From a good idea to a product that has become synonymous with an entire portfolio; Schlüter-SCHIENE celebrates its 50th anniversary.
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When a finishing profile for tile edges is required, the name Schlüter-SCHIENE is mentioned as a matter of course. The profile developed by Werner Schlüter in 1975 celebrates its 50th birthday in 2025; and is still the epitome of innovation. In 2025, SCHIENE is celebrating its 50th anniversary – and it remains as innovative as on the first day. The idea for SCHIENE came to Werner Schlüter in a bathroom with five doors, all of which needed a clean finish for the Florentine mosaic which was laid in a thin bed. There was literally no solution to this problem on the market at the time, so he developed an L-shaped metal profile with a perforated anchoring leg himself. A few months later, on 23rd October 1975, the registration certificate including the property rights for his patent was issued.
The idea was well received in the tiling sector and the original range of five brass profile variants – still in the range today – was quickly expanded to include further SCHIENE variants. New products, such as the BARA and JOLLY profile ranges, were soon added and, in 1981, the anchoring leg of the SCHIENE was finally given the distinctive trapezoidal punching. The joint spacer introduced by Schlüter-Systems in 2001 has taken the product one step further; it provides a pre-defined joint chamber to the covering material and makes it even easier to install simply and precisely. 2015 also signalled the first appearance of the stainless steel SCHIENE with joint spacer.
From a good idea for protecting tile edges, a globally successful company has developed and is now the market leader in many areas related to tiles and has made a lasting impression – and not just with the SCHIENE. Over a company history spanning almost 60 years, a number of products and system solutions have emerged that benefit installers and consumers alike. The energy-saving BEKOTEC-THERM and DITRA-HEAT-E radiant panel heating systems or the extensive programme for designing comfortable and attractive bathrooms are examples.
In the same way that SCHIENE solved a problem from practical experience for practical use, Schlüter-Systems continues to strive to meet the requirements of tilers with innovative ideas and high-quality, sustainable products and to shape the industry.
Schlüter-SCHIENE – the milestones
1975 | Invention and patenting of the first Schlüter-SCHIENE |
1981 | The Schlüter-SCHIENE gets a new cross-section, along with a new patent, as well as the characteristic trapezoidal hole pattern in the anchoring leg |
2001 | For even and simple joints, the SCHIENE is fitted with the patented joint spacer |
2015 | Schlüter-SCHIENE-ES is the first stainless steel variant that features a joint spacer |
2025 | 50 years and still up to date: the Schlüter-SCHIENE is celebrating a milestone anniversary |
For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/