Stewo International AG celebrates its 160th anniversary. The company has remained at its site at Wolhusen (Lucerne) throughout.
2018 – The Stewo catalogue with a new look & feel
A new look. A new feel. Larger pictures. Better overview. Stewo surprises with a completely new catalogue appearance.
2017 – Successful launch of gift card series
Gifts are becoming more and more versatile, money gifts are enjoying ever greater popularity. Stewo is therefore launching a new series of gift cards. This makes it possible to pack gifts of money and vouchers quickly, easily and beautifully.
2016 – 40 million metres of wrapping paper per year
Stewo prints around 40 million metres of wrapping paper per year and exports to more than 40 countries worldwide.
2009 – takeover by Baier & Schneider
Following difficult years with many changes, the company sees a ray of hope again as a result of the takeover by Baier & Schneider. And these hopes have since been fulfilled as, following the completion of the takeover, Stewo can now bring its tried and tested strength to bear in the future, too.
2002 – introduction of the euro
In the run-up to its introduction, the euro causes quite a stir in neighbouring countries. This dramatic change poses a huge challenge for people and the economy. Restructuring measures are necessary, and the company desperately needs to reduce the complexity of its product range. Later, as a result of increasingly tough economic conditions, entire business areas have to be discontinued.
1994 – inauguration of the design studio
Giving gifts that are more thoughtfully and beautifully presented has become a trend. Stewo’s product range becomes more diverse. Dividing the collection into various lines is an appropriate marketing tool. With a view to expanding this diversity, the company opens its own design studio in Wolhusen.
1990 – Stewo commits itself to sustainability
In view of the increasing importance attached to environmental protection, the company becomes one of the first suppliers to introduce environmentally-friendly wrapping paper.
1984 – first metallic paper
With the introduction of Stewo Lux, the first metallic paper, Stewo once again demonstrates its pioneering approach and great innovative potential. This marks the birth of the modern type of gift wrapping paper.
1971 – the first bag with a transparent viewing strip
Stewo gives people an insight – into foodstuffs. Following a long development period, the company presents the first bag with a transparent viewing strip for bread packaging at a trade show in Stuttgart. The product meets with great enthusiasm on the market.
1964 – the year of exceptional performance
The packaging line design created for the Swiss national exhibition in Lausanne wins the tender. As a result, Stewo is commissioned to produce the entire line. The company also launches the production of book cover paper.
1954 – gravure printing procedure launched
Because Stewo strives to deliver the best possible quality, the company sets up its own research department with a laboratory. And this year, packaging on automated rolls is printed using the gravure printing procedure for the first time.
1950 – introduction of the Stewo brand
After the hard war years, Stewo is now flourishing. Thanks to rapid growth, the company is able to expand and build a completely new factory. At the same time as moving to the new facilities, the company introduces the Stewo brand.
1934 – first wrapping paper produced
With the first production of gift wrap in Switzerland, Josef Steffen once again shows his pioneering spirit.
1890 – Freihof factory opens
Industrialisation finds its way to Stewo. In the «Freihof» building in Wolhusen, Josef Steffen opens a mechanical envelope and paper bag factory complete with printing shop, as business with bags and envelopes is thriving.
1860 – the launch of Stewo
A man makes his entrepreneurial dream a reality, and lays a cornerstone for the economic future of the region. Primary-school teacher Josef Steffen starts up a company making small bags and wrappings. They are produced in the workers own home – The beginning of Stewo (STE = Steffen / WO = Wolhusen).