Innovations that occur by chance are often the best...

It all began quite modestly in Switzerland at a Basel dye works in 1957. The fabric was wound around wooden cylinders during the dyeing process, but splintering and discoloring put the expensive textiles at risk. Engineers sought an alternative and found one in a roller made of glass fiber and polyester resin. The newly developed centrifugal casting process for glass fiber reinforced plastics (GRP) enabled them to achieve the precision outside diameter and smooth surface required for dye works.

GRP use had previously been restricted to shipbuilding, automobile and aircraft manufacturing. However, its resistance to both corrosion and chemicals also made the material highly suitable for other applications. The Swiss, renowned for their vision and pioneering spirit, saw its benefits and were soon using the centrifugally cast pipes for conveying water - the pipes laid at that time present no problems and are still in use to this day. Step by step, the pipes were improved, the manufacturing process automated, the product range extended and tailor-made fittings added in the subsequent years. A new company was born: HOBAS.

Today HOBAS is owned by the Wietersdorfer Group, a long-established family business with roots in the 19th century. As a leading international manufacturer of GRP Pipe Systems, we look back on our fascinating corporate history with great pride and look forward to the future. The wealth of experience we have gained over the years and the partnerships we promote between our subsidiaries around the world are reflected in innovative customer solutions and effective project support.