From a 2-man start-up to the world market leader: With our technological developments „Made in Germany“, we have had a lasting influence on the instrument reprocessing workflow over the past decades.
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1951: Start for more hygiene in the world
Post-war period in destroyed Berlin: The goal was a company exclusively focused on hygiene in medical and dental practices. From this vision, the company Gebauer & Co. was founded on May 1, 1951.
The production of the fi rst devices posed a challenge for the young company: Since the procurement of materials was extremely difficult at that time. Alfred Gebauer made a virtue of necessity. He bought aluminum lunch boxes, which were used as outer housings for the devices. The result was the first hot air sterilizer „Type C1“ from Gebauer & Co.
The brand name MELAG was registered: MELAG is made up of the letters “MEdizin” (Medicine), “LAbor” (Laboratory) and “ Geräte” (Devices). Despite the onset of the Cold War and the looming division of Berlin, the name MELAG very quickly became a synonym for excellent quality and innovation.
1954: MELAG quality for autoclaves
At that time, technological developments in the hospital sector were the drivers for requirements in medical and dental practices. MELAG recognized this early on and adapted the technologies of the large hospital autoclaves. With the „Type R“, MELAG succeeded in developing the first small autoclave with automatic venting - the first MELAG patent.
1973: The second generation
After the son of the founder Alfred Gebauer had completed his education and gained operational experience from working in other companies, Dr. Steffen Gebauer joined the company. This set the course for continuing MELAG as an owner-managed family business in the long term.
1995: Fractionated pre-vacuum for more safety
To ensure that even complex loads with hollow bodies or textiles can be sterilized in the practice sector, MELAG launched the innovative „Vacuklav 31“ autoclave with the revolutionary technology of fractionated pre-vacuum for the first time. This powerful autoclave provides highest reliability without cooling water due to the patented air-cooled vacuum system.
2004: MELAG - Pioneer of fast instrument reprocessing
MELAG shows how instrument reprocessing can be optimized further and further: With passion, innovation and attention to detail, MELAG succeeds in developing the new „Premium Class“ - an autoclave with the patented Double Chamber Technology. A groundbreaking innovation that impresses experts and customers with record operating times and the highest saturated steam quality.
2010: The new era - MELAG becomes a system provider
After almost 10 years of intensive research and development, the distribution of the washer-disinfector „MELAtherm 10“ starts. This makes MELAG the first worldwide leading manufacturer with a system solution for instrument reprocessing: Autoclaves, washer-disinfectors, water treatment systems, sealing devices as well as software for documentation and approval.
2015: MELAG engineering „Made in Germany“ is in demand worldwide
MELAG arises to the world market leader in instrument reprocessing and sells its quality products in over 100 countries. Dentists, veterinary clinics, hospitals, podiatrists and many other medical facilities worldwide rely on MELAG when it comes to infection control.
On January 1, 2019, the management board has been expanded by Dr. Niklas Gebauer and Sebastian Gebauer, the two sons of Dr. Steffen Gebauer and grandsons of founder Alfred Gebauer. This ensures that MELAG will continue as a 100% family business in the long term, even in the 3rd generation.
You can also get in touch with our managing directors on LinkedIn:
2020: Opening a foreign branch in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
MELAG continues its growth and opens an office with training center in Malaysia to be even closer to the customers in the growing Asian market.
2021: Careclave - Join the revolution
9 years of intensive research and development and an investment of over 22 million has brought together, what belongs together: The new „Careclave“ combines cleaning, disinfection, lubrication and sterilization in just one device and thus revolutionizes reprocessing in dentistry.
2021: Half a century of successful family entrepreneur: 50th anniversary of Dr. Steffen Gebauer as Managing Partner
In 1971, Dr. Steffen Gebauer took over the management of the family business after passing the law exams, completing his doctorate and working in other industrial companies, including the Volkswagen AG group headquarters.
At that time, MELAG had a total turnover of only approx. 2 million DM. In the following five decades, Dr. Steffen Gebauer left his mark on MELAG: By clearly focusing on the field of practice hygiene, a very high level of quality awareness and the expansion of sales markets, turnover grew to around 100 million euros.
With the aim of promoting the economic importance of German SMEs and Germany as a location for technology and industry, Dr. Steffen Gebauer also took on entrepreneurial and social responsibility through leading activities in various associations. For decades, he was a board member of the medical technology association SPECTARIS, the VDMA's "Landesgruppe Ost" and the German Dental Industry Association (VDDI). He was also on the advisory board of MEDICA, the world's largest medical technology trade fair. He also played an honorary role as an elected member of the IHK Berlin's plenary assembly and supported the development of young talent and education policy.
With the aim of strengthening international economic cooperation, Dr. Steffen Gebauer was a member of business delegations on various trips abroad, such as with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel to South America in 2018, with Foreign Minister Gabriel to Cuba in 2016, with Federal President Gauck to South America in 2013, with Economics Minister Rösler to Vietnam in 2012 and with Foreign Minister Fischer to India in 2000.
In 2021, Dr. Gebauer celebrated his 50th anniversary at MELAG and, together with his sons, will continues to be actively involved in the further development of MELAG as Managing Partner.
2026: MELAG’s 75th anniversary, featuring an anniversary weekend and the world premiere of MELAcare
To mark MELAG’s 75th anniversary, more than 1,000 partners, customers and practice teams from 55 countries are gathering in Berlin. The anniversary weekend will focus on two special milestones: the family-run company’s birthday, celebrated at Spindler & Klatt, and the world premiere of the new MELAcare reprocessing and care device.
