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D.A.M. Company History
125 years of
tradition, innovation and quality-
- 125 years of D.A.M.
The ironmongery, sport and fishing-tackle business begun in 1875 by the brothers Oskar and Fritz Ziegenspeck soon began to produce its own brandof fishingtackles, and in 1902 it began its assault on the European market under the name "German fishing equipment manufacturers" the initials of which in German are D.A.M.
In 1909, just as Fritz Ziegenspeck was retiring, Otto Kuntze joined the company which at that
time already had extensive business connections in England, France, America, Russia and Japan. With great skill Otto Kuntze succeeded not only in bringing the company successfully through the First World War but together with the help of his son Hellmuth, he expanded the business.
Already 1937 saw the production of the "Pocket Catalogue for Everyman", and together with the production of the first fixed-spool "Quick" reel and the world innovation that was Damyl line (both existing brand names today ) D.A.M began to set the international standard.
In the late 30s production and sales were so high that a subsidiary group was established in Hollfeld/Bavaria, that later moved to Gunzenhausen where it was expanded. At this time D.A.M. employed over 350 workers. This phase of expansion was interrupted by the Second World War.
Otto Kuntze did not see the destruction of the company headquarters in 1945 as he died in 1943.
Hellmuth Kuntze led the new beginning and the re-building of D.A.M. in the post-war years. With incredible industry and initiative and in the face of political, technical and economic difficulties, the firm was re-established in Berlin.
On November 11th 1955 the opening of a new modern factory in Gunzenhausen was celebrated. This is the D.A.M headquarter. A boom period followed that nobody in the war years could have foreseen. Hellmuth Kuntze died however in 1967 following a long period of illness. The sons Lutz and Rupert Kuntze continued their fathers work in the business and achieved that today D.A.M. has an important market share in a lot of countries and kept its excellent reputation for quality and well-known brands.
Already in 1973 D.A.M. offered as first supplier in whole Europe rods made of carbon material. This introduction of a complete new product to German retailers took place on the international trade fair SPOGA in Köln. In her more than 100 years lasting history D.A.M. has not only experienced several different development phases in fishing tackle, but has developed itself to a leading trend-setter with high quality claims.
Just a few dreams of fishermen which have been realized by D.A.M.:
"Quick spinning reels", all over the world a synonym for quality "Made in Germany". More than 50 years "Quick" fishing reel technology and therefore long years of experience in development and manufacturing of fishing reels.
"DAMYL", the first German synthetic trademark line. First patent was established in 1940 at the German Patent Bureau and is still successful after more than 60 years.
"AIRWAY", the famous trademark for telescopic rods with short transportation length. Continually improved, these carbon rods belong to the absolutely high quality products.
"EFFZETT" lures, millionfold approved and original only by D.A.M.
All these trademarks are highly successful D.A.M. products, which have written fishing history.
In September 1975 D.A.M. celebrated it´s centennial existence. Since moving the company from Berlin to Gunzenhausen the company was also successful in gaining the top place in European fishing tackle business. Long before the European Trademarket was established in 1993, D.A.M. founded their own branches in all western European countries for serving the customer better and faster deliveries. Since the eastern European markets have been opened up, D.A.M. has also here successfully take a top position.
After Lutz and Rupert Kuntze sold the company 1995 due to reasons of age to the Dutch trading house Borsumji, which was taken over shortly afterwards by Hagemeyer, another Dutch firm group, a turbulent and unpleasant period of time started for the company.
After another change of the owner beginning of 2001 the company was chased into insolvency already in the middle of 2001. But only one year later a group of longtime employees together with some export customers was successful in forming the company in a new way and started the Neue D.A.M. International from September 2002 on.
Through gaining Lars Svendsen Holding ApS as a new and strong partner for the new D.A.M. a pursuit started in November 2003 to gain back market with one clearly stated aim:
Being No. 1 in Europe again!!!
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