In 2004, the family-run Eugen Schofer chain company celebrates its 100th anniversary. Based in Pforzheim, Germany’s “City of Gold,” the firm produces a variety of chains in platinum, gold, sterling silver, titanium, stainless steel, and brass.

Soon after company founder Eugen Schofer received his first patent for a ring-braiding machine, he automated snake-chain production and in 1916 moved into his own building in Maximilian Street. In 1939 Eugen’s son Walter and his wife Maja joined the company. After her husband’s death in 1960, Maja took over the management of the company and led it through difficult times.

In 1970, Axel Kohlhammer, who is married to Eugen Schofer’s granddaughter Monika, joined the company, followed by Monika herself 10 years later. A period of rapid development followed. Numerous companies were taken over, investments were made in new technologies, the production range was considerably extended, and a comprehensive international customer base built up. The company’s move into its own administration and production facilities on Pforzheim’s Wilferdinger Höhe industrial park enabled further growth.

The fourth generation of the Schofer-Kohlhammer family already is involved in the company, including junior executive Mathias Kohlhammer, 34. Mathias, a business graduate, concentrates on organization, technology, and pricing.

Eugen Schofer GmbH & Co. KG, Freiburgerstraße 3 D – 75179 Pforzheim, Germany; 7231-91030, e-mail: info@schofer.com, www.schofer.com.