Seven years long »Manfred Holz Werkzeugbau« operated out of Holz’s garage in Maubach and, during this time, was able to build up a reputation as a particularly competent partner. Large customers such as Mahle, Bosch and Stihl placed their trust in Holz even at that time. The year 1977 then saw the move into the workshop annex – together with the three skilled workers employed at that time.

In 1983, a development away from pure toolmaking to a manufacturing shop took place – the first CNC machine was procured!

Even then, the promotion of junior employees was a core concern at Holz. Only three years later, in 1986, the first apprentice, Jens Traub, made his training company very proud when he passed his exams as the third best in the Federal Land Baden-Württemberg – a meaningful signal!

A further strong signal followed shortly after this in 1987: co-operation with the tuning specialists at AMG was started. In this case, Holz was responsible with immediate effect for machining motor blocks.

After all the positive developments in the first 18 years, certain setbacks also had to be overcome. In 1988, there was a magnesium fire in the workshop that caused serious damage not only to the two CNC machines, which were new at the time, but also to large sections of the facility. Thanks to the rapid and courageous action of all persons involved, the worst-case scenario was prevented. Luckily no one was seriously injured and production downtime was also kept to a minimum.

After Holz had recovered from this accident, the company aspired to reach new heights – the new property in the industrial area Waldrems beside Backnang was acquired and a new, modern and generously proportioned production hall was set up in only eight months. The company moved into the new location on the 1st of May 1991 and, with this step, also converted to a limited company (GmbH).

And the 90s were a really successful decade for Holz GmbH. This was when the significant groundwork for further development was laid.

Not only that the first important anniversary – namely 25 years of Holz – could be celebrated in 1995.

In 1996, Jürgen Holz founded »Holz engineering« – an independent engineering office; in 1998, the first complete special purpose machine was delivered: a diffusion welding machine for starter armatures, and in 1999 Holz started the first development project – the »automatic infeed of flexible parts«.

In the 2000s, HOLZ developed into a specialist for special purpose machines – the birth of HOLZ automation

The good news continued in this decade in rapid succession: major orders are received from reputable customers such as Bosch (in international locations such as Belgium, USA, Czech Republic), Porsche and Daimler AG; HOLZ participates for the first time in its own right at a trade fair; initial certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 followed shortly by an upgrade to DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 takes place …

At this point, HOLZ 36 has employees – and celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2010.

In 2014, we took another big step and ventured towards the future by reorganising the company: we invested in a new location, highly qualified employees and in a modern work environment and equipment. Not only because we believed in it but also with the future in mind.

Since then our development has quickened even more. Today, we can justifiably claim to be a sought-after specialist and full-service agency in the area of special purpose machines and automation technology – and that, in spite of this, we have remained true to our values and convictions. Every now again we receive confirmation that we are on the right path – after all, we have received different awards and prizes which, of course, make us and our team really proud.

Secure in this knowledge, the 50th anniversary fills us with pride and gratitude. There are a few people around without whom we would not be where we are today.