Albert Hiby founds a bronze foundry in Plettenberg, Germany with the intention of manufacturing industrial components such as fire extinguisher fittings and gate valves, thereby laying the foundation for the later fuelling technology business area.

Karl M.C. Ehlers founds a technical trading company in Hamburg, Germany with the intention of supplying the shipping and shipyard industry with high-quality equipment, forming the origin of the later ELAFLEX.
 

Albert Hiby receives an important patent for "Leichtschalt-Benzinhähne" (easy-to-operate petrol taps/valves). This innovation coincides with HIBY shifting its production focus to mineral oil fittings.

Driven by the increasing demand for safe and reliable fuelling technology, Gummi Ehlers GmbH is founded in Hamburg, Germany as a sister company to Karl M.C. Ehlers. The new company specialises in the development and sale of rubber hoses for flammable liquids and begins establishing a broader distribution system involving OEMs, resellers, and repair workshops which increasingly stock Karl M.C. Ehlers products.

Karlheinz Ehlers, son of Karl M. C. Ehlers, founds ELAFLEX GmbH and first supplies special fittings, later adding expansion joints and nozzles. ELAFLEX evolved into the go-to name for system solutions in handling sensitive gases and fluids.

ELAFLEX and Continental secure their first joint patent. It is granted for a combined cotton/copper thread for "permanent hose conductivity", sparking close cooperation and further innovations.

Peter Reischl founds Gummi Reischl (REIFLEXA) in Hamburg, Germany, specialising in bellows expansion joints; its high-pressure navy variants will later be specified in VG 95964.

Dr. Fritz Berg invents his pioneering vacuum leak monitoring system for tanks and found his company SGB in Siegen, Germany.

Following increasing cooperation, Karl M.C. Ehlers GmbH merged into its sister company, Gummi Ehlers GmbH.

Foundation of ditec Dichtungstechnik GmbH in Kitzingen, Germany. ditec specialises in the design and manufacture of expansion joints, offering customised solutions tailored to the specific demands of various industries, applications, and installation environments.

Gummi Ehlers GmbH and ELAFLEX GmbH unify as ELAFLEX – Gummi Ehlers GmbH, consistently continuing the path of integration started 7 years earlier and pooling expertise and experience for the benefit of customers.

Oasis (New Zealand) begins to export its high-security, technically advanced CNG valves internationally, attracting global attention.

ELAFLEX enters the Belgian market by acquiring Dessoy Flexible Tubing (Antwerp), a specialist in both the trade and production of hoses and fittings, which was later renamed ELAFLEX NV.

ELAFLEX establishes the subsidiary ELAFLEX Italia Srl in Brescia, Italy, to address the market gaps in Southern Europe and beyond. This opens primarily the Italian market while also providing dedicated service across North Africa, the Balkans, and Greece.

David Batchen and John Treloar found L.G. Equipment Pty Ltd in Australia, strategically combining Batchen's deep LPG expertise with Treloar's manufacturing background. The focus is to develop and market a competitive LPG nozzle, specifically targeting the Australian and New Zealand markets with their innovative GasGuard model to challenge existing products.

ELAFLEX acquires the petrol station equipment sales division from Permex Ltd and founds ELAFLEX Ltd in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, to be the dedicated UK and Eire supplier for the ELAFLEX group's range of refuelling equippment.

Foundation of ELAFLEX France SARL in Tremblay, France, to distribute the complete ELAFLEX product range within the French market.

Foundation of Mann Teknik AB (MannTek), a specialist in couplings and fittings for the safe handling of hazardous media for the chemical and petrochemical industries. Products are marketed under the trusted ‘MannTek’ brand.

ELAFLEX acquires a stake in Mann Teknik AB and expands its own portfolio with the proven MannTek brand of dry disconnect couplings

Effective January 1, 2010, the sales operations of ELAFLEX Tankstellentechnik (ETT) merged with Hiby's ZVA production facility (Plettenberg) to form the unified ELAFLEX HIBY Tanktechnik GmbH & Co. KG (EHT), integrating distribution and manufacturing for petrol station technology.

ELAFLEX opens a representation office in Singapur. ELAFLEX HIBY Asia-Pacific PTE Ltd. will serve the Asian market, representing the entire ELAFLEX product range and supporting customers and sales partners throughout Asia.

ELAFLEX acquires the PAGUAG brand and associated distribution rights for the PAL line of refuelling and chemical hoses from ContiTech.

ELAFLEX acquires the brand and distribution rights for the refuelling technology range previously marketed under the name Gossler Fluidtec.

ELAFLEX opens the next representation office. The ELAFLEX Representation Office China in Shanghai serves the Chinese market, representing the ELAFLEX product range and providing local technical consultation and support.

ELAFLEX opens a representation office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to serve the broader Latin American market (South America, Central America, and the Caribbean) by offering the complete product ranges of ELAFLEX, MannTek, and Dantec.

ELAFLEX takes a stake in Reiflexa with the intention of broadening its expertise and product range in the field of flexible pipe connectors for demanding applications.

The Representative Office Latin America is converted into the daughter company ELAFLEX Latin America SA, still located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

MannTeknik AB (MannTek) , the leading specialist for coupling technology, joins the ELAFLEX Group as a subsidiary.

The Australian subsidiary L.G. Equipment Pty. Ltd. is officially renamed ELAFLEX PACIFIC PTY LTD (effective September 22nd), reflecting the closer partnership and expanded product range within the ELAFLEX Group.

ELAFLEX acquires a majority stake in the company Oasis Engineering Ltd., a manufacturer of CNG components, with the intention of entering the growing market for alternative fuels and related technologies.

To enhance its presence and provide direct support in the region, ELAFLEX establishes its Turkish subsidiary, ELAFLEX Yakıt İletim Ürünleri Ltd. Şti. Based in Istanbul, the daughter company serves the Turkish market, distributing the complete ELAFLEX product range through its local office and certified partners.

ELAFLEX takes a stake in Aljac Fuelling Components Ltd., a UK-based company for aircraft refuelling equipment, with the intention of consolidating its position and offerings in the specialised sector of aircraft refuelling systems.

SGB introduces its first electronic leak detector specifically designed for Ex areas (VLXE .. Ex MMV), enhancing monitoring options for hazardous locations and launches its B2B online shop (shop.sgb.de), providing customers with direct 24/7 access to order products and spare parts.

ELAFLEX - Gummi Ehlers GmbH and ELAFLEX HIBY Tanktechnik GmbH & Co. KG merge their business and production activities, going forward under the unified name ELAFLEX HIBY GmbH & Co. KG.

ELAFLEX acquires the remaining shares of Oasis Engineering Ltd (New Zealand), making the CNG components specialist a fully owned subsidiary within the group.

Effective mid-February, Air Traffic Trade AB (Täby, Sweden) joins the ELAFLEX Group. As specialists in equipment for refuelling, sampling, and filtration of aviation fuel for the Nordic and Baltic countries, they bring a comprehensive product range that includes prominent manufacturers such as Aljac, Eaton Carter, Parker Velcon, and Gammon.

The ELAFLEX Group takes over SGB GmbH, with the intention of complementing its portfolio in the area of safety and environmental technology for tank systems and pipelines.

ELAFLEX establishes its US subsidiary, ELAFLEX US (founded February 2023), located in Fountain Valley, CA. ELAFLEX US serves the US and Canadian markets with the ELAFLEX product range, for conventional, renewable, and alternative gases and fuels.

ELAFLEX HIBY acquires a majority stake in ditec, to further expand the market leadership in the field of expansion joints and opening up new areas of application.

Contiflex develops a dispenser hose at the suggestion of Ehlers with cotton cord reinforcements and interwoven copper strand but without a metal lining. The intention is to create: a more durable and resistant refuelling hose, as the hose can be driven over - the most common reason for replacement at that time. 

ELAFLEX launches the innovative ZVA fuel nozzles with automatic shut-off with intending simpler and safer self-service refuelling for customers.

Introduction of ZVA Slimline, a nozzle featuring a slimmer design for enhanced ease of handling, particularly for users with smaller hands or limitations.

SGB presents first leak detector for double-walled pipes, featuring a pressure loss display. This opens up new application fields for the company.

Continuously expanding its product spectrum, Oasis extends its ball valve offerings to cover sizes from 1/4" to 1" within an increased operating pressure range of 3,600psi (approximately 248bar).

The ZVA-GR fuel nozzles for petrol fuels with "active" vapour recovery are developed with the intention of offering a more environmentally friendly refuelling solution that meets the latest environmental standards.  

ELAFLEX introduces SSB 16 (Safety Swivel Break), a reusable breakaway coupling, featuring a compact combination of swivel and breakaway designed for direct nozzle mounting and capable of angular separation.

SGB introduces its first electronically operating leak detector, notable for featuring integrated tightness calculation and a digital pressure display.

MannTek launches its Dry Gas Coupling (DGC) range, adapting its dry disconnect technology to provide a safe and spill-free connection solution specifically designed for the transfer of LPG and other hazardous gases.

ELAFLEX launches ZVA Slimline 2 / ZVA Slimline 2 GR with the intention of bringing an advanced generation of fuel nozzles with improved performance and additional functions to the market.

Oasis launches its BV700 Ball Valves and CV200 Series Check Valves, featuring increased working pressures up to 6,000psi. During this period, the company also obtained ISO 9001 certification and started its Lean Manufacturing journey.

MannTek starts offering Safety Breakaway Couplings (SBC), designed to enhance transfer safety by separating at a specific load and automatically closing internal valves, thus preventing spills and equipment damage during pull-away incidents.

Following the European introduction of the ZVG 2 ACME Autogas nozzle in 2009, the ZVG 2 DISH and EURO are available to complete. the modular ZVG 2 nozzle family, providing lightweight, ergonomic LPG refuelling solutions compatible with the primary European connector standards (ACME, DISH, and EURO).

ELAPHARM pharmaceutical hose assemblies by ELAFLEX are voted 'Top Product 2012' by readers of CAV magazine, recognizing the newly launched product featuring patented dead-space-free crimped fittings and a flared PTFE liner.

MannTek introduces its first Dry Cryogenic Couplings (DCC) designed for the safe, spill-free transfer of LNG and other liquefied gases at temperatures down to -196°C (-321°F).

Nozzles and hoses for AdBlue^® (ZVA LV for AdBlue^®) become available for refuelling passenger cars and light diesel vehicles, offered in black or blue options, to meet evolving emissions standards.

SGB introduces the VLD (Vacuum Leak Detector) system for continuous monitoring of high vacuum insulation in pipelines and tanks used for H2, LNG, and other cryogenic media.

MannTek delivers key components (Dry Cryogenic Couplings) for the world's first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering system, used for fuelling the M/S Viking Grace ferry in Stockholm.  

Following the opening of its dedicated Test & Innovation Center in 2021, MannTek launches its range of specialised products for hydrogen (H2) applications, including couplings and transfer systems for gaseous and liquid H2.

Recognising hydrogen as a crucial factor in the decarbonization of transport and industry and driven by the associated high demands for safety and hydrogen quality, ELAFLEX develops and introduces the ERV-H2+ rubber expansion joints. These are specifically designed for the low-pressure transfer of up to 100% hydrogen, as well as 100% methane or 'Hythane' mixtures. 

MannTek introduces Design 2.0 for its DDC (Dry Disconnect Couplings) and DGC (Dry Gas Couplings). This new generation, combines significantly improved flow rates with optimised ergonomics for enhanced performance and user experience.