With nearly a century of innovation behind us, Theben is proud to be a global leader in intelligent energy-saving solutions. Founded in 1921, this family-owned business started in the Swabian region of Germany and has grown into a trusted name across more than 60 countries, supported by 580 employees and fourteen international subsidiaries.Today, Theben continues to lead the way in automation technology, staying true to our heritage while always looking forward.
At the heart of our business is a commitment to quality and precision.
The vast majority of our products are still made in Germany, at our headquarters in Haigerloch, where every item undergoes a 100% final inspection before it leaves our factory. It’s this attention to detail and dedication to excellence that makes Theben a reliable partner for electricians, specifiers, KNX integrators, lighting designers, wholesalers, self-builders and end users across the UK and beyond.
From the iconic ELPA staircase time switch to the invention of the world’s first presence detector, our innovations have shaped the way buildings are lit, heated and managed. Over the decades, we’ve delivered more than 30 million of our bestselling time switches and developed leading technologies in KNX and smart energy – all grounded in our core strengths: time, light and climate control.
Today, our vision is centred around Human-Centred Building Automation (HCBA), a new standard in smart building technology that balances energy efficiency with user comfort. We believe the building sector plays a critical role in addressing the energy and climate crisis. HCBA is our answer: reducing energy consumption without compromising on how a space feels, functions, or flows.
Theben UK is here to support professionals with future-ready, proven solutions that work, for people, for buildings, and for the planet.
Our journey
A Century of Innovation
The Theben Story: 100+ Years of Intelligent Automation
1918
The First Switch is Born
Paul Schwenk invents a 3-minute staircase lighting switch - a small idea that would spark a global automation journey.
1921
Theben is Founded
After serving as a soldier on the front line in the First World War, he begins developing time switches himself, setting up his own company – Mezger und Schwenk Apparatebau – in 1921. The company quickly makes a name for itself with its innovative time switches. As these combine energy savings, comfort and safety and are of high quality, the company grows quickly.
1934
ELPA Patented
The “ELPA” automated staircase switch is patented in 1934 and represents a groundbreaking innovation for the company. With its sophisticated electro-mechanical components, ELPA is able to think for itself, making it the forerunner of today’s building automation solutions.
1941
Relocation to Haigerloch
The company moves from Stuttgart to Haigerloch and into the former “Zur Rose” tavern. At the same time, Paul Eberhard Schwenk starts a training placement at his father’s company to learn precision engineering. Although his father refuses to produce munitions, the company survives by making components for naval sirens and stopwatches.
1971
Going Global
In the 1970s, the company begins developing products in cooperation with well-known designers such as the Gugelot Design Team. Take, for example, the “tun 22”, a universal switching timer with a classic and timeless design that was described in the marketing brochure as a “thinking machine” or “wonderful nanny”. Product design continues to play a crucial role for Theben to this very day.
1976
Theben Timer Launched
Paul Eberhard Schwenk moves across from operational management to the Theben Supervisory Board. When Theben launches its “theben-timer” – an easy-to-operate, plug-in time switch – what an innovation it turns out to be! More than 33 million units have been sold to date.
1995
KNX Leadership Begins
Theben begins collaborating on the development of EIB technology (now KNX) and starts manufacturing the first BUS-capable time switches and twilight switches. Theben has been a member of the KNX Association since 1995 and works with other leading manufacturers in making KNX a worldwide standard.
2007
Theben HTS Established
The takeover of High Technology Systems AG, Switzerland (HTS) – the inventors of the presence detector – leads to Theben (Switzerland) AG becoming Theben HTS AG.
2018
LUXORliving Smart Home System Launches
The LUXORliving KNX-based smart home system is launched on the market.
2021
100 Years of Theben
Theben celebrates its centenary
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Built on Precision. Backed by Standards.
At Theben, quality isn’t just a promise, it’s part of our process. Every product we design is rigorously tested and inspected to ensure it performs exactly as it should, for years to come.
We’re proud to be a member of sensNORM, the European association setting the benchmark for motion and presence detection in building automation. As part of this group, we’re committed to greater transparency, performance, and planning security, giving professionals and end users alike the confidence they need when specifying products.
Our motion and presence detectors are tested to sensNORM standards in our dedicated sensLAB facility, using methods now recognised under European standard IEC 63180. That means you can rely on our published detection areas and trust our devices to perform exactly as expected, with no surprises on site.
When you choose Theben, you’re choosing quality that’s proven, precision that’s measurable, and automation that works, day in, day out.