The Schwertner family &Cie was founded in 1923 by the Sudeten Germans Bruno Reichel, Josef Schwertner and Heinrich Wundrak as an ingraving institute. They were first based in Georgigasse 22 and then further branches followed in Kernstockgasse and Georgigasse 30.

In 1931 another house in Georgigasse 28 was purchased and the company was recorded in the commercial register as a trading company. The production program initially included all types of badges (plastic and enameled), plaques, awards of honor, steel engravings and embossed signs.

In the 1940`s the Schwertner company had already a plastic injection moulding department with it`s own mould construction antique injection moulding machine.

Already at that time, badges, plaques, packaging and articles of daily use were produced here according to patterns and drawings.

antique injection moulding machine

During the Second World War the company went through a difficult period, and was managed by at least twice by a public administrator. The company however recovered and the post war shareholders expanded the business under very difficult conditions. Soon the company was supplying goods to customers from all over Austria.

In 1968 Schwertner founders handed the company on to the second generation. Under the management of Mr Hans Reichel, Mrs Gertraud Waldherr and Mr Werfried  Wundrak. The company continued to grow and soon there were 80 employees.

In the late 70`s the company was converted into a limited partnership. After the death of Mr Hans Reichel, the shares were passed over by his son Walter Reichel.

In 1986 Gerda Schmidt took over the shares from her father Werfried Wundrak.

Due to the pressure of growing imports from cheaper countries in the market, processes and operations were optimized by the owners to such that the company with 45 employees successfully expanded its market leadership.

Gerda Schmidt, whose heart belonged to Holland, decided to leave the company and sold half of her shares to Walter Reichel and Christian Waldherr.

Walter Reichel passed his shares onto his son Werner.

Walter Reichel passed his shares onto his son Werner.

Thanks to the enormous commitment, the company now works without any outside capital and employs around 30 people. A  proven traditional company in Graz.

The company is awarded the Styrian coat of arms for its outstanding services to the Styrian`s economy.

May 2018:

The plastics division is honoured by the Styrian chamber of commerce for it`s 50th anniversary.

October 2018:

The Schwertner company was founded 95 years ago and is being honoured by the Styrian chamber of commerce for this anniversary.