Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG is a German fine writing instruments company and one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of writing, artist, and engineering drawing instruments. The firm was founded by J.S. Staedtler in 1835 and produces a large variety of writing instruments, including drafting pencils, leadholders, professional pens, and standard wooden pencils. It also produces plastic erasers, rulers, compasses, and other drawing/writing accessories. Staedtler has over 20 global subsidiaries and seven manufacturing facilities. Over 80% of the production is taking place in the headquarters in Nuremberg, though some of its products are made in Japan. Its "Noris" line of pencils is extremely common in British schools.
The roots of the name Staedtler can be traced back to 1662, the year in which first references to Friedrich Staedtler as a pencil-making craftsman were made in the city annals. On 3rd October 1835, J.S. Staedtler received permission from the municipal council to produce blacklead, red chalk and pastel pencils in his industrial plant. In 1866, the company had 54 employees and produced 15,000 gross (2,160,000 pencils) per year.
Between 1900 and 1901 Mars and Noris brands were created. In 1922 the USA subsidiary (located in New York) was established, which was followed by the Japan subsidiary four years later. In 1937 the name was changed to Mars Pencil and Fountain Pen Factory and product range expanded to include mechanical writing instruments. In 1949 began the production of ballpoint pens, which began to be widely used instead of fountain pens (although Staedtler still produces the latter today).
In 1950 leadholders (or mechanical pencils) began to be manufactured, the first being made out of wood. Four years later, "Lumocolor" brand is registered. This brand have been used to design the wide line of Staedtler markers. In 1962 Technical pens began to be produced.
As from 2010, FIMO, MALI, Aquasoft and further brands are being marketed under the Staedtler brand. Also, they celebrated their 175th anniversary in 2010.
Staedtler is committed to introducing innovative products and has won awards as a result. Most recently, the Wopex Graphite Pencils (design with TEAMS Design) and the Triplus line have won awards.
2008
Red Dot Award, Lumocolor Twister Dry Markers
2009
Bio Composite of the Year, Wopex Graphite Pencils
ISH Design Plus Award, Wopex Graphite Pencils
Red Dot Award, Triplus 776 Mechanical Pencils
2011
Red Dot Award, Triplus 426 Ballpoint Pens
References
^ http://www.staedtler.com Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG (2007)
^ http://www.hoovers.com © 2007, Hoover's, Inc., All Rights Reserved
^ Bayley, Caroline (13 April 2011). "Staedtler and Faber-Castell's Productive Pencil Rivalry". BBS News. Retrieved 15 March 2012.
^ Staedtler products
^ Announcement of 2008 Red Dot Award
