1960: Transformation - Like a Phoenix from the ashesThe fire in the assembly shop (1961) destroyed two months work in a couple of hours. Fortunately no human lives were lost.
Instead of demotivating, the raging flames actually seemed to have fired up the STILL employees. Within a short time, production was able to begin again in rented premises, and only a few years later a new, modern assembly shop was built on the spot of the smouldering ruins left behind by the fire. The fire stood as a symbol of the beginning of a time of renewal and transformation for STILL. 
As early as 1960 it had been decided to modernise and extend the works. New buildings were planned for truck manufacture and for the production of switch gear. Additionally a new office building was to be created and a centralised heating and energy supply erected. By 1964 these building projects had been finished and STILL was able to enter the second half of the sixties much stronger and more efficient than the huge blaze at the beginning of the decade would have led one to suppose. The building changes also contributed to providing the company with a modern appearance.
The company logo with which STILL presented itself to the outside world was also updated. Until 1968 the brand name was characterised by an "S" symbolising an electrical flash. This idea came from the founder of the firm and referred to the original production, with its focus on electrical machinery. After 1969 however, this branch of production was completely replaced by the manufacture of vehicles. The first adaptation of the company logo in line with the changed manufacturing range came from the merger with the machine factory Esslingen.
A new logo, “SE Vehicle Works GmbH", came into being and lasted eight years, having no "electrical symbolism". The definitive company logo under which STILL is known today was developed in 1976: STILL GmbH. |
