Our History
We have come a long way since the company was founded in 1941, and we have big ambitions to grow. Take a look at our history to get a taste of what we can achieve.
1941 - FOUNDATION
Engineer Martin Hilti (1915 - 1997) and his brother Eugen (1911 - 1964) found Hilti Maschinenbau OHG in Schaan, Liechtenstein.
1948 - PATENT APPLICATION
Martin Hilti turns his attention to fastening technology for the first time and acquires a patent for his innovation. At the beginning of the 1950s, hand-drive tools and actuated nail guns are launched.
1952 - SALES
Hilti negotiates a sales cooperation in Italy – its first international sales agreement.
1957 - BREAKTHROUGH
The DX 100 is the first powder-actuated tool in the world, marking a technological breakthrough for Hilti. By the early 60s, Hilti is active in around 30 countries.
1962 - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Hilti is already operating in around 30 countries.
1964 - FAREWELL
Eugen Hilti, one of the company cofounders, dies on November 20 at the age of 53. As an outstanding organizer, he greatly contributed to the expansion of the company in Schaan. He was also deeply involved in the State Apprentices Commission until his untimely death.
1967 - POWERFUL INNOVATIONS
With the introduction of the Hilti TE 17, the first electro-pneumatic hammer drill, the TE series evolves into the most comprehensive series of tools.
In the same period, Hilti develops the first mechanical anchor systems.
1970 - INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTION FACILITIES
The first international production facility opens in Thüringen, Vorarlberg (Austria).
1971 - EXPANSION
Production facility opens in Kaufering, near Munich, Germany; more production facilities follow all over the world.
1973 - EXTENSION
The newly established Hilti Entwicklungsgesellschaft (HEG) in Munich, Germany develops drilling and mounting technologies and anchor systems.
The company broadens its management base. A four-member Executive Board takes up its duties.
1975 - ON BOARD
Three deputy members are appointed to the Executive Board. Michael Hilti joins the company and takes over the area of marketing and sales.
1980 - REALLOCATION AND SECURING THE COMPANY’S FUTURE
Formation of the market regions America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
Establishment of the Martin Hilti Family Trust.
1982 - APPOINTED
Michael Hilti is appointed Vice Chair of the Executive Board.
1985 - FOCUS
The product areas anchor systems, direct fastening, and drilling and demolition are realigned as fully functioning product divisions. Every division comprises the functions of product management, R&D, logistics, controlling, purchasing and production.
1986 - LEADERSHIP
Presentation of “Strategy 2000” which focuses on market segmentation for the first time. In addition, introduction of a globally uniform corporate culture under the motto “Leadership Makes the Difference”.
1990 - MANAGEMENT CHANGE
Martin Hilti cedes the position of CEO to his son Michael. He himself remains Chairman of the Board of Directors.
1991 - GLOBALIZATION
Continuous build-up of international market organizations. Other branches follow, such as in Russia, South America and Asia. Globalization begins for Hilti.
1994 - TRANSITION
Martin Hilti cedes the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors to Michael Hilti and remains on the Board as honorary president. Pius Baschera is appointed CEO. For the first time, someone who is not a member of the family takes over the leadership.
1996 - CORE BUSINESS
The new Champion 3C Strategy is based on customer, competence, and concentration.
1997 - LEGACY
Martin Hilti, cofounder of the company, dies on August 19 at the age of 82.
2002 - NETWORKING
Launch of globally standardized business processes and data, which turn out to be the basis for later substantial gains in efficiency and productivity.
2003 - AWARD
The Hilti Group is awarded the “Carl Bertelsmann Prize” for its exemplary corporate culture.
2004 - CULTURE
“Leadership Makes the Difference” is replaced by “Our Culture Journey”. A significant aspect of the new corporate culture is regular training and courses for all employees worldwide.
2006 - CHANGE IN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At the end of the year Pius Baschera hands over responsibility to Bo Risberg as the new CEO. Baschera becomes chairman of the board of directors. Michael Hilti remains a member of the board of directors.
2009 - PRODUCTION PLANTS
Hilti opens its eighth production facility worldwide in Matamoros, Mexico.
The other production facilities are in Schaan (Liechtenstein), Thüringen (Austria), Kaufering and Strass (Germany), Zhanjiang and Shanghai (China), and Kecskemét (Hungary).
Financial Crisis
Economic downturn prompts company reorientation.
2014 - TOP MANAGEMENT
Christoph Loos becomes the fifth CEO in the history of Hilti.
Strategy
Under the leadership of the new CEO, the company aligns its strategy for the coming years. A key aspect of the “Champion 2020” strategy is differentiation through premium products.
2015 - INNOVATION CENTER
A new and modern innovation center for more than 450 employees is inaugurated at Hilti’s headquarters in Schaan, Liechtenstein.
Relocation
The American headquarters are relocated from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Plano, near Dallas, Texas.
Rebound
For the first time, Hilti breaks the US$ 1 billion turnover threshold in North America.
2016 - COMMITMENT
Hilti completely renovates its headquarters and the company premises, signaling its commitment to the location of Liechtenstein.
