A modern company with a long tradition, milestones at a glance

The history of the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS brand starts on June 13, 1731 (under the Gemini star sign). It was on that day that knife-maker Peter Henckels from Solingen registered the "Twin" symbol as his trademark with the Cutlers´ Guild of Solingen. This symbol which is now well-known globally is thus one of the oldest trademarks in the world. Today’s name ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS was given to the Company by a descendant of Peter Henckels, Johann Abraham Henckels.

Today products by ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS are recognised globally as the symbol for the highest possible quality and function.

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS is a modern company which traditionally has always used innovative technology to manufacture products and services of the highest quality. Its leading principle: our customers´ satisfaction is our success – everybody is a customer. ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS has consistently set out to supply its customers with the best possible products and services. Based on this commitment Peter Henckels established his company 280 years ago. Today we still consider ourselves bound by the same commitment!

ZWILLING’s history begins: Peter Henckels registers the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS logo with the Cutler's Guild in Solingen.

1818

Johann Abraham Henckels opens the company's first office in Berlin.

1851

World Exhibition in London: The company exhibits its products, is awarded a medal and thus achieves international recognition.

1855

Highest distinction awarded at the Paris world exhibition.

1883

A sales office is set up in New York, followed a few years later by Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Frankfurt and Munich as well as Paris and Vienna.

1893

World Exhibition in Chicago. The only medal awarded goes to ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS.

1915

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS is awarded four first prizes at the World Exhibition in San Francisco.

1927

Opening of a sales office in Paris.

1938

The company opens a new chapter with the launch of its legendary multi-purpose Original Kitchen Shears, setting new standards in design and quality.

1939

Invention of a special ice-hardening process, branded FRIODUR®, for the production of stainless steel cutlery. This process is patented by ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS and subsequently all products using this special method are hallmarked accordingly.

1973

Founding a subsidiary in Japan

1976

International launch of the ****FOUR STAR knife series. Having been developed in cooperation with well-known German professional chefs, these knives meet the highest quality standards. By now ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS best selling chef's knife series worldwide.

1989

TWINOX becomes a watchword for quality from the beauty sector.

1995

Founding of Joint Venture China.

Takeover of M.H. Wilkens & Söhne and with it also BSF.

2003

Launch of the knife sharpener TWINSHARP®Select. Ergonomics and stainless steel in a perfect marriage.

2004

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS takes over the Japanese knife manufacturer Nippa in Seki/Japan.
By acquiring the North American manicure specialist Tweezerman as well as the Jaguar Stahlwarenfabrik ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS establishes a leading position in the global market for beauty and hairdressing tools.
With the launch of cookware products ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS further enhances its kitchen competence.

2005

ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS opens its first concept shop in Paris. A new stage for brand and products.´

2007

With the takeover of Tondeo, manufacturer of high quality hairdressing equipment, ZWILLING establishes its leading position in the field of professional hairdressing tools.

Launch of Miyabi knife range: Japanese blade design and exceptional sharpness – manufactured in Seki/Japan

2008

Takeover the Belgian cookware manufacturer Demeyere, a manufacturer of innovative stainless steel cookware, as well as the company Groupe Staub S.A. from France. Staub is a traditional manufacturer of cast iron and ceramic cooking utensils.

2009

Opening of the company kindergarten TWINNY LAND - Germany's first integrative company kindergarten.

2010

Founding of joint venture in Russia.

2011

ZWILLING celebrates its 280-year company jubilee.
Founding the ZWILLING foundation India. Using the concept “Hand in hand for a better life” the foundation helps Indians with disabilities to learn a trade and lead independent lives.

2012

Share on alessandro INTERNATIONAL - one of the leading companies for hand, nail and feet care as well
as nail design.

2013

Opening of the ZWILLING flagship store on the Düsseldorfer Kö. A pleasant atmosphere invites you to gather experience and join in.

ZWILLING aquires QVS global a leading personal care accessories company. The take-over positions ZWILLING as a leading force in the beauty tools and personal care accessories category.