16 July was no ordinary working day for the employees of GIS AG. A large banner hung from the ceiling in the chain assembly area, there was a sandwich for snack time, everyone spruced up for a group photo, there was even a bit of confetti flying through the air and in the afternoon the ice cream bike paid a visit. There was an important reason for these special events: on that hot and humid Tuesday just before the summer holidays, the 500,000th GIS electric chain hoist was manufactured in the production hall in Schötz - a significant milestone in the company's history.

First GIS chain hoist in 1963

The history of GIS AG began in 1957 with its official foundation. The first GIS hoist was launched in 1963. Since then, the company has developed strongly. The number of employees has risen from 6 to 140 and the production area at the Schötz site has grown from around 600 m² to over 12,000 m². Since the new production hall was occupied in 2020 and the associated remodelling and expansion of the assembly lines, production capacity has been continuously increased. Today, GIS AG is the world's leading manufacturer of electric chain hoists and complete crane systems and has subsidiaries in Germany, England and the United States. GIS equipment has long been an integral part of many industrial operations, such as metal processing and food production, and its market share has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in the entertainment sector. Today, GIS electric chain hoists accompany top stars such as Ed Sheeran and Adele on their tours.

To be found in many Swiss companies

"500,000 is an impressive figure," says Ivan Muri, Managing Director of GIS AG, adding with a wink: "You have to bear in mind that hoists, unlike televisions or mobile phones, have a very long service life and are often in use for decades. What electronic device can claim that these days?"

The anniversary chain hoist is a GP1000, a model from what is now the 4th product generation. It will be installed in a travelling crane and will provide valuable assistance on a farm in the Bernese Seeland over the next few years.

According to SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs), around 600,000 companies are active in Switzerland. Statistically speaking, almost every one of these companies could have a GIS electric chain hoist in operation. A great idea and motivation for the GIS employees to give their best every day. If they have their way, it certainly won't take another 61 years to reach the one million mark.