historical background of Knabe + Co.
Arthur C. Otto
Knabe+Co. exists since 1923 and has a rather interesting historical background. The founder of the company Arthur C. Otto learned to make die-cutting tools from Robert Gair in New York, who is said to be the inventor of folding-boxes.
the German born Arthur Otto re-immigrated to Germany as an American citizen and by founding the company Knabe+Co., introduced the technique of die-cutting tools in Germany. Because Mr. Otto was an American citizen, he was not allowed to use his name as a company name. For this reason he used the name of an German aunt, who’s surname was Knabe.
The government of the third Reich confiscated the company in 1942 as being under „enemy influence“.
In 1978 the son of the founder, Frank P. Otto sold the company to the merchant Michael Krüger. Under his lead the company grew in size and importance. In 1980 the first laser was implemented. The die-cutting department was enlarged and modernized.
Today the company is equiped with the latest technology. Combined with our know-how and expertise this results in a leading position of the company in many respects.
David Krüger will succeed his father in the running of the company. In 1997 he entered the company as an apprentice. In 2005 he became the production manager.
