The story of Wertheim is profoundly shaped by its founder, Franz Freiherr von Wertheim, and remains closely tied to his life’s work.
On September 1, 1852, Franz Wertheim began producing “fire-resistant safes” with a team of 85 employees. Then, as now, Wertheim has achieved national and international success in the production of safes and banking security solutions.
Franz Freiherr von Wertheim (1814 – 1883) established the company to produce “fireproof, burglary-resistant safes.” Founded during a period of industrial change and rapid urbanization, Wertheim quickly recognized the city population’s growing need for high-quality goods that ensured security.
Pompous Fire Tests in Vienna, Constantinople, and the Imperial & Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna
The background image shows the first public fire test in Vienna in 1853, where Wertheim demonstrated the resilience of its safes in dramatic displays held in Vienna, Constantinople, and the Imperial & Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna.
The Paris World Exhibition in 1867 was a globally significant event that drew the attention of monarchs and heads of state from around the world. Among the distinguished visitors were Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria and Emperor Napoleon III of France, who toured the impressive exhibition pavilions together.
During their visit, the two monarchs inspected the products of Wertheim, which had by then become a renowned company. At this time, Franz Freiherr von Wertheim was not only a respected figure in retail but also served as a security advisor to the imperial household, specifically for Emperor Franz Joseph I.
In the picture: on the left, Emperor Franz Joseph I, and on the right, Franz Freiherr von Wertheim at the 1867 Paris World Exhibition.
Celebrating the Completion of the 20,000th Safe –
One of the grandest worker celebrations of the 19th century was held in honor of the completion of Wertheim’s 20,000th safe. To mark the occasion, composer Josef Strauss created a special piece titled the “Feuerfest” Polka.
In 1884, Wertheim initiated a groundbreaking era by beginning elevator production. This strategic decision marked a milestone for the company, positioning Wertheim at the forefront of innovative retail technology.
In 1911, Wertheim underwent a major transformation, transitioning from a private enterprise to a public limited company. This strategic decision marked an important milestone in the company’s development, enabling innovative capital acquisition to drive further growth and modernization.
Acquisition of “Safe Construction” by Management Buy-Out from the Main Shareholder (Schindler Group) – Establishment of Wertheim Sicherheitssysteme GmbH
Visionary and innovative, Peter Lunzer and Horst Weissenbacher set a milestone for Wertheim’s bright future, laying the groundwork for an enduring legacy of excellence in security solutions.
Peter Lunzer, Founding member
Ing. Horst Weissenbacher, Founding member
Wertheim’s expansion into Slovakia was characterized by careful adaptation to local conditions and needs. The company not only established a business presence but also integrated into the social and cultural fabric of the country. Wertheim introduced its trusted product range to the Slovak market, creating local jobs and supporting economic growth.
The years from 1990 to 1996 marked a successful period of internationalization for Wertheim, with expansion into Slovakia bringing both economic success and a strengthened global market position for the company.
In 1999, Wertheim executed a significant strategic acquisition by incorporating a joinery in Salzburg into its portfolio. This expansion into the woodworking industry marked an important step toward diversifying Wertheim’s product range while simultaneously enhancing its craftsmanship expertise.
The 150th company anniversary was not only an occasion to honor the past but also to look toward the future. Wertheim reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards, cutting-edge technologies, and ongoing development to meet the dynamic demands of the safe industry.
Between 2004 and 2010, Wertheim underwent an exciting phase of modernization and expansion in Slovakia. Production areas were continually enlarged, and machinery in Slovakia was upgraded.
This pivotal period was marked by a strategic focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
The new company headquarters
in Guntramsdorf
In 2015, Wertheim marked a significant milestone in its corporate history with the establishment of its new headquarters in Guntramsdorf. This innovative building became the heart of Wertheim’s operations and stands as a symbol of modernity, efficiency, and entrepreneurial progress.
2022
170 years of Wertheim
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