Scholl has cemented itself as one of the leading manufacturers of professional kitchen technology in Germany and Europe. Delivering from Bad Marienberg, in the heart of Germany, to almost 100 countries, the company’s products are used by international hotel chains, commercial and retail outlets, system caterers, motorway service stations, daycare centers, cruise lines, clinics and laboratories. Its extensive range includes warming equipment, food serving solutions and induction technology, the latter of which has been a part of the portfolio since 1995.
In 2025, the company celebrates its 80th anniversary, taking a look back at its history and recounting its greatest accomplishments.
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Gustav Scholl registered the company in Offenbach, Germany, in May 1945 and received approval from the American local administration to establish it in September of the same year. In keeping with the start of the economic miracle, he thus laid the foundation for today’s success. One of the first products he developed was the round plate warmer, model number 2008.
In 1951, the company relocated from Offenbach to Frankfurt am Main, specialising in producing heating technology for plates, cups and food. The first food counters for the JĂĽlich Nuclear Research Centre, Karstadt, Brenninkmeyer and TUI Hannover were manufactured and assembled in the city on the River Main.
Bad Marienberg in the Westerwald has been the company’s location since 1960. The purchase of a plot of land measuring approximately 12,000 square metres created ideal conditions for further expansion. Further development of the product range and brand building were integral to the strategy.
In 1970, Klaus P. Scholl, the son of the company founder, joined the family business after completing his engineering studies, taking over the business as a partner in 1985. Markus MĂĽller has also been a managing director since 2002.
Another milestone in SCHOLL’s history was reached in 2008 with the construction of the new three-storey administration building, which impresses with its clear design. In March 2009, everything was ready and the employees moved into the new premises, and a “front cooking” training room has been available for regular training sessions for its customers ever since.
The company’s core competence lies in stainless steel processing, and its technical equipment used in production has always been state-of-the-art. The first punching and nibbling machine was put into operation in 1990. In subsequent years, the sheet metal processing centre was expanded to include a laser system. Further investments in modern machinery increased production capacity and optimised the production process. One example of this is the TruMatic 6000 fibre laser.
LOOKING AHEAD
In the anniversary year of 2025, SCHOLL has over 80 employees. Its management team —consisting of Klaus Scholl, Margret Schilling-Scholl and Markus MĂĽller— has experienced a generational change within the family. Klaus and Margret Schilling-Scholl are retiring, with Dr Stefanie Scholl taking over as managing partner and head of the company. She will lead the company alongside Markus MĂĽller, who has been a managing partner since 2012. Together, they intend to preserve the company’s traditions while also providing new impetus.
“We have always grown sustainably, but we need to expand because we are reaching our capacity limits. We want to remain connected to the region and continue to be an attractive employer, approaching customers openly and transparently,” said Stefanie Scholl. “This is the corporate culture that Klaus P. Scholl and Margret Schilling-Scholl have always embodied. Scholl is and remains a family business, now in its third generation. Operating independently in the market instead of submitting to the currents of global players is a great advantage. We can act quickly, like an agile launch, instead of manoeuvring like a cumbersome tanker. Despite all the turbulence, we always regain momentum independently and can react flexibly to the market. That’s why unlimited growth is not our goal but rather maintaining a healthy business.”
Not only is SCHOLL a sponsor and supplier of the IKA/Culinary Olympics, but it has also scooped the Top Hotel Star Award, the Kitchen Award and the Catering Star multiple times —most recently in 2025— and was awarded first place as Super Partner of the GGKA eight times between 2000 and 2016.