Steinhof

Steinhof is best known for its tow bars and brake pads. These components are compatible with all types of passenger and commercial vehicles. Steinhof products meet the highest quality standards and comply with the norms required to obtain essential certifications and approvals. All Steinhof products are manufactured in facilities that operate under the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System, certified by TÜV CERT.

The History of Steinhof

The Steinhof company was founded in 1960 by Stanisław Steinhof. With a small team, he began production in a home-based workshop as part of a local craft enterprise.

Over the years, the brand opened a second production facility in 1981, which marked a significant step forward. By then, Steinhof was already recognized for producing reliable tow bars. A pivotal moment came when Marek Steinhof, the current owner, took over the business.

In 1997, the product range expanded to include brake pads alongside tow bars. This coincided with the relocation of the company headquarters, leading to the establishment of two modern production plants in Tarnów.

Steinhof's Development After 2000

By 2000, Steinhof products were being manufactured in accordance with the ISO 9000:2000 Quality Management System. In the same year, the brand made its debut at the Automechanika Frankfurt automotive trade fair.

Significant changes to the product line included the introduction of the Premium series of brake pads. In 2014, a modern painting line for tow bars was installed, and in 2015, further investments were made in advanced machinery, such as plasma cutters and robotic welding systems.

In 2019, the company launched innovative new products, including the W10 tow bar ball with a unique quick-release mechanism.

Steinhof's High Quality – Multi-Level Testing

What drives the excellent reviews of Steinhof products? The brand ensures multi-level quality verification. Polish manufacturing facilities and laboratories are equipped with advanced testing stations to rigorously assess product quality.

The testing equipment includes inertia stations that simulate real-world braking conditions. Decades of experience combined with strict production standards have earned Steinhof products their reputation for reliability.

Steinhof Product Testing – Brake Pads

Brake pad quality control involves testing raw material batches. Samples are taken from each batch and subjected to a series of tests to determine key parameters such as:

  • Material density
  • Coefficient of friction (ECE R90 Regulation)
  • Material wear
  • Compressibility at low and high temperatures (ISO standards)
  • Hardness (ISO standards)
  • Resistance to high temperature and humidity (ISO standards)

Steinhof Product Testing – Tow Bars

Tow bars are tested to ensure compliance with UNECE Regulation No. 55 at the Industrial Automotive Institute in Warsaw. They are also tested independently using advanced fatigue testing machines for tow bars.

The equipment has a valid calibration certificate from the Dutch Certification Institute (RDW), enabling Steinhof tow bars to achieve e4 approval under Directive 94/20 EC. Furthermore, the company undergoes regular audits by RDW inspectors.