Mixing Atlas

50 years of Collomix

Mixing technology for the world's construction sites


 

1969 - 1974

Years of discovery

An idea matures

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1974 - 1980

Foundation phase

Establishing and expanding the product range

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1980 - 1990

Mechanization and market development

Expansion of production technology, sales and brand development

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1990 - 2000

Growth is accelerating

Progressive automation and unit growth

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2000 -2010

Innovation and brand development

Emancipation and European expansion

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2010 - 2020

Competence and internationalization

Expertise and specialization are increasingly in demand

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2020 - 2024

Change in customer focus

Focus on value proposition and digitalization

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1969 - 1974

An idea matures

Years of discovery


At the end of the 1960s, paint systems experienced a surge in innovation: Better qualities become available, new processing techniques are tested and the tinting of colors in the paint trade is developed.

Founding is preceded by discovery. In 1969, Johannes Essing and Horst Heimgärtner set up their own business, EHAGE GmbH, selling innovative "airless" paint spraying equipment. With moderate success, because the devices are technically immature and suffer from poorly prepared paint. The business activity is soon shut down again, but PAINT remains the focus of the founders and, in addition to tools for MIXING paint, machines for MIXING paint products in the trade now also become the subject of the business concept. Color-Mix Rühr- und Mischgeräte GmbH is therefore founded in 1974. However, the name cannot be protected, as it is simply made up of two words, and so the decision was quickly made to call it Collomix Rühr- und Mischgeräte GmbH. The trademark is registered.

 

1974 - 1980

Founding years


In the early years, the business concept is developed further and the first clear product range is created. At the FARBE 1978 trade fair in Stuttgart, one thing is clear: Collomix has 4 trump cards: Mixing baskets, hand-mixers, mixing stations, centrifugal mixers.

The young company begins with the production of mixing baskets and assembles mixing stations for the paint industry. Powerful and slow-rotating drills are purchased from OEMs and find their way into the tool trade as paddles.

With the ZM20 centrifugal mixer, Collomix is the pioneer in the mixing of architectural paints in closed containers and the device is well received by the paint industry.

The rented business premises are changed several times and quickly become too small again, until the company finds its headquarters in its own premises in Gaimersheim in 1979.

1980 - 1990

Mechanization and market development


The production of paddles in large quantities was already successful in the early 1980s thanks to the development of special production machines and the powder coating technology, which was very new and innovative at the time.

At the same time, sales capacities must be expanded in the form of a sales force organization. At the same time, the first customers are acquired in other European countries. The company's own brand development is not yet a priority. Collomix already produces "private labels" for brand suppliers and at the same time creates a second brand, "Unimix," for the burgeoning DIY market business.

The development of a brand with an identity based around the topic of mixing comes into focus at an early stage. The product range was successfully expanded and completed in the course of the 1980s, and even more so at the beginning of the 1990s. Stirrers for a wide range of materials and applications, together with a broader range of coordinated stirrers, form the basis for a competent presentation in the trade. Communication at the POS becomes more user-oriented with self-service packaging and accompanying information.

1990 - 2000

Growth is accelerating


The further development of the successful centrifugal mixer results in a special innovation: The BIAX 20 is the world's first biaxial mixing system with an automatic clamping device and quickly becomes a success in international business, especially in France.

Construction chemicals are becoming increasingly modern and a large number of building materials are available as ready-mixed products. Mixing on the construction site is a mandatory application and the requirements for mixing are becoming more complex. Based on intensive cooperation with the material manufacturers of construction chemicals, the first mixing atlas is created in 1999 as a compendium of how which material can be mixed.

In 1992, a new, globally unique production machine for the MM paddle model is put into operation. For the first time, a mixing basket is manufactured in a single operation from a single piece.

In 1993, the color of the RGE hand-mixers changes from dominant yellow to dominant turquoise. A generation of mixers with graduated models and a practical cross-grip and protective bar is establishing itself on the market.

Despite increasing competition from Asia, Collomix has matured into the world's largest manufacturer of mixing tools. The stirrer type WK is the first model to be manufactured on a new fully automatic production line in a single operation.

2000 - 2010

Innovation and brand development

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In 2002/2004 Collomix launches the CX model series as the first mixer line with an independent design and parallel handle. It is an expression of our market-leading expertise in the hand-held mixer segment and forms the basis for growth in the coming years.

The export business, particularly in Europe, is being intensively expanded by selecting suitable trading partners.

In the industrial business, the entire product range of paint mixing equipment is renewed and modernized in terms of production technology. The addition of the VIBA 25 vibrational shaker to the product range is particularly important.

In 2006, the Collomatic range is greatly expanded. Automatic mixers are becoming more important on construction sites because they help to save time and labor.

Another Collomix innovation is causing a stir: the mixers are equipped with the HEXAFIX quick-change coupling for tool-free paddle replacement. 

Numerous internal renovations and investments characterize the company. New manufacturing processes for UR and later WK paddles are developed. Cheaper DIY product lines can no longer be manufactured economically in Europe and new sources are being tapped in Asia. The Ergomix and Unimix product lines for the DIY market develop a considerable additional volume starting in 2006.

2010 - 2020

Competence and internationalization


Collomix has also been active on the North American market since 2003. With its own subsidiary since 2012. Our own direct involvement in other export markets will follow later.

In 2012, Collomix launches the Xo model series as the first completely self-developed and manufactured mixer line and helps to further strengthen the independence and autonomy of the company. The previous CX line is thus being replaced and the long-standing partnership with PERLES comes to an end.

With the Rota 400 biaxial mixer, Collomix launches the world's first centrifugal mixer that is completely protected against paint contamination. Collomix has also had the TINTA tinting machine in its product range since 2015.

The Rotogen 1000 paint mixer opens up a new field of application: Car repair shops and paint shops.

At the end of 2015, Collomix moves into its new administration building at its headquarters in Gaimersheim. After several years of planning and construction, a new important symbol of the company's success and maturity has been created.

2020 - 2024

Change in customer focus


The complexity of material processing continues to increase and being a reliable partner for the building trade is increasingly at the center of our self-image. The content of the benefit communication is now increasingly aimed at the user and no longer just at the sales intermediary.

Digital communication makes it possible to get much closer to the user. Moving images and stories are increasingly replacing printed documents and USP lists. The necessary digital tools are becoming more important.

In 2024, Collomix launches MIXBRO, its first communicated sub-brand aimed at DIY and generalists in the construction industry. The C.mix and Ergomix product lines are integrated into it.

Collomix is the original when it comes to mixing. Innovative solutions that really help on the construction site. Labor shortages and deadline pressure are softened with functional machine technology. In the Collomatic product range, for example, the AOX650 offers a practical solution for many requirements.

The AQiXproduct, a water dosing device, adds a new dimension to the ColloFLOW product category and underlines the innovative strength of the niche specialist Collomix. 

In the next step, Collomix will enter into a more direct exchange with the customer on an international basis. In the future, we want to further increase our understanding of the needs and wishes of our customers in different markets