HIstory
GIS AG was founded by the brothers Alex and Beda Iseli (GIS = Gebrüder Iseli Schötz - German for brothers Iseli Schötz). Electric chain hoists and complete crane systems have been manufactured and developed in Schötz since 1963.
2024
Lift Turn Move becomes GIS
6 years after the takeover by GIS AG, Lift Turn Move Ltd, the British supplier of lifting and rigging equipment for industry and entertainment, is renamed GIS Lift Turn Move Ltd. LTM stood for great expertise and experience, fast responses and deliveries, maximum flexibility and supportiveness. The employees ensure that this LTM spirit lives on under the new name.
2023
Expansion of the production hall
The production hall is extended, resulting in an increase in production space of 650 m2. In addition, the machinery is expanded and modernised and a new, additional high-bay warehouse for automated material handling is built. For the first time in the company's history, the mark of 15,000 electric chain hoists produced is exceeded.
2022
New GIS subsidiary in the USA
Rex Companies had been an independent sales partner of GIS AG since 2011 and looked after customers in the USA. In order to be able to concentrate even more on the American market, the subsidiary GIS Corporation was founded in 2022. It is located at the same site as Rex Companies in Newport News.
2020
Load capacity increase to 6'300 kg
To complete the electric chain hoist series GP, the models GCH1600/2000/2500 are replaced by the successor GP1600/2500. On one hand, this allows an increase in lifting capacity from 5,000 to 6,300 kg and on the other hand, a doubling of the service life. The new GHF/GMF trolley series will be launched parallel to the GP1600/2500 electric chain hoists and offers, in addition to the increased load capacities, continuously adjustable flange widths.
2019
New hall for crane construction
Steady growth requires more space and leads to the investment into a new 1,400 square metres production building, into which the entire crane construction is relocated.
2018
GIS takes over Lift Turn Move (LTM)
GIS is taking over the company Lift Turn Move (LTM) , one of its biggest customers and thus has its own subsidiary in the United Kingdom. With this step, GIS will be able to strengthen its position in the entertainment market.
2017
The GP series will be introduced gradually
From the beginning of 2017, the construction size GCH250/500 is replaced by the new generation GP250/500. The model GP1000 with an increased lifting capacity of up to 2,500 kg followed by the middle of the year. The 60th company anniversary has been celebrated with an open house day and a meeting with its worldwide distribution partners.
2014
4th generation of electric chain hoists
With the GP series the development of the fourth generation of electric chain hoists reached market maturity. In May, the smallest and very light (net weight only 14 kg) chain hoist GPM and its counterpart for the entertainment industry, the LPM, are presented. An investment of approx. one million Swiss francs in a fully automated production plant at the end of 2014 particularly designed to meet our special requirements leads to an increase in productivity for the manufacturing of components for the main product, the electric chain hoist.
2013
New vacuum handling systems
At the Swiss trade fair Prodex in Basel, the newly developed vacuum-handling systems are presented to an interested audience for the first time. Vacuum generation as well as all lifting movements and travelling motions can be operated via the centrally controlled control unit. This allows the operator to move large wooden panels, planks, large-format metal sheets or glass panes effortlessly.
2010
New Managing Director
Ivan Muri, who previously was the development manager at GIS, is promoted to the position of CEO on January 1, 2010. His predecessor, Anton Grob, who headed the company successfully for 21 years, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. In summer 2012, on the 50th anniversary of GIS AG, the concept of the fourth generation of electric chain hoists is presented to distribution partners from all over the world.
2005
Launch of the GCH chain hoist series
From mid-2005, the first electric chain hoists of the GCH series is launched. Entering new market segments, such as the entertainment industry and the wind-power industry, is promoted by special versions that are based on standard models. In 2008, the payload for the GISKB crane system is increased to 2,000 kg. In 2009, the crane system GISKB made of steel is complemented by a crane system with hollow profiles made of aluminium, named GISKB Alu.
2000
The GISKB light crane system
In the year 2000, the GIS system is replaced by the flexible modular system GISKB for small cranes. The new hollow profiles made of steel are lighter and using trolleys with plastic rollers emits significantly less noise.
1996
Introduction of new vacuum lifters
The second generation of vacuum lifters is launched. As from the year 1999, travelling cranes are also offered as crane kits internationally in order to avoid transporting heavy crane bridges. Instead, they can be provided on site.
1992
The EM series is introduced
During an international distributor meeting at the beginning of 1992, the second generation of electric chain hoists is introduced. After nearly thirty years and numerous optimisations, the HZ model is replaced by the Euro Model (EM) series. In the following years larger models with an increased payload up to 5,000 kg are launched. In 1995, GIS attains the ISO 9001, EN 29001 certification.
1988
Takeover by Grapha Holding AG
GIS AG is taken over by Grapha Holding AG. On January 1, 1988, Anton Grob is appointed CEO of GIS AG. In the same year, the engineers of GIS develop a standard travelling crane programme. In 1989, the newly-developed high-vacuum system is launched on the market. The system makes it possible to lift metal or plastic plates, but also glass panes. On the open-house day in 1990, the public is provided with access to the spacious showroom and the modernised plant.
1986
New production hall and administration building
A new production hall and office building with an area of 2,232 square metres is opened. The electric chain hoist HZ 300 increases the maximum load capacity to 3,000 kg.
1970
The HZ series is expanded
In 1970, the electric chain hoist of the series HZ is complemented by types 100/150 and in 1977, by types 200/250, which increases the payload to 1,500 kg and even to 2,500 kg later on. In 1970, a new production hall is opened. In 1974, the metalworking shop and in 1978, the assembly department are enlarged and in the same year, a foundry is built. As a result, the number of employees rose to more than 100 for the first time. In 1979, the electric chain hoist HZ 8 complements the range of products in the low payload range up to 80 kg. In 1982, a separate motor-development department is opened.
1967
Development of a vacuum handling system
The first vacuum-handling system is developed and launched for up to 500 kg for goods-sparing handling. Only two years later, the modular light-crane system GIS System for line-bound and all-around goods transport and handling of goods up to 1,500 kg is launched.
1966
Founding of GIS GmbH
The subsidiary GIS GmbH is established in Southern Germany. The global presence is expanded to 50 countries on all continents.
1963
The 1st electric chain hoist
GIS AG becomes a synonym for quality and reliability and in 1963, the company launches the first electric chain hoist developed and manufactured by GIS. Types HZ 25/50 cover a payload range between 125 and 500 kg. An international network of distributors is established and as from the year 1965 already, GIS is represented by the company Hasemer in Australia. In the same year, a separate apprentice department is affiliated and the first eight apprentices start their vocational training.
1957
