The firm is founded
It is in September 1938 that Christian Schneider and Erwin Blum set up the company ‘Blum & Schneider OHG – Factory for Screws and Turned Parts’ in Tennenbronn in the Black Forest. It is also the year in which the ballpoint pen was invented in the USA.
The good Schneider refill.
After news of the ballpoint spreads, the company decides to develop its own refill. The quality of the ‘good Schneider refill’ is central to the breakthrough of the ballpoint pen, and by 1954, it has made Schneider a leading manufacturer of ballpoint refills.
The rise of plastic.
The introduction of plastic technology alongside traditional metal processing in 1957 enables Schneider to begin producing complete writing instruments. Ballpoint pens and desk ballpoint sets are now part of the Schneider range.
Roland Schneider takes over as manager
Following the death in 1978 of the company’s original founder, Christian Schneider, his son Roland takes over as its sole manager. His aim is to turn the Schneider company into a technology leader for the writing instrument industry.
Heiko becomes Schneider
In June 1991, the takeover agreement for the Heiko fountain pen factory is signed. Only one year later, Schneider has commenced production of ink pens and fountain pens in its newly built production facility, under its own brand name.
The K15 – the ‘Beetle’ among ballpoints
Since its market launch, the “K 15” has displaced its competitors at the top of the German sales charts. It is still the most widely used pen of its kind in Germany today and is exported to over 130 countries.
Sustainability is our top priority
Schneider is one of the first companies to comply with the EMAS environmental management system recently initiated by the EU. Ever since, it has consistently upheld its ambitious environmental goals and undergone regular renewal, as confirmed in expert opinions.
Slider – the new writing sensation
Schneider revolutionises the ballpoint market with the introduction of the first ‘Slider’ pen, featuring an extremely soft writing sensation based on the unique ‘Viscoglide’ technology that the company developed in-house.
A new start
Christian Schneider takes over the management of the family-run company together with Frank Groß. The same year, a further milestone in the company’s history is achieved with the creation of a new corporate design.
Renewable raw materials as an alternative
Together with the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (IfBB), Schneider has been developing new types of plastic that can be made from renewable raw materials. As of 2016, three writing instruments are being produced from this material for retail sale.
Synergies in the Black Forest
The MOLOTOW™ brand is a pioneer in the Street Art scene and well-known for its outstanding special products. On 21 April of this year, Schneider Schreibgeräte GmbH and Feuerstein GmbH from Lahr sign contracts initiating a long-term cooperation.
Jubilee year
In addition to creating around 600 new jobs and implementing numerous technological revolutions, the use of sustainable production and environmentally friendly production methods is probably one of the most outstanding pillars of the company’s 80-year history.
Entry into the DIY market
With the Makers Line, Schneider positions itself as a brand in the do-it-yourself market and provides all creative “makers” with durable, high-quality products tailored to their needs. The long-standing competence partner Molotow™ is on hand to provide support.
Winner of the 16th German Sustainability Award
Schneider receives Europe’s largest, most renowned, and coveted award for outstanding ecological and social sustainability efforts.