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150 years after its founding in Oberkochen, Leitz is today the world market leader in precision tools and tooling systems for processing wood, wood-based materials and innovative materials. Over five generations, the family-owned company has evolved from a drill and tool factory into an international group. This development has been driven by entrepreneurial foresight, technological innovation, close customer relationships and the continuous expansion of its international presence.

 

With nine production plants, 38 sales and service companies and 139 service centres, Leitz today operates one of the most extensive networks in the industry. As a full-range supplier and manufacturing service provider, the company combines global capabilities with a strong local presence, supporting customers on every continent with high-quality tooling solutions, technical expertise, consulting and service to manufacturer standards. This combination of technological expertise, a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, and close relationships with customers worldwide has defined Leitz for generations and forms the foundation of its market and technology leadership.

 

The Path to World Market Leadership

Behind this success story are five generations of entrepreneurs who have shaped Leitz over the past 150 years. Despite facing different economic and technological challenges, they have always shared a common commitment: to preserve the values of the family-owned company while continuously developing Leitz with a strong sense of responsibility.

 

Company founder Albert Leitz laid the foundation in 1876 by establishing the tool factory in Oberkochen. His sons led the company into industrial manufacturing, creating the conditions for further growth. From the 1950s onwards, the third generation systematically expanded production, markets and organizational structures while also establishing service as an additional area of business. With its first sales subsidiary in the Netherlands and its first production plant in Austria, Leitz began the strategic expansion of its European presence.

 

The expansion across Europe was followed in 1974 by one of the most defining periods in the company's history under Dr Dieter Brucklacher: diversification into metalworking and the internationalization of Leitz. Through investments in new locations, technological innovations and a consistent focus on customer needs, he played a decisive role in driving the company's expansion. The company's entry into the Brazilian market marked the beginning of the systematic development of its international network. Additional production plants and dedicated sales and service companies across several continents followed. Leitz evolved from a European tool manufacturer into a globally connected technology and world market leader.

 

Today, the company is part of the Brucklacher Group, which also includes its sister companies Boehlerit and Bilz. Together, they combine expertise across the entire value chain, strengthening the international competitiveness of the group.

 

Strong Roots, a Future-Focused Vision

Since 2014, Dr Cornelia Brucklacher has continued the family's entrepreneurial tradition in the fifth generation as shareholder and Chair of the Advisory Board. She is responsible for the long-term strategic direction of the family-owned company. In doing so, she combines values established over generations with the opportunities of digital transformation, strategically positioning Leitz for the future.

 

For her, the 150-year history of Leitz represents a responsibility – to the company itself, as well as to its employees, customers, partners and future generations. Her goal is to safeguard the long-term independence of the family-owned company, make targeted investments in future-oriented technologies and business areas, enable sustainable growth and maintain the company's competitiveness over the long term. The people behind Leitz are crucial to its future. For Dr Cornelia Brucklacher, their qualifications and continuous professional development are essential foundations for innovation and long-term success. Vocational training, specialist expertise and the targeted development of talent create the conditions for continuing to set industry standards in the years ahead.

 

For Leitz, world market leadership is both an ambition and a responsibility. It means supporting customers around the globe with innovative solutions, the highest quality, technical expertise and reliable service.

Leitz continuously renews its commitment to these standards while systematically strengthening its position as a full-range supplier and manufacturing service provider.

 

“I look back with deep gratitude on the generations before me, who built, shaped and developed Leitz over the past 150 years with foresight, entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to embrace change. Their achievements are both a responsibility and a source of motivation for me to preserve our strong roots while shaping the future of Leitz with a strong sense of responsibility,” says Dr Cornelia Brucklacher.

ill.1: On November 4, 1876, Albert Leitz Sr established his own workshop in Oberkochen for the production of hand drills, planer knives and axes.
ill. 2: Dr. Cornelia Brucklacher, shareholder and Chair of the Advisory Board of Leitz, representing the fifth generation of the family-owned company.
ill. 3: Since its founding in 1876, Leitz has maintained its corporate headquarters in Oberkochen, Germany. From here, the company has grown into a successful, globally operating group and world market leader.
ill..4: The Leitz building in the early 20th century.
ill. 5: Since January 2026, the “150 Years of Leitz” anniversary sculpture has stood in front of the corporate headquarters in Oberkochen. The open design of the “0” in the number 150 creates a bridge between the past and the future. At the same time, it symbolizes openness, continuous development and the ambition to actively explore new paths.
ill. 6: The full range from Leitz offers an exceptional variety of tooling solutions. In addition to the standard range, several thousand customer-specific tools are manufactured every year.