Staedtler stationery

Staedtler is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious industrial companies, with roots in pencil-making stretching back to 1662 with Friedrich Staedtler. The company was formally founded as J.S. Staedtler in 1835 by Johann Sebastian Staedtler in Nuremberg, who is credited with inventing the modern wood-cased colored pencil. Today, the brand is globally recognized for its high-quality writing, drawing, and creative products, including the iconic Noris and Mars Lumograph pencil lines, as well as FIMO modeling clay.

Manufacturing remains deeply rooted in its home country, with approximately two-thirds of all products produced in Germany. The company operates multiple production facilities in the Nuremberg metropolitan region. To serve international markets, it also utilizes manufacturing sites in Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Ownership of the company is unique; since 1997, all shares of the Staedtler Group (now operating as Staedtler SE) have been held by the Staedtler Foundation. This public-law foundation ensures the long-term independence of the company while using profits to support scientific research at German universities and cultural initiatives, effectively making the brand a foundation-owned entity with no external corporate parents.