Five generations have shaped the development of the Schwan tool factory. The company’s roots lie in Lüttringhausen. Listed back then as an independent city, this is where East Prussia native Hermann Schwandt started his own business. In 1884, he made his personal business idea a reality in the little city. He founded the Toolfabrik Hermann Schwandt (Hermann Schwandt Tool Factory).
The start of production and operation was an impressive success. The Toolfabrik Hermann Schwandt was able to quickly make a name for itself as a manufacturer of ratio and pocket-spring scales. And that’s not all. The proceeds from production and sales enabled an immediate expansion of business activities and fields. In particular, the product of finishing trowels, brick trowels, and scrapers came into focus. In this way, the foundation had been laid for the rise to a renowned manufacturer of bricklayer tools from as early as the end of the 19th century. Nevertheless, the Schwan tool factory still had to overcome some hardships before the company reached its current degree of specialisation.
Starting in the mid 1920s, the top management underwent change on a near ten-year rhythm. After the death of Hermann Schwandt, his wife Elisabeth took over management in January 1927. Only a few years later, she passed the sceptre on to her daughter Elisabeth Pohlig and her son-in-law Paul Pohlig. Under the couple’s leadership, the business was expanded to include production of woodworking tools and the sale of special tools for carpentry machines. The Second World War made for a massive succession problem: The owner couple’s son did not come home from the war.
To ensure that the factory could continue to produce tools, her widow took over the management of the company as an authorized signatory in 1956. After her death, the management was passed on to her sons Udo and Ralph. During this time, the company continued to develop rapidly. Not least thanks to the harmonious business constellation. Ralph Pohlig, a qualified industrial engineer, managed the operational side of the business, while Udo Pohlig was responsible for commercial management. This management duo was then abruptly torn apart in 1996 by the death of Udo Pohlig. Until the beginning of 2024, Ralph Pohlig as owner, Veith Pohlig as authorized signatory and Udo Haldenwang in the position of managing director steered the fortunes of Schwan Werkzeugfabrik.
Veith Pohlig is currently the fifth generation to manage the company.
In May 2024, we can look back with pride on 140 years of innovation, quality and customer-oriented service.
In this anniversary year, we honor the visions of company founder Hermann Schwandt and all those who came after him. We thank our customers, partners and employees who have supported us on our journey. Thank you for accompanying the history of our brand, following our innovations, trusting our products and supporting the people behind them.
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