
... we've come a long way
1862 - The first generation
The company is founded (efficient dro-forge) by Eduard Wille (age 25) - products: pokers and fire-tongs - conversion to tool forge - factory space 150 m² - products: various forged steel tools.
1899 - The second generation
The company is taken on by the founder's sons, Emil and Eduard Wille.
1901
The tool catalogue already covers 290 pages and includes 150 product families - products: including special-purpose tools for engineering, ship-building, repair work, metalworking, forging, coachwork and the entire sector of metal and machine-building.
Up to 1914
The Wille brothers already employ 500 staff and 25 trainees. Approx. 80% of all products made are exported, mainly to European countries.
1938 - The third generation
The company is taken on by Eduard and Waldemar Wille, brothers, and grandchildren of the founder. They employ a staff of around 400.
After 1955
The family business expands moderately. The multilingual catalogue contains around 3,000 different tools. Adaptation of design, production, distribution and administration to the requirements of a changing, expanding market.


STAHLWILLE "today"
Management is by independent experts not related to the family
Checks and balances are applied by the advisory board.
Employees: over 600 (STAHLWILLE Group)
Export share, worldwide:
over 60% to more than 90 countries.
Wholly-owned distributors.
3 different production locations, all in Germany.
10 complex product groups of hand and special-purpose tools
all to renowned STAHLWILLE quality standards
Target groups are: industry, automotive, aerospace.
Close cooperation with vehicle manufacturers & aerospace manufacturers.
Certified as the first company in the handtool industry
to DIN EN ISO 9001.