Page 8 - Victorinox vreckove noze

HISTORY

1884 Karl Elsener I opens a knife cutler’s workshop in Ibach-Schwyz. His mother Victoria
actively supports him in his endeavors.

1891 Karl Elsener I establishes the Association of Swiss Master Cutlers and delivers the
first major supply of soldier’s knives to the Swiss Army.
1897 The "Original Swiss Officer’s and Sports Knife" is patented. It is known around the
world today as the Original Swiss Army Knife .
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1909 In memoriam of his mother, Karl Elsener I chooses her first name Victoria as the brand
First Cutlery Workshop name and registers the emblem with the Cross&Shield as a trademark.
Today it is a registered trademark in over 120 countries.
1921 The invention of stainless steel (Inox) is a highly significant development for the
cutlery industry. The combination of the two words "Inox" and "Victoria" results in
today’s company and brand name – Victorinox.
1931 Carl Elsener II introduces automation. In 1931, Brown Boveri is commissioned to set
up the world’s first all-electric hardening plant in Ibach. This guarantees that all
knives are of a consistent high quality.
1945 US soldiers stationed in Europe after World War Two buy it in large quantities and it
is a popular souvenir to take home.

Founder Karl Elsener Mother Victoria 1950 Carl Elsener III takes over the company management.
1977 The Original Swiss Army Knife becomes an exhibit for design at the Museum of
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Modern Art in New York.
1979 Transformation of sole proprietorship "Messerfabrik Karl Elsener" into the
family-owned company "Victorinox AG".
1984 The company doubles its manufacturing and office space.
1989 Market entry for "Watches" under its Swiss Army brand in North America with its
former U.S. sales partner.
1993 Opening of the first sales subsidiary in Japan.
1994 Establishment of Carl and Elise Elsener Gut Foundation with the mission to support
national and international charitable projects.
1999 Market entry for "Travel Gear" with the American TRG Group as licensee.
2000 Establishment of the Victorinox Foundation which holds 90 % of the share capital of
Victorinox AG. The remaining 10 % belong to the non-profit Carl and Elise Elsener-Gut
Foundation.

2001 Launch of a clothing line in the U.S. and opening of the first Victorinox store in Soho,
New York.
2005 Acquisition of the long-standing Swiss Knife and watch manufacturer Wenger SA
in Delémont. Wenger remains an independently operating subsidiary of Victorinox.

Carl Elsener, Chief Executive Officer

6 VICTORINOX | SWISS ARMY KNIVES