175 Years of MEILLER

The chronicle from 1850 to today

MEILLER Kipper celebrates 175 years. Join us on a journey through the past, from the company's foundation in 1850 to the present day. 

We release a new milestone every week. So it's worth checking back regularly. 

Foundation of MEILLER 1850

1850: Foundation of the MEILLER company

Company founder Lorenz Meiller acquired a property in Lilienstrasse in 1850. This is where the history of the Meiller company in Munich began 175 years ago. The house in Lilienstraße is still family-owned today. 

1881: Takeover forge in Munich, Au

1881: Takeover forge in Au, Munich

Franz Xaver Meiller, the nephew of Lorenz Meiller, took over the forge and armoury in the Au in 1881. In 1888, Franz Xaver Meiller came into possession of the nearby workshop in Ottenhofen near Markt Schwaben in Upper Bavaria, which he expanded into a hammer mill over the years.

1907: First trailer

1907: First trailer for an "automobile truck“

In 1907, the MEILLER company began producing tipper vehicles, which laid the foundation for the 'MEILLER tipper'. Initially, the tipper vehicles were operated manually with a cogwheel winch, as hydraulic technology was not yet fully developed at the time.

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1924: First hydraulic three-way tipper

A pioneering work of technology: In 1924, the first hydraulic three-way tipper, which was given the designation 'MEILLER Kipper’ D.R.P. and world patents, came onto the market. A technical innovation that replaced the rack and pinion winch, decisively changed the construction industry and paved the way for modern tipping technology.

1953: First MEILLER skip loader

1953: First MEILLER skip loader

Innovation from Munich meets inspiration from the USA: In 1953 MEILLER began production of the skip loader - developed in Landshuter Allee. A milestone that revolutionised working with swap body trailers and changed the construction industry forever.

1954: First bauma

1924: The first bauma – where it all began

An exciting flashback to the origins of bauma, the world's largest trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment. The trade fair made its debut in 1954 with 58 exhibitors, 8,000 trade visitors and 12,000 square metres of outdoor exhibition space on Munich's Theresienhöhe. 

Even back then, MEILLER had a big presentation with a mobile exhibition tower, which was also used at the IAA in Frankfurt. One of our product highlights was our legendary rear tipper. 

MEILLER rear tipper for overseas

1959: MEILLER rear tipper for overseas

In 1959, MEILLER started production of the steel rear tipper, specifically for overseas export. This robust tipper was developed to efficiently transport bulk materials up to medium grain size. With a tipper body made entirely of steel, a flexible top-hinged tailgate and the option to convert the front wall into a protective roof, it offered absolute versatility and a high load capacity.