Picard (Wuppertal)

Picard is a German manufacturer of professional hand tools, especially hammers, based in Wuppertal-Cronenberg. Founded in 1857 by Johann Hermann Picard, the company has remained in family ownership for generations and is one of the oldest hammer forges in Germany. Its product range includes hammers for carpenters, roofers, joiners, masons, and bodyworkers, with classic models such as the Latthammer 298 and innovations like the Alutec® Latthammer 01098. The company combines traditional forging craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technology. In 2017, the Joh. Hermann Picard GmbH & Co. KG and Ruthe Hammerfabrik GmbH & Co. KG were acquired by Erwin Halder KG and merged into the new PICARD GmbH. Production continues in Wuppertal-Cronenberg. The brand is present at trade fairs such as Batimat Paris, TechIndustry Riga, BAU Munich, and Bouwbeurs Utrecht. Picard's mission is to develop tools that make manual work simpler, safer, and more efficient, with the slogan 'Einmal PICARD, immer PICARD' (Once PICARD, always PICARD).

The history of PICARD GmbH – hammer tradition since 1857. In 1857, Johann Hermann Picard founded the company in a forge in a Bergisch half-timbered house in Wuppertal Cronenberg. Even then, tools for blacksmiths, plumbers, and locksmiths were produced, including hammers and tin snips. This product range still forms the heart of production today. In 1910, the second generation took over: Johann Hermann Picard (son) introduced steam, gas, and electricity as energy sources. The transition from hand forging to drop forging and machine processing marked the connection to industrial development. By 1922, 20 specialists under the leadership of the second and third generations were producing tools in demand among craftsmen throughout Germany. In 1957, the third and fourth generations celebrated the company's 100th anniversary. The combination of modern technology and craftsmanship became the basis for the PICARD guarantee: tools of uncompromising quality. In 2007, even after almost 150 years, PICARD remained family-owned. Manufacturing methods and management were modern, quality values unchanged. At the Rottsiepen site in Wuppertal-Cronenberg, a new production and administration building was constructed, embedded in the Bergisch landscape. In 2017, Joh. Hermann Picard GmbH & Co. KG and Ruthe Hammerfabrik GmbH & Co. KG were acquired by Erwin Halder KG. Both brands merged into the new PICARD GmbH. Production in Wuppertal-Cronenberg continued and was expanded. The range of the Halder, PICARD, and RUTHE brands now covers the entire spectrum of professional impact tools.

• 2017

  Joh. Hermann Picard GmbH & Co. KG and Ruthe Hammerfabrik GmbH & Co. KG acquired by Erwin Halder KG; merged into PICARD GmbH.

• 2007

  New production and administration building at Rottsiepen in Wuppertal-Cronenberg; company remains family-owned.

• 1957

  100th anniversary celebrated by the third and fourth generations.

• 1922

  20 specialists produce tools under the leadership of the second and third generations.

• 1910

  Second generation takes over; introduces steam, gas, and electricity, transitioning from hand to drop forging.

• 1857

  Johann Hermann Picard founds the company in a forge in Wuppertal Cronenberg.

Premium professional hand tools combining traditional forging craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technology.

• Latthammer 298

  Classic carpenter's hammer.

• Alutec® Latthammer 01098

  Innovative aluminium carpenter's hammer with less weight and more impact force.

• BLACKGIANT® BAR

  Nail puller with power-plus.

• BVB series

  Tools combining quality with the emotional world of Borussia Dortmund fans.

• EST1857 series

  Series continuing PICARD's tradition of high-quality hammers and tools.

1. 1PICARD, die Hammerspezialisten | Picard Hammerpicard-hammer.de
2. 2Geschichte | Picard Hammerpicard-hammer.de
3. 3Picard (Wuppertal) - Wikidatawikidata.org