1958

Founding the WIKU saw factory

Always still close to home and innovative in thinking - The history of WIKUS begins with an ambitious idea: The technological further development of the metal band saw, Wilhelm Hubert Kullmann, supported by his brother Josef, founds the company WIKU in a former stable in Spangenberg, which was later renamed WIKUS in 1962.

1960

Construction of the first company building

Metal band saws made from tool-grade steel are produced and manufactured in the new building in order to replace the previously dominant circular saw on the saw market worldwide.

1970

Opening up new markets

WIKUS dedicates itself to internationalisation: The first subsidiary with WIKUS IBERICA is founded in Spain and new markets are opened up in South America.

1983

25 years of WIKUS

25th annual company anniversary with a staff of 132 employees.

1988

WIKUS becomes a family-managed incorporated company

Dr. Jörg H. Kullmann and Rolf Kullmann, sons of Wilhelm H. Kullmann, take over the management and lay the foundation for the additional expansion of the company.

1994

Award-winning production

WIKUS is the first European saw blade manufacturer to be awarded the certificate for the quality assurance system according to DIN EN ISO 9001.

1998

40 years of WIKUS

40th annual company anniversary with a staff of 342 employees and inauguration of the new administration wing with shipping department.

1999

Innovative production

WIKUS manufactures a new generation of carbide saw blades and thereby sets new benchmarks for the industry: In the production hall with the name of 1st carbide bandsaw, FUTURA, the most extensive production lines in the saw market are created. The WIKUS SAW subsidiary is additionally founded in the USA.

2003

Largest manufacturer

WIKUS is classified as Europe's largest saw blade manufacturer with over 400 members of staff. Saw bands with cutting materials are developed and produced: Tool-grade steel, bimetal, carbide and diamond.

2005

Expansion of the production area

Expanding the FUTURA production hall with around 4500 m² of production area.

2006

WIKUS mourns for Rolf Kullmann

Rolf Kullmann, the company´s commercial CEO, passes away at the age of 49.

2007

Amendments to the Management Board

Dr. Jörg H. Kullmann takes over as Operative Chief Executive Officer for WIKUS Saw Factory. His father, Wilhelm H. Kullmann, joins the Supervisory Board as Chairman. Furthermore, the company was awarded second place in the “Hessen Champions” competition in the “Job Engine” category.

2008

New construction for Hall 9

The new Hall 9 creates a state-of-the-art customer order production facility with a production area of 7000 m².

2010

WIKUS around the world

The decade represents the constant internationalisation of the company. Own sales companies and service companies are founded in all strategic markets in order to respond even quicker and more flexibly to global customer requirements. The foreign subsidiaries: WIKUS Nordic / Sweden and WIKUS Saw Technology / Shanghai are founded.

2012

WIKUS expands

The foreign subsidiaries of WIKUS France and WIKUS Austria are founded.

2014

WIKUS India

The foreign subsidiary WIKUS India is founded.

2016

New construction for Hall 2

5000 m² production area: This new capacity has become necessary for the research and development of the latest plant and system technology. 

2018

60 years of WIKUS

Opening ceremony for the new WI.com corporate center and foundation of the foreign subsidiary WIKUS Canada. At the 27th Hessian Entrepreneur Day, WIKUS is awarded the title of Hessen Champion for the commissioning of the first ever in-line production in the field of process innovation.

2019

WIKUS mournes the loss of Wilhelm H. Kullmann

On December 24, 2019, the WIKUS family has to say goodbye to its company founder and senior partner Wilhelm Hubert Kullmann, who died at the age of 91. His lifetime achievement will be maintained and carried on.

2020

Reliable Partner

Even in times of crisis, WIKUS remains a reliable partner and innovation driver and has been awarded again the research seal from the Stifterverband. The online offers and concepts of agile cooperation which were already developed before the exceptional year of the Corona pandemic have proved their worth. Customers and partners can rely on the availability of the products and services.

2021

New paths to future viability

WIKUS continues to develop into the META-Company and creates modern working environments. New paths are also taken in product presentation: WIKUS is the first band saw blade manufacturer to present a virtual 3D showroom. In addition, the management team is expanded: Jörg Utech takes over the "Finance and Resources" division.

2023

International & Sustainable

WIKUS Italia is opened and WIKUS Mexico starts assembling sawing tools. WIKUS continues to drive forward its sustainability goals and is once again awarded the bronze label by EcoVadis. The management team is strengthened with Karsten Gutke for the "Production and Maintenance" division.

2024

Reorganization of the Management and Supervisory Board

After more than 34 years, Dr. Jörg H. Kullmann moved from his position on the Management Board (CEO) to the Supervisory Board of WIKUS in May 2024. In addition, Sven Koepchen took over the “Sales” management division in October 2024. Product innovations: GENERO^® for wood cutting and the entry-level carbide band saw blade MARADUR^®.