The History of the Flux Barrel Pump | 75 Years of Innovation

FLUX-Gereate GmbH originated from Progress Verkaufs, established in 1948 under the umbrella of the company Mauz & Pfeiffer GmbH & Co. KG. The foundation for FLUX’s pioneering work in fluid handling was laid in 1949, with the creation of a special pump technology department within Progress Verkaufs in Stuttgart.  

Under the leadership of Managing Director Ludwig Hahn, Progress handled the entire sales operations for Mauz & Pfeiffer and thrived during Germany’s post-war economic reconstruction. Around the same time, in 1949, a group of students from the Technical University founded Phyag KG in Karlsruhe-Durlach. Led by Nikolaus Laing, Phyag focused on developing physical-technical devices for mass production, aiming to grow through patent sales and licensing. 

These early developments created the perfect environment for FLUX’s innovation, subsequently setting the stage for the company’s groundbreaking contributions to pump technology. 

The world’s first electric drum pump was developed and patented under patent no. 967 424. Named FLUX, this pump went on to revolutionise how liquids are transferred from barrels and containers throughout the World. The technological breakthrough came from the engineers at Phyag KG in Karlsruhe. However, turning innovation into a market-ready product required both technical expertise and business acumen. To achieve this, Phyag KG sold the rights to Mauz & Pfeiffer GmbH & Co. KG in Stuttgart-Botnang, therefore paving the way for FLUX's success in industrial fluid handling. 

Following the success of the first Flux barrel pump, FLUX-GERÄTE GMBH was officially founded in 1951. From the start, the company focused on developing high-quality pumping solutions for a wide range of industries, including customised products. Consequently, a major breakthrough came in 1953 with the introduction of the F 300 Ex, the world’s first explosion-protected drum pump, which received approval from the German Physical-Technical Federal Institution. Importantly, this innovation set new safety standards in fluid handling and reinforced FLUX’s reputation as a pioneer in pump technology. 

In 1962, Herbert Hahn joined FLUX-GERÄTE GMBH as Managing Director, marking a new era of growth and innovation. Under his leadership, FLUX consequently became independent and gradually relocated production to its current site in Maulbronn, a small town 30 minutes from Stuttgart. Herbert Hahn played a key role in advancing the product range and also expanding the company’s global reach. 

By securing important markets across five continents, FLUX strengthened its position as a leader in fluid handling. The company’s barrel pumps gained international recognition, leading to the establishment of its first subsidiaries in the USA and the UK during the 1980s. Throughout the 1990s, FLUX continued its expansion into Eastern Europe, Russia, China and India, further solidifying its global presence. 

FLUX expanded its production area to over 4,000 m², investing in advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance product quality. That same year, FLUX introduced the FMC series flow meters, featuring integrated microcomputers for precise batch dispensing and volume measurement. This innovation improved Flux barrel pump productivity and efficiency, while improving safety and reducing waste. 

FLUX became the first company in its region to receive ISO 9001 certification, subsequently proving its commitment to quality management and product excellence. This certification reinforced FLUX’s dedication to precision manufacturing and production of the finest barrel pumps in the World. 

FLUX launched the F 460 Ex, the world’s first explosion-protected commutator motor built and approved under ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. This milestone set a new standard for drum pump operation in hazardous environments, reinforcing FLUX’s expertise in barrel pump design and safety innovation. 

In 2000, Herbert Hahn passed leadership to his nephew, Klaus Hahn, ushering in a new phase of global expansion for FLUX. Under Klaus Hahn’s management, FLUX acquired Sondermann Pumpen + Filter GmbH & Co KG in 2005 and established subsidiaries in France, the Netherlands and India, further strengthening the company’s worldwide presence and consolidating FLUX as a global company. 

FLUX launched the FBM 4000 Ex, the first brushless explosion-protected drum pump motor. Designed for continuous use, it combined low maintenance with high durability, ensuring safe and efficient liquid transfer in hazardous, heavy-duty applications. Compatible with all types of F 400 series drum and container pumps, this innovation reinforced FLUX’s leadership in the field. 

FLUX introduced the FBM-B 3100, the world’s first brushless battery powered motor for drum pumps. Designed for our lightweight COMBIFLUX drum pump, this maintenance-free motor provides exceptional flexibility, along with durability. With no carbon brushes, it ensures long-lasting performance and became a game-changer in portable barrel pump operations. 

FLUX developed the MINIFLUX tank and container pump, a compact horizontal pump designed to empty IBCs from their low-level outlet valve. With approval for use in hazardous areas (Ex- approved Zone 1), this innovative alternative to our vertical pumps provides safer and more efficient liquid transfer, further demonstrating our expertise in Flux barrel pump technology. 

FLUX launched the VISCOFLUX Mobile S, a drum emptying system designed for high-viscosity media in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. This system delivers smooth, efficient transfer of highly viscous, non-flowable products such as peanut butter, tomato paste, petroleum jelly and mascara, for further processing or packaging. 

In 2020, FLUX celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Flux barrel pump, marking seven decades of innovation. Since the invention of the first electric drum pump in 1950, the company’s pioneering designs have made drum emptying, liquid mixing and canister filling more efficient and productive across the globe. 

FLUX expanded its product portfolio by adding ARO air-operated double diaphragm pumps, enhancing its range of fluid handling solutions. This partnership leveraged ARO’s 85 years of expertise, allowing FLUX to offer customers an even broader selection of pumps. As an official ARO distributor for Germany, the UK, the USA and the Netherlands, FLUX strengthened its position as a leading provider of barrel pumps and diaphragm pumps for industries worldwide.  

FLUX introduced the Flux-Fill GT, an advanced filling system with digital scale and programmable PLC control system. This was rapidly followed by the MINIFLUX Sanitary IBC pump: A compact, seal-less hygienic pump, designed for extremely easy disassembly and cleaning, certified to FDA and EC 1935 : 2004 food standards.