English
HAZET has stood for quality and innovation since its beginnings in 1868. Over the past 155 years, we have continuously expanded and improved our portfolio. Starting with wrenches and screwdrivers, our product range now also includes a wide range of open-end wrenches and nut-drivers, high-precision torque wrenches, ratchets, tool trolleys and customised specialty tools. HAZET has established itself over the years as an internationally recognised quality brand. In close co-operation with renowned car manufacturers and motorsport teams, we continue to develop special tools for the automotive industry to this day. But sectors such as industry, aerospace and two-wheelers also rely on our expertise.
Our history
The birth of HAZET (1840-1888)
Hermann Zerver is born on 20 August 1840. As the son of the blacksmith Johann David Zerver, he was apprenticed to him in order to "learn and understand his father's honourable craft".
From the first employee picture to pioneering work (1889- 1894)
The increasing order situation allows HAZET to continue to grow. Several extensions are added and the first staff picture is created, now with 17 workers and 4 apprentices.
New generation takes over (1905-1912)
David Zerver, Ernst Zerver's younger brother, joins HAZET as an apprentice at the age of 14. Seven years later, the two sons take over the company and Hermann Zerver retires.
Reorganisation of production and generational change (1914-1921)
With the outbreak of the First World War, production is reorganised to manufacture important equipment for the war effort. The company founder Hermann Zerver dies on 6 December 1906. In 1921 HAZET expands and a new production hall is built between the original factory and the office.
Entry into the new world (1923-1938)
HAZET begins to export its products abroad for the first time. In 1926, the workforce now comprises 50 people.
Effects of the Second World War on HAZET (1942-1948)
At the end of July 1943, Remscheid is hit in an Allied bomb attack and badly damaged. The main HAZET plant is almost completely destroyed by firebombs.
HAZET goes international (1950-1951)
HAZET exhibits at five trade fairs in Geneva, Amsterdam, Hanover, Brussels and Stockholm. The number of employees rises rapidly to 244. The economic miracle, the good relations with the car manufacturing plants and the rise in exports enable further growth of the company.
Inventions and role as leading speciality tool manufacturer (1952-1958)
A tool kit, compatible with the spare tyre of the VW Beetle and containing the required tools for maintenance, becomes a big seller. The HAZET "Assistant" becomes a new cult object.
Construction of new workshops and 100 years of HAZET (1964-1973)
At this time, HAZET employs 490 people. A new forge building is erected in Güldenwerth.
Fourth generation takes over and years of innovation follow (1973-1987)
On 1 March 1973, Jochen Zerver, the son of Alfred Zerver, begins his work at HAZET in the fourth generation. In the years that followed, HAZET launched several innovations on the market.
HAZET as a family business in the 5th generation (1989)
Matthias J. Hoffmann, the son of Hans Zerver's youngest daughter, Ulrike, begins his career with the company at the beginning of March, marking the start of HAZET's fifth generation.
Further developments follow (1991-1993)
"Catalogue 2000" is launched and HAZET becomes "Official Supplier and Technical Partner of Porsche Motorsport" (1996-1998)
The comprehensive "Catalogue 2000" is published as a high-quality hardback book of 404 pages. HAZET becomes "Official Supplier and Technical Partner of Porsche Motorsport". The first promotional brochure Special Worldwide is published in 1997 and is still available today.
Transformation to digital (1998-2010)
In 1998, the first website goes online at www.hazet.de. Two years later, HAZET publishes its first comprehensive website with menu navigation.
Family tradition and hard work (2011-today)
HAZET is honoured as one of the top 100 medium-sized companies by former politician Lothar Späth. The new 1⁄4″ socket set, the HAZET "SmartCase" 856-1, receives the iF Design Award. Further awards followed in the years that followed. No pain, no gain, as the saying goes. The same rings true at HAZET.
100 years of HAZET product history
Here you can download selected product catalogues from the last 100 years as PDF files:
1930 to 1950
HAZET Catalogue 630 1930
HAZET Catalogue 633 1933
HAZET Catalogue 633 Supplement 1933
HAZET Catalogue 638 1938
HAZET Catalogue 638 Supplement 1938
HAZET Catalogue 849 1949
1950 to 1969
HAZET Catalogue 950 1951
HAZET Catalogue 1151 1951
HAZET Catalogue 1252 1952
HAZET Catalogue 1454 1954
HAZET Catalogue 1958
HAZET Catalogue 1961 P
HAZET Catalogue 1963 D
HAZET Catalogue 1965 CH
HAZET Catalogue 1967 D
HAZET Catalogue 1969
1972 to 1992
HAZET Catalogue 1972
HAZET Catalogue 1976
HAZET Catalogue 1979
HAZET Catalogue 1985
HAZET Catalogue 1992