In Ruswil, Lucerne, a man makes his entrepreneurial dream a reality, and lays a cornerstone for the economic future of the region. Primary-school teacher Josef Steffen starts up a company making small bags and wrappings. They are produced in the workers’ own homes, and then sold to bakeries and general stores.

Industrialisation comes to Stewo. As the business is doing so well, Josef Steffen opens a factory in Wolhusen, complete with modern machinery and in-house printing facilities.

Josef Steffen demonstrates his pioneering spirit – he becomes the first manufacturer of gift wrap in Switzerland.

Stewo really begins to take off, leaving the hard war years behind. Rapid growth allows for expansion, and the company builds a brand-new factory. The move from the old to the new premises coincides with the launch of the Stewo brand.

Dedicated to manufacturing goods of the highest quality, Stewo establishes a research department that includes a laboratory. This year also sees automated rotogravure printing presses used on packaging for the first time.

A great year for Stewo – the company is successful in its bid to supply packaging to the Swiss National Exposition (Schweizerische Landesausstellung) in Lausanne. Winning the contract makes Stewo the sole manufacturer of the exhibition’s entire range. In addition, production is expanded to include dust covers for books.

Stewo goes see-through! For food products. After a long time in development, Stewo’s first window bread bag is presented at a canteen in Stuttgart. The market greets it with enthusiasm.

With the introduction of Stewo Lux, the first metalised gift wrap, Stewo demonstrate its avant-garde spirit and talent for innovation again - modern gift wrap is born!

Stewo commits to sustainable operations. In step with a general move towards heightened environmental awareness, Stewo is the first company to introduce a range of eco-friendly gift wrap.

Giving and receiving beautiful gifts is clearly in fashion. The increasingly diverse range of Stewo products on offer is categorised into various lines for marketing purposes. And to ensure even greater variety, Stewo opens its very own design studio in Wolhusen.

The introduction of the euro in neighbouring countries drastically alters the economic environment. This upheaval poses a big challenge for everyone, especially businesses. The company is forced to restructure, streamlining its product range. The business climate becomes noticeably more difficult, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of entire lines.

Following a turbulent period wrought with changes for the region and its local communities, light appears at the end of the tunnel: Stewo is acquired by Baier & Schneider. It’s a light that quickly begins to burn brightly, as the move means that Stewo can continue to build upon its unique skills and resources.