Take a tour through the Wenger knife factory in Delémont, Switzerland with Peter Hug, Wenger Group CEO
Wenger Returns to its Roots
Wenger has recently re-committed itself to its roots as an active outdoor brand. Reaching back 
through its storied history of providing multi-functional tools for outdoor adventure, Wenger recently returned back to its original and natural brand position. “The Wenger brand empowers adventurers with multi-functional equipment possessing a unique pedigree. We also seek to reflect the more humble attitudes and the true spirit of active dynamic individuals who appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors through human and natural-powered activities,” stated Peter Hug, CEO of Wenger. While the company’s corporate philosophy hasn’t changed, the brand visually took on a new look. Multi-functionality has continued to be paramount in product development and marketing communication. “We view this new direction as more of an affirmation of our brand positioning rather than a change of position,” said Hug.
The Wenger Swiss Army Knife. It dates back to 1886 when the Swiss Army decided to equip every soldier with a regulation single-blade folding knife. In 1889 a new rifle was introduced. To take apart the rifle a screwdriver was needed. So the decision was made to create a multi-purpose tool incorporating a knife, screwdriver, reamer and can opener.
At that time, the cutlery industry in Switzerland was well established but incapable of mass production. So the knives were made in Solingen, Germany. However, a Swiss cutler soon established a knife manufacturing company and began to make army knives. Shortly after in 1893 at Courtetelle in Delémont Valley, the second industrial cutlery of Switzerland, Paul Boechat & Cie - and the future Wenger S.A. - received a contract from the Swiss Army to produce knives.
The Wenger Watch. Wenger Watch S.A. was founded in October 1997, in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, with the target to build up a worldwide distribution network. Today, Wenger watches are represented in more than 80 countries on all continents, among them the USA, Japan, China, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Australia, of course Switzerland and many more. The collection includes casual watches for everyday life, sports watches with specific features as well as ladies’ watches with a more fashionable approach.
Wenger Industrial master cutlers. One of the oldest and most familiar implements known to man, an object of civilisation to which we attach great social esteem, the knife, in its countless forms, is also a highly specialized technical product. Its manufacture requires a combination of professional expertise and advanced technologies: areas in which Wenger excels and in which it constantly strives for perfection. For over a century Wenger has elevated the age-old cutlery craft to the level of industrial nobility.
One Tradition, One Culture. The company, founded in 1893, is located in Delémont in the Swiss Jura region. The majority of its 200 employees are residents of the area, which is also home to various high-precision industries (watchmaking, machine tools, microtechnology, microelectronics...). It is therefore not surprising that the taste for innovation, precision and expert craftsmanship, as typical local values, inspire the company’s own industrial culture. Just as Wenger originally gave the Swiss knife its main functions and current shape – with flat sides – with which it is so well known today, so now we have sculpted the shape that it will have tomorrow.
Kitchen and Professional Knives. The famous pocket knife occupies a major part of WENGER’s production. This star item represents an average daily production of over 
22,000 units. Although lesser known, but just as well made is Wenger's professional cutlery line. SWIBO® was the first butcher’s knife to have adopted a synthetic, ergonomic handle, sealed onto the blade, making it considerably safer and more hygienic. Average production of SWIBO® knives exceeds 5,000 units a day.
A similar line of knives, but one oriented towards the needs of professional chefs and discriminating amateur cooks, was developed under the Grand Maître label. Wenger produces over 1,000 Grand Maître® knives a day.
Global Distribution. Wenger products are sold on more than 135 markets across the world via a network of registered distributors.
Wenger Headquarters
Wenger SA
Route de Bâle 63
2800 Delémont, Switzerland
info@wenger.ch
Wenger Brand Catalog
