HIstory

GIS AG was founded by the brothers Alex and Beda Iseli (GIS = Gebrüder Iseli Schötz - German for brothers Iseli Schötz). Electric chain hoists and complete crane systems have been manufactured and developed in Schötz since 1963. In 1966, the subsidiary GIS GmbH was founded in Germany.
2022

New GIS subsidiary in the USA

Rex Companies had been an independent sales partner of GIS AG since 2011 and looked after customers in the USA. In order to be able to concentrate even more on the American market, the subsidiary GIS Corporation was founded in 2022. It is located at the same site as Rex Companies in Newport News.
2020

Load capacity increase to 6'300 kg

To complete the electric chain hoist series GP, the models GCH1600/2000/2500 are replaced by the successor GP1600/2500. On one hand, this allows an increase in lifting capacity from 5,000 to 6,300 kg and on the other hand, a doubling of the service life. The new GHF/GMF trolley series will be launched parallel to the GP1600/2500 electric chain hoists and offers, in addition to the increased load capacities, continuously adjustable flange widths.
2018

GIS takes over Lift Turn Move (LTM)

GIS is taking over the company Lift Turn Move (LTM) , one of its biggest customers and thus has its own subsidiary in the United Kingdom. With this step, GIS will be able to strengthen its position in the entertainment market.
2017

The GP series will be introduced gradually

From the beginning of 2017, the construction size GCH250/500 is replaced by the new generation GP250/500. The model GP1000 with an increased lifting capacity of up to 2,500 kg will follow by the middle of the year.
2014

4th generation of electric chain hoists

With the GP series the development of the fourth generation of electric chain hoists reached market maturity. In May, the smallest and very light (net weight only 14 kg) chain hoist GPM and its counterpart for the entertainment industry, the LPM, are presented. An investment of approx. one million Swiss francs in a fully automated production plant at the end of 2014 particularly designed to meet our special requirements leads to an increase in productivity for the manufacturing of components for the main product, the electric chain hoist.
2013

New vacuum handling systems

At the Swiss trade fair Prodex in Basel, the newly developed vacuum-handling systems are presented to an interested audience for the first time. Vacuum generation as well as all lifting movements and travelling motions can be operated via the centrally controlled control unit. This allows the operator to move large wooden panels, planks, large-format metal sheets or glass panes effortlessly.
2010

New Managing Director

Ivan Muri, who previously was the development manager at GIS, is promoted to the position of CEO on January 1, 2010. His predecessor, Anton Grob, who headed the company successfully for 21 years, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors.
2005

Launch of the GCH chain hoist series

From mid-2005, the first electric chain hoists of the GCH series is launched. Entering new market segments, such as the entertainment industry and the wind-power industry, is promoted by special versions that are based on standard models. In 2008, the payload for the GISKB crane system is increased to 2,000 kg. In 2009, the crane system GISKB made of steel is complemented by a crane system with hollow profiles made of aluminium, named GISKB Alu.
2000

The GISKB light crane system

In the year 2000, the GIS system is replaced by the flexible modular system GISKB for small cranes. The new hollow profiles made of steel are lighter and using trolleys with plastic rollers emits significantly less noise.
1996

Introduction of new vacuum lifters

The second generation of vacuum lifters is launched. As from the year 1999, travelling cranes are also offered as crane kits internationally in order to avoid transporting heavy crane bridges. Instead, they can be provided on site.
1992

The EM series is introduced

During an international distributor meeting at the beginning of 1992, the second generation of electric chain hoists is introduced. After nearly thirty years and numerous optimisations, the HZ model is replaced by the Euro Model (EM) series. In the following years larger models with an increased payload up to 5,000 kg are launched. In 1995, GIS attains the ISO 9001, EN 29001 certification.
1988

Takeover by Grapha Holding AG

The mother copmany GIS AG is taken over by Grapha Holding AG. On January 1, 1988, Anton Grob is appointed CEO of GIS AG and GIS GmbH. In the same year, the engineers of GIS develop a standard travelling crane programme. In 1989, the newly-developed high-vacuum system is launched on the market. The system makes it possible to lift metal or plastic plates, but also glass panes.
1970

The HZ series is expanded

In 1970, the electric chain hoist of the series HZ is complemented by types 100/150 and in 1977, by types 200/250, which increases the payload to 1,500 kg and even to 2,500 kg later on. In 1979, the electric chain hoist HZ 8 complements the range of products in the low payload range up to 80 kg. In 1986, the electric chain hoist HZ 300 increases the maximum load capacity to 3,000 kg.
1967

Development of a vacuum handling system

The first vacuum-handling system is developed and launched for up to 500 kg for goods-sparing handling. Only two years later, the modular light-crane system GIS System for line-bound and all-around goods transport and handling of goods up to 1,500 kg is launched.
1966

Founding of GIS GmbH

The subsidiary GIS GmbH is established in Southern Germany. The global presence is expanded to 50 countries on all continents.
1963

The 1st electric chain hoist

GIS AG becomes a synonym for quality and reliability and in 1963, the company launches the first electric chain hoist developed and manufactured by GIS. Types HZ 25/50 cover a payload range between 125 and 500 kg. An international network of distributors is established and as from the year 1965 already, GIS is represented by the company Hasemer in Australia.
1957

Founding of GIS AG

GIS AG is founded by the brothers Alex and Beda Iseli (GIS = Gebrüder Iseli Schötz - German for brothers Iseli Schötz) in Schötz, Switzerland. The company primarily specialises in products in the field of precision mechanics. Among other things, casing pipes for assault rifles are manufactured for the Swiss Armed Forces.

Get to know us better

About GIS
Employees