Dive into the archive

Name: Heinz Duerr - importance of innovation
Uploaded: 2021-02-11T18:39:30+01:00
Description: Heinz Dürr on the meaning of innovation (2003)

Feb 12, 2021

There is no doubt that an anniversary year will cause our heart to beat faster for the past. We remember the roots of the company and the most important milestones in its history. This is, however, only made possible thanks to our corporate memory: the historical archive. Sounds like a lot of dust and boredom? No way!

The collection of documents, photos, films and objects not only documents the development of the business. It also reflects the innovative spirit and individuality of the company, serves as an inspiration for the future and creates identity. In short: This is where our Dürr DNA is preserved. And that is precisely what makes a look at the company archive so exciting. We have found hidden treasures in the historical material, which sometimes made us smile and sometimes let us marvel. But see for yourself. Please note that a large part of the historical documents is only available in German.

Otto Duerrs journeyman certificate — Otto Dürr spent three years learning the plumbing trade in a Heilbronn company. In 1923, he passed the journeyman’s examination and then joined his father’s company.

As early as in 1910, the general public took an interest in the Dürr company. A scenery image made of tin, which was produced jointly by the employees, attracted much attention at a trade exhibition in Stuttgart. Even the nobility of Württemberg was impressed with the 12-meter-long work of art.

guestbook entries — Numerous companions of the Dürr company signed this guest book in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

advertising for industrial cleaning products 1958 — In 1958, Dürr entered the industrial cleaning technology market – and banged the drum for its new products.

Duerr Newspaper Cover from 1967 — In 1967, more than 1,500 employees worked for Dürr. Since Heinz and Heide Dürr wanted them to be well informed about what was happening in the Group, they launched an employee newspaper – a novelty at the time.

soccer report Dürr vs. Behr 1992 — Together and in concert not only in sports, but also when working – Together and in concert not only in sports, but also when working – These are the closing words of the report on the first friendly soccer match between the Dürr team and the company’s new addition Behr in 1992.

Dürr Report cover from 1964 — The special birthday of Otto Dürr was the occasion for this publication in 1964. The layout of the front page was inspired by another well-known German news magazine.

Duerr registered his trade 1896 — On June 4, 1896, Paul Dürr registered his trade. The entry in the Cannstatt register of trade changes bears witness to this. Can you find the right line? (Source: Stuttgart City Archive, Register of Trade Changes Cannstatt 1894-1898, Signature: 903 Cannstatt No. 1683, sheet 172)

royal letter — With this letter, Paul Dürr was appointed tinsmith to the court. The honorable title of “Master Tinsmith to the Court of Württemberg” was fantastic publicity for the company founder at the time. (Source: Archive of the House of Württemberg, Altshausen Castle)

Dürr advertising material from the 1980s.

At the 25th anniversary of the Brazilian subsidiary, the company demonstrated a sense of humor.

Did you know that Dürr has had a homepage since 1997? Fortunately, is has been updated since then.

Human resources marketing in the 1970s.

At the beginning of the 20th century, this artistic letterhead adorned the business mail of the Dürr company.

Car bodies are immersed headfirst into the treatment bath – This idea first took shape on paper, followed by tests in the backyard of the company premises. The new development was spectacular, but ultimately not very successful.