Celebrating 75 years of the electric drum pump

‘When you talk about drum pumps, you think of FLUX’. FLUX, the world's first electric drum pump, was developed in 1950. And FLUX has also been the name of the company that has been successfully manufacturing and selling this invention since 1951. 75 years of FLUX are a reason to celebrate. Under the motto ‘Pioneering spirit that moves’, we look back on seven decades of pioneering spirit.

Our story shows how a technical pioneering achievement successfully positioned itself on the market. The FLUX story actually begins long before the development of the electric drum pump. It is closely linked to the history of FLUX's original parent companies, the Stuttgart-based companies Mauz & Pfeiffer and PROGRESS Verkauf GmbH. For many, the PROGRESS hoover developed by Mauz & Pfeiffer in the mid-1920s has remained synonymous with quality to this day.

With FLUX, the first electric drum pump, the company, which specialised in electrical household appliances, began to develop a new mainstay in the industrial goods sector from 1950.
While the cradle of today's FLUX company was in Stuttgart-Botnang, the first electric barrel pump saw the light of day in Karlsruhe. The 1960s brought a number of important changes for the company. Production began to be gradually relocated to Maulbronn. Despite the oil and economic crisis, the 1970s were characterised by rapid growth, which necessitated building extensions and changes to the company structure. Early on, the company focussed on exporting its quality pumps, with the active support of sales partners in 21 countries at the time.

From 1980, FLUX also became completely independent of PROGRESS Verkauf GmbH and Mauz & Pfeiffer in organisational terms. All company divisions (production, research and development and administration) were now located in Maulbronn.
The 1990s were characterised by a permanent modernisation of the company and its products. The path into the new millennium was heralded by a generational change. Herbert Hahn handed over the management of the company to his nephew Klaus Hahn. FLUX is thus an example of a successful family business and a successful company succession.

FLUX's history is characterised by many continuities, whether in terms of personnel, cooperation with long-standing partners or, in particular, the quality of the products. One of the most important constants, however, is the company's innovative strength. For example, the first electric drum pump from 1950 has been continuously improved and modernised.
In 2025, we not only look back on the development of the drum pump, but also on a constantly growing product portfolio. This means we have a suitable solution for a wide range of requirements. What has been our top priority throughout the years: focussing on quality and satisfied customers.

Charity concert with Elfriede's Journey

To celebrate the anniversary in style, FLUX-GERÄTE GMBH is organising a benefit concert for the Maulbronn Children's Centre on 19 July on the company premises in Maulbronn. You will receive further information shortly. We look forward to you celebrating with us for a good cause!