1940-49
In 1941, brothers Eugen and Martin Hilti establish ‘Maschinenbau Hilti OHG’ as a five-man mechanical workshop in Schaan in the Principality of Liechtenstein.
1950-59
We make our first international move and expand into Italy.
We invent the DX safety principle, with our powder-actuated fastening technique.
We win our first iF Product Design Award for the original Schlagdübel Gerät anchoring device.
1960-69
We create our direct sales and marketing model, which is still unique in the industry.
We diversify into drilling and anchoring systems.
We set up our R&D Technical Center in Schaan, Liechtenstein.
1970-79
We expand our production facilities into Austria and Germany.
1980-89
We establish the Martin Hilti Family Trust to safeguard the company’s long-term interests.
We enter the diamond drilling, screw fastening and construction chemicals markets.
We establish a development center in Germany.
We open a production unit in Hungary.
1990-99
In 1994, Michael Hilti becomes board chairman, as operational management of the Hilti Group shifts away from the Hilti family.
In 1996, the Martin Hilti Family Trust forms the Hilti Foundation as a charitable organization.
We continue to lead construction innovation by launching laser positioning systems, which have become ubiquitous on building sites around the world.
We open a production plant in Zhanjiang, China.
2000-09
In 2000, we co-found UNITECH International, a year-long exchange program for talented engineering students.
In 2002, we co-found the International School Rheintal, which crosses three country borders in the Rhine Valley.
In 2003, we sign the UN Global Compact, with its principles on human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption. Our ‘exemplary corporate culture’ is awarded the prestigious Carl Bertelsmann Prize.
Between 2006 and 2009, the Hilti Foundation supports the excavation of legendary ‘lost’ cities like the ancient port of Alexandria. This results in the public exhibition Egypt’s Sunken Treasures, now seen by some three million visitors around the world.
We launch our innovative Hilti Fleet Management service and open a production and development facilities in Shanghai, China and in Matamoros, Mexico.
We buy the majority stake of Bhukhanvala Diamond Systems Private Ltd in India.
2010-14
Our product design team wins the esteemed Red Dot Design Team of the Year.
In the aftermath of Haiti’s earthquake in 2010, the Hilti Foundation teams up with the non-profit organization Build Change to construct new earthquake-resistant homes.
We lay the cornerstone for our global Innovation Center and open our first Child Care Center in Schaan, Liechtenstein.
Christoph Loos becomes the fifth CEO in the history of Hilti. The focus of the new “Champion 2023” corporate strategy is sustainable value creation through leadership and differentiation.
Our first R&D engineers move into our new Innovation Center in Schaan, Liechtenstein
2015
We win the latest iF Design Awards and enter the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.
We are recognized by Chief Executive as the world’s number two private company for leadership development.
2016
We completely renovate ours headquarters and the company premises, signaling our commitment to the location of Liechtenstein.
In the anniversary year of 2016 more than 24,000 employees work for Hilti in more than 120 countries.
2017 - 2019
The acquisition of the Norwegian Oglaend System Group strengthens our position in the offshore market. This marks the biggest company acquisition in our history.
The worldwide introduction of the redesigned brand image begins. The new look is fresher, more dynamic and more strongly focuses on the customer.
Hilti 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.
