Since the beginning in 1868, HAZET has stood for quality and innovation. Over the past 155 years, we have continuously expanded and improved our portfolio. Starting with spanners and spanners, our product range now also includes a wide range of open-ended and socket spanners, high-precision torque spanners, ratchets, workshop trolleys and customised special tools. Over the years, HAZET has established itself 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. However, sectors such as industry, aerospace and two-wheelers also rely on our expertise.
Our history
The birth of HAZET (1840-1888)
Hermann Zerver was born on 20 August 1840. As the son of the blacksmith Johann David Zerver, he is 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 grow further. 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. 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 attacked and heavily hit by Allied bombers. The HAZET main plant is also almost completely destroyed by incendiary bombs.
HAZET goes international (1950-1951)
HAZET exhibits at five trade fairs in Geneva, Amsterdam, Hanover, Brussels and Stockholm. The number of employees grows rapidly to 244, and the economic miracle, good relations with the automobile factories and increasing exports allow the company to continue to grow.
Inventions and role as leading speciality tool manufacturer (1952-1958)
A toolbox suitable for the VW Beetle spare wheel with the tools required for maintenance becomes a bestseller. The HAZET "Assistant" becomes the 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.
4. The next 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 4th 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, starts his career in the 5th generation at HAZET at the beginning of March.
Further developments follow (1991-1993)
The HAZET 600 N combination spanner with a new slim shape is launched and marketed aggressively after the market announcement in 1991. The HAZET composite reversible ratchet, also affectionately known as the "sandwich" ratchet, is developed and successfully launched.
"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 special worldwide catalogue 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. Further awards follow. Porsche wins numerous prizes and "screws" its way to victory both years with HAZET. The Instagram account @hazet_1868_official goes online. HAZET celebrates its 150th anniversary and for the first time in the company's history, turnover exceeds 100 million euros. Looking to the future, HAZET goes online with the new website at the beginning of 2024. The promise: more versatile functions for an improved user experience. This is an important step for HAZET to strengthen its position as a leading tool manufacturer.