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14th century

Begin of a tradition

The tool industry in the Schmalkalden region has a centuries-old tradition. As early as around the 14th century, the first iron hammer is mentioned in documents in Schmalkalden. In the 16th century, there were already over 200 blacksmith shops existing in Schmalkalden. The production ranged from awls and drills, to knives, scissors and cutlery.
Until 1920

The famous blacksmith's town

"Schmalkalder Artikel",mainly tools and small ironware from Schmalkalden, already enjoyed a far-reaching reputation at that time. Under Martin Luther, Schmalkalden was considered a "celebrem chaldica" - the famous blacksmith's town. Industrial milestones of the Schmalkalden area are the foundation of the guilds of the blacksmith trade in the 17th century as well as the expansion of tool production in the middle of the 19th century and after the 1st World War.

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From 1969

VEB Werkzeugkombinat Schmalkalden

In 1969, the VEB Werkzeugkombinat Schmalkalden was formed. With 16 Kombinat companies and over 14,ooo employees, the VEB Werkzeugkombinat was the central tool manufacturer in the former GDR. The combine was divided into the divisions of machine tools (milling tools, boring tools, tool holders), mining tools, agricultural knives, masonry drills and hand tools. In 1978, a research center for the tool industry was founded in Schmalkalden.

From 1990

Privatization and takeover

In 1990, after the reunification of Germany, the combine was dissolved and the divisions were privatized. On May 7, 1991, the product area of agricultural knives was taken over by Mendritzki Kaltwalzwerk, Plettenberg, and MWS Schneidwerkzeuge GmbH & Co. KG Schmalkalden was founded.

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Management

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Managing Director

Heiner Larbalette

German, English

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Managing Director

Ralf Althoff

German, English

UP-TO-DATE & INFORMATIVE

Information & helpful insides

First-hand information about our cutting tools and knives, about innovations and optimizations, and about agriculture and agricultural technology in general: That all is what we offer you here in our news overview. We promise you up-to-date helpful tips & added value.