The story of NILOS began right in the heart of the mining industry. At the end of the 1920s, Hans J. Ziller (1907–1985), a young engineer from Leipzig with a passion for mining and mechanical solutions, visited surface mines where workers were experimenting with early conveyor belt systems. At the time, conveyor belts were often the weak link in mining operations, they needed to be connected quickly and hold under extreme conditions. Mr. Hans J. Ziller set to work and developed a mechanical connection, a kind of hook system, to join the belts securely.
The name – Nie.Los.
The real moment came during testing, as workers installed the system and ran the belts, Mr. Hans J. Ziller watched every detail. When he saw how well the connection performed under pressure, he said astonished, “Das kommt ja nie los”, “That will never come loose!” And the name NILOS was born, blending the German words “nie” (never) and “los” (loose), dropping the “e” to create a catchy brand.
This moment marked the birth of NILOS GmbH & Co. KG, and over the years, NILOS grew into a global name. What began as a solution for conveyor belt connections soon turned NILOS into a worldwide leader in conveyor belt expertise, covering everything from splicing and repair to inspection, maintenance, and accessories. Across industries and continents, NILOS became synonymous with quality and reliability.
From conveyor belts to metallic sealings for bearings
But Mr. Hans J. Ziller´s innovative mind didn’t stop there. Driven by the same spirit of curiosity and problem-solving, he began looking beyond conveyor belts. He turned his focus to another persistent challenge in heavy industry, how to protect bearings from dirt, dust, and moisture, problems that caused costly breakdowns and downtime. Once again, he set to work, testing, refining, and improving. After countless trials, he invented the NILOS-RING, a metallic sealing system that became a game changer in the world of bearings. This breakthrough didn’t just expand the company’s product range, it opened an entirely new chapter in its history and set the foundation for its rise as a global leader in sealing technology.
What started in the conveyor belt sector evolved into Ziller GmbH & Co. KG, the company behind the globally renowned NILOS-RING. While the official company name is Ziller GmbH & Co. KG, it is the NILOS-RING that has carried the company’s reputation around the world. Today, NILOS-RINGS are found wherever bearings need protection, in gearboxes, electric motors, agricultural machinery, and even automotive applications. From steel mills to wind turbines, from construction sites to production plants and maybe even in your car, NILOS-RINGS quietly keep the world’s machinery running, often unnoticed but absolutely essential.
The NILOS-RING today
With more than 5,000 different NILOS-RINGS in its portfolio, including types like AV, JV, ZAV, ZJV, AK, LSTO, LST-L, labyrinth seals, and custom-made solutions, Ziller GmbH & Co. KG offers one of the most comprehensive sealing programs worldwide. NILOS-RINGS are robust and wear-resistant, making them ideal for extreme conditions. Thanks to their low overall height, they can be used in almost every bearing arrangement, and they considerably extend the service life of high-quality bearings, even when a seal is already integrated. The LST-L series also provides a significant sealing effect when used with liquids. Standard NILOS-RINGS are manufactured from galvanised special strip steel, but they can also be supplied in stainless steel or brass on request. For particularly demanding applications, Ziller GmbH & Co. KG produces special sealing springs and cover plates under the DIFKU and DISKU series, which have proven their value.
Whether it is designing customised sealing solutions, improving existing technologies or supporting clients with expert advice, the team at Ziller is driven by one goal, keeping industries moving safely, efficiently and reliably.
A family tradition — a culture of loyalty
Behind this global success stands a family-owned business that has never lost sight of its roots. At Ziller GmbH & Co. KG, tradition is more than a word, it is the backbone of the company culture. Many employees have been part of the company for decades, some joining as apprentices and staying until retirement. Their know-how is passed on to younger generations, creating a living chain of expertise and craftsmanship.
This loyalty extends beyond the company walls. Customers around the world have trusted the NILOS-RING for generations, knowing they are not just buying a product but entering a partnership. The name NILOS, “nie los”, “never loose”, is more than a technical promise, it reflects the company’s dedication to standing by its customers, listening to their needs, and developing solutions that last.
For nearly a century, the company’s mission has remained unchanged, to be close to the customer, to honour tradition and to shape the future of industrial solutions.
One connection, one ring, one innovation at a time.
Source: Best Bits
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