Leitz launches its 150th anniversary year

In 2026, Leitz celebrates 150 years of innovation, craftsmanship and values-driven leadership. Since its founding in 1876, Leitz has consistently combined technological advancement with real economic value, a principle that continues to drive the global growth of the family-owned business across five generations.

The anniversary year officially commenced at Leitz Group headquarters in Oberkochen, where employees came together to mark the milestone. A key highlight was the unveiling of a custom-designed anniversary sculpture, created by Leitz employees and manufactured using Leitz tooling. It is a powerful symbol of the company’s people, expertise and pride in what they build.

Leitz long-term success has always been shaped by the commitment, capability and innovative thinking of its people. Celebrating the anniversary with employees was therefore a deliberate and meaningful choice.

Addressing the workforce, Dr Cornelia Brucklacher, Shareholder and Chair of the Advisory Board, reflected on the company’s journey and its path ahead:

“We look back on our past with gratitude and pride, as it forms the strong foundation of our success.”

She reinforced that innovation, sustainability and long-term growth remain central to Leitz’s direction. The anniversary sculpture, featuring an intentionally open ‘0’ in the number 150, powerfully symbolises the bridge between Leitz’s heritage and the future.

The Leitz story began in Oberkochen in 1876, when Albert Leitz founded the Württemberg Wood Drill Factory. Driven by a pioneering spirit and a deep understanding of customer needs, the company quickly established itself as an innovator, securing numerous patents in its early years. Successive generations strengthened Leitz' position as a technology leader and premium tooling manufacturer.

International expansion marked a major turning point in the company’s development, beginning in 1956 with its first international subsidiary in the Netherlands. Under the leadership of Dr Dieter Brucklacher, who led the company from 1974 to 2014, Leitz focused on expanding its tooling portfolio and building a strong global presence.

Since 2016, Dr Cornelia Brucklacher has guided the company’s strategic direction as Chair of the Advisory Board, with a strong focus on internationalisation, digital transformation and future-ready innovation. Today, Leitzculture remains defined by long-term thinking, sustainable action and responsibility across its Ostalb headquarters and all 137 Leitz locations worldwide.

Deeply rooted in the Ostalb region and active around the globe, Leitz is an innovation leader and global market leader in its industry. Together with sister companies Boehlerit and Bilz, Leitz forms part of the Brucklacher Group, employing around 4,000 people worldwide.

Beyond technology, Leitz stands for lived values. This is reflected in its strong commitment to education and training, as well as in social and cultural initiatives such as the global WeCare program and the internationally recognised Jazz Lights Festival.

The 2026 anniversary year will bring 150 years of Leitz to life through a series of milestones and moments — honouring the past, celebrating the present and shaping the future.