Gira was founded in 1905 in Wuppertal and initially started with the utilisation of a toggle switch patent. In 1910, Gira moved to Radevormwald. During the 1930's, the company established itself as a switch supplier of excellent-quality products with the well-known lever-bolt rotary switch and has been successfully expanding its product assortment with new and modern products and solutions ever since.
Today, Gira employs approximately 900 people.

Innovation points the way to the future: As early as 1903 Richard Giersiepen designed a further development of the tumbler switch and had it patented. This invention then provided the opportunity for him and his brother Gustav Giersiepen to found a company. On 1st August 1905 they founded the company "Gebrüder Giersiepen, Fabrik von Apparaten für elektrische Beleuchtung". The production of light switches and further parts for domestic electrical installations started up in two rented rooms in Wichlinghausen (now a part of Wuppertal). Five years later the company moved to Radevormwald. In 1964 its name was changed to Gira.

100 years of successful corporate history: the company today stands as the logical development from switch manufacturer to a system supplier. In 2005 Gira celebrated its anniversary and has its sights firmly set to the future.

Technical progress and a high level of design expertise are constants that can be observed throughout Gira's company history. An outstanding example of this is the surface switch presented in 1966 that sets standards which are soon followed by all well-known switch manufacturers. This photo was used as advertising material for the surface switch in the 1970 catalogue.

In 1970 the exclusive cooperation with the designer Professor Odo Klose begins. He first develops an extremely low-profile sensor switch, from which he then derives a completely new range in the mid-70's: S-Comfort. This advert introduced the Gira S-Comfort range in 1977 to English language trade journals.

As contacts, the architects become increasingly important for Gira. In the early 80's they want switches and socket outlets they can match with the clear colours of the plastic door handles from Hewi. The designer Professor Klose then designs the S-Color switch, which is introduced on the market in numerous colours in 1985. Here is the cover image of the S-Color brochure in 1985.

Another technical innovation is the integration of complex functions in the 58 mm flush-mounted box, for example with the Gira flush-mounted radio and most recently with the Gira door communication system. The consistent integration of door communication in the world of switches enables installation from one supplier in a uniform, top design. The rapid market success also proves the conclusiveness of this idea. Illustration: Product examples from the Gira Esprit switch range, cover frame black glass.