Victorinox

Victorinox pocket tools are based on a century of tradition and experience. The company was founded in 1884 by Carl Elsener in Switzerland. In addition to the world-famous knives, Victorinox also manufactures multi-tools with a high level of precision. The Swiss company's success story began when founder Karl Elsener opened a cutlery store in Ibach-Schwyz after the budding entrepreneur had just completed his apprenticeship in Paris and Tuttlingen in southern Germany. The Tobelbach stream supplies the energy to drive the grinding and polishing machines via a water wheel. During this time, he began working on a revolutionary idea - a knife that offers as many practical functions as possible in the most compact form. His invention has long been a legend: the original Swiss Army and sports knife.

 

In 1909, the company founder began using the cross and shield, today's Victorinox emblem, to stand out from copies. In the same year, Elsener chooses his late mother's first name 'Victoria' as the company name. In 1921, stainless steel was invented (abbreviation 'inox'). The combination with the name 'Victoria' results in the new brand 'Victorinox'. After the Second World War, the PX stores of the US Army, Navy and Air Force sell the 'Swiss Army Knife' in large quantities to their officers and soldiers. The Americans call it the 'Swiss Army Knife' for short. A term that is catching on in all English-speaking regions.

 

1980 marks the next milestone for the Swiss company. With the largest expansion to date, the production, office and warehouse space is increased from 11,000 to 27,000 m2. 730 employees generate a turnover of over 65 million Swiss francs. Other milestones include the successful launch of Swiss Army clocks in America and the establishment of the company's first sales office in Japan. Further subsidiaries in Mexico, Brazil, Poland, Hong Kong/China, Vietnam and Chile will follow in the coming years. In order to strengthen the Victorinox brand and establish it on a wider scale, a luggage line is developed in 1999. This is manufactured under license in accordance with strict quality standards. The clock division is also expanded in the same year with the founding of Victorinox Watch SA in Bonfol.

 

In 2001, all five Victorinox product categories - pocket tools, household and professional knives, clocks, luggage and clothing - are presented for the first time in a flagship store in Soho, New York. The following year, Victorinox becomes the sole shareholder of Swiss Army Brands Inc. in the USA. As a result, sales exceed CHF 400 million for the first time.

 

In 2007, Victorinox Swiss Army Parfums is relaunched under the Victorinox emblem. Victorinox also founds the company Victorinox Swiss Army Fragrance AG at its headquarters. The former Wenger perfume line is repositioned and given the Victorinox emblem as its trademark. One year later, the traditional Swiss company opens its first flagship store in Europe on New Bond Street in London.

 

Today, Victorinox employs over 1700 people worldwide and generates sales of around 500 million Swiss francs.