on the most important milestones, honour the people behind the success and look to the future - with innovative power, local strength and a global perspective.

Celebrations on 16 October

Employees, partners and representatives of the Menshen family and the STAUFF Group were invited to celebrate the anniversary in style on 16 October. With many programme items, speeches, photos and memories of the last 30 years, the day became a memorable event. Jörg Deutz and Lutz Menshen also personally presented a gift from the STAUFF Group and the Menshen family.

Strategic start in a dynamic market

When China intensified its reform and opening-up policy in the 1990s, the STAUFF Group recognised the country's enormous potential at an early stage. STAUFF China was launched in 1995 - with locations in Taiyuan and Shanghai and a small, dedicated team.

The decision was strategically wise: the demand for hydraulic solutions was growing rapidly and STAUFF was ready to help shape this market right from the start.

Growth with local expertise and global networking

What began with simple sales and service activities has developed over three decades into a high-performance sales and production centre.

STAUFF China combines German technological expertise with local research and production. The result: products and solutions that meet the requirements of the Chinese market - and fulfil global quality standards at the same time.

Today, STAUFF China is an integral part of the STAUFF Group's global supply chain.

Milestones: projects, partnerships, presence

STAUFF China has not only established itself as a reliable component supplier, but also as a system partner for complex applications.

Outstanding projects include

  • The large-scale hydraulic engineering projects Three Gorges Dam, Xiangjiaba and Baihetan

  • High-speed trains such as the Fuxing, the Harmony and the 600 km/h Maglev

  • Large offshore systems such as the Ocean Oil 981 or the TOISA 145M

  • Infrastructure projects such as Beijing Daxing Airport

  • Research facilities such as the national earthquake simulation centre

With over 150 employees and a network of branches in 12 industrial centres, STAUFF China now has a nationwide presence.

China on the map
1995
1st location STAUFF China
1996
STAUFF Shanghai
1998
ISO 9001 certification
2001
ISO 14001 certification
2003
Knut Menshen at STAUFF China
2006
New STAUFF China site in Shanghai since 2007
2007
PA-FF clamp
2008
xxx
2010
SAP logo
2011
Ball valve production line in China
2012
FPSO
2014
ABS certification for ball valves
2016
TOISA 145M DSV project
2017
CRRC underground railway project
2018
First invention patent
2019
New location of STAUFF China in Songjang
2020
Awarded the title of "High-tech enterprise"
2021
Awarded the title of "Outstanding Company"
2023
Awarded the national title of "Small and medium-sized science and technology enterprises"
2024
xxx
2025
China on the map

1995

1st location STAUFF China

1996

STAUFF Shanghai

1998

ISO 9001 certification

2001

ISO 14001 certification

2003

Knut Menshen at STAUFF China

2006

New STAUFF China site in Shanghai since 2007

2007

PA-FF clamp

2008

xxx

2010

SAP logo

2011

Ball valve production line in China

2012

FPSO

2014

ABS certification for ball valves

2016

TOISA 145M DSV project

2017

CRRC underground railway project

2018

First invention patent

2019

New location of STAUFF China in Songjang

2020

Awarded the title of "High-tech enterprise"

2021

Awarded the title of "Outstanding Company"

2023

Awarded the national title of "Small and medium-sized science and technology enterprises"

2024

xxx

2025

China on the map
1995
1st location STAUFF China
1996
STAUFF Shanghai
1998
ISO 9001 certification
2001
ISO 14001 certification
2003
Knut Menshen at STAUFF China
2006
New STAUFF China site in Shanghai since 2007
2007
PA-FF clamp
2008
xxx
2010
SAP logo
2011
Ball valve production line in China
2012
FPSO
2014
ABS certification for ball valves
2016
TOISA 145M DSV project
2017
CRRC underground railway project
2018
First invention patent
2019
New location of STAUFF China in Songjang
2020
Awarded the title of "High-tech enterprise"
2021
Awarded the title of "Outstanding Company"
2023
Awarded the national title of "Small and medium-sized science and technology enterprises"
2024
xxx
2025
1995

STAUFF (Shanxi) Hydraulic Co., Ltd. was founded.

Anniversary celebrations: Thanks to the people and the market

The 30th anniversary was celebrated with guests from politics, business and the STAUFF network. In his speech, Jörg Deutz, Managing Director of the STAUFF Group, recognised the achievements of the team in China:

"We have not only kept our promise to bring German engineering expertise to China - we have exceeded it. This success is not my story, it is your story and our story."

Special thanks went to Ping Li and Helmut Ahrens, who have been the face of STAUFF China for many years.

"Helmut - with your humour and leadership - and PingLi - with your clarity and consistency - you have shaped STAUFF China and made it visible worldwide."

Helmut Ahrens himself also took an emotional look back at the beginnings in his speech:

"I was allowed to be part of a development that felt like a child growing up. From the transfer of knowledge in the early years to the development of our own products for the Chinese market - all of this was only possible thanks to our dedicated employees and our loyal customers."

The celebrations were characterised by appreciation - for employees, partners and customers, whose trust and commitment form the basis for success.

Outlook for the future: Innovation, localisation, sustainability

STAUFF China looks to the future with a clear strategy:

  • Deepening localisation: expanding local production and development

  • Smart manufacturing: investing in automation and digitalisation

  • Green technologies: focus on sustainable solutions for new energies

  • Strengthening market segments: expansion of product lines and services for niche markets

The aim is to further expand our market leadership in China - with local strength and a global perspective.

FAQs

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