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.

Engineer Martin Hilti (1915 - 1997) and his brother Eugen (1911 - 1964) found Hilti Maschinenbau OHG in Schaan, Liechtenstein.

Martin Hilti turns his attention to fastening technology for the first time and acquires a patent for this. At the beginning of the 1950s, hand-drive tools and actuated nail guns are launched.

Hilti negotiates a sales cooperation in Italy – its first international sales agreement.

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.

Hilti is already operating in around 30 countries.

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.

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.

The first international production facility opens in Thüringen, Vorarlberg (Austria).

Production facility opens in Kaufering, near Munich (Germany); more production facilities follow all over the world.

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.

Three deputy members are appointed to the Executive Board. Michael Hilti joins the company and takes over the area of marketing and sales.

Formation of the market regions America, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Establishment of the Martin Hilti Family Trust.

Michael Hilti is appointed Vice Chair of the Executive Board.

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.

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”.

Martin Hilti cedes the position of CEO to his son Michael. He himself remains Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Continuous build-up of international market organizations. Other branches follow, such as in Russia, South America and Asia. Globalization begins for Hilti.

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.

The new Champion 3C Strategy is based on customer, competence, and concentration.

Martin Hilti, cofounder of the company, dies on August 19 at the age of 82.

Launch of globally standardized business processes and data, which turn out to be the basis for later substantial gains in efficiency and productivity.

The Hilti Group is awarded the “Carl Bertelsmann Prize” for its exemplary corporate 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.

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.

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

Turnover sinks by 20 percent and prompts company reorientation.

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.

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.

Turnover

For the first time, Hilti breaks the US$ 1 billion turnover threshold in North America.

Hilti completely renovates its headquarters and the company premises, signaling its commitment to the location of Liechtenstein.

Hilti strengthens its position in the offshore market with the acquisition of the Norwegian Oglaend System Group. This marks the biggest company acquisition in Hilti’s history.

In December 2017, the Hilti Group broke the CHF 5 billion barrier in sales for the first time in the history of the company

During the 2018 Annual General Meeting of Hilti Corporation, Michael Hilti was elected Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors for life.

With the acquisition of the Austrian bst Brandschutztechnik Döpfl GmbH and its German sales subsidiary, Hilti has expanded its offering for fire-protection solutions for the energy and industry sector.

Hilti has opened the BIM Experience Center in Rotterdam. The center brings to life the digital evolution of construction projects through the combination of applications, services and digital elements.

The Hilti Group's success over the decades is strongly connected with its long-term succession planning ensuring stability and continuity. Hilti will undergo a major generation change in key leadership roles over the next two years, given the age and tenure of certain long-term serving representatives.

The Hilti Group acquires Fieldwire (USA), a San Francisco-based company which provides a leading platform for jobsite management. Hilti already participated as an investor in 2017 and established a close partnership with Fieldwire.