History Victorinox

a victorinox swisschamp, 1 of functional swiss army knives

the company founded in 1884. since 1891, company has delivered knives swiss army. emblem—a cross in shield—has been used victorinox since 1909. year, mother of founder karl elsener died , named company victoria in honour. in 1921, addition of inox (abbreviation acier inoxydable, french term stainless steel) products, brand , name of company became present victorinox ( victoria + inox ).

in 1972, forschner butcher scale company of new britain, connecticut became exclusive victorinox distributor united states. in 1981, company went public , charles elsener, president of victorinox, acquired significant percentage of shares. in 1983, renamed forschner group, inc. in 1980s, forschner registered swiss army name trademark in usa. in 1992, precise imports corp., u.s. , canadian importer of wenger knives, sued , forschner retained rights use trademark on compasses, timepieces, , sunglasses, while precise use in marketing other non-knife items. in mid-1990s, forschner changed name swiss army brands, inc. (sabi).

in 2001, victorinox teamed sabi create international watch company victorinox swiss army watch ag. in august 2002, victorinox acquired remaining shares of sabi gain control of swiss army trademark. previously, sabi had sold swiss army branded watch in north america , - under license - victorinox branded watch outside north america. afterwards, combined victorinox swiss army brand has been marketed worldwide.

on 26 april 2005 victorinox acquired wenger, other official supplier of swiss army knife, announcing intended keep both brands intact. on 30 january 2013 victorinox announced company integrate wenger s knife business strengthen competitive position internationally. victorinox has since licensed swiss army brand , shield logo companies producing watches, writing tools, luggage , clothing.

in 2006 company had workforce of 900 employees , produced 34,000 swiss army knives, 38,000 multi-tools, , 30,000 household, kitchen, , knives per workday. approximately 90 percent of production exported more 100 countries. victorinox has claimed never have had lay off employee. avoid set aside profits during boom periods supplement recessionary periods, temporarily contracting employees other companies outsourced labour during recessions.