History

1890

The history of fwf Friedrich Wilhelm began in 1890, when Jakob-Friedrich Wilhelm and his wife Marie founded the company in Frankershausen, a village with a long tradition of whip-makers and carters. In doing so, they laid the foundation for a family business that is now in its fifth generation. In the early years, they traveled by horse and trade wagon from the North Sea to the Ore Mountains—often for several months at a time. Always along for the ride: a guard dog that watched over the wagon at night. The business initially focused on trade: salt from the region was transported to the North Sea and shipped out, and on the return trip, they brought back tea, spices, and fish from overseas.

1890

1920

In the late 1920s, the company began specializing in whip production—initially using Manila rattan, and later carbon and fiberglass as well. Over the following decades, the product range grew steadily. In addition to whips, the manufacturer increasingly produced products for livestock as well as leather goods for everyday use—including straps, belts, and suspenders. Step by step, this led to a clear focus on dog and equestrian sports.

1920

2026

Today, the fwf Friedrich Wilhelm product range includes over 6,500 items, a significant portion of which are manufactured in-house. With over 130 years of experience, business relationships in more than 20 countries, and customers worldwide, fwf stands for quality, craftsmanship, durability, and trust.

2026

In Memoriam - Friedrich Wilhelm

As managing director, Friedrich Wilhelm laid the foundation for the company as it exists today.

Born in 1939, he grew up in the family business, which at the time dealt in horse and livestock supplies—particularly whip production—and took on responsibilities at a young age. At the same time, he ran a farm as a sideline.

Early on, he began establishing trade relationships throughout the Federal Republic of Germany—including with leather goods stores, which were still widespread at the time. Building on this foundation, he expanded the company’s own manufacturing facility in Frankershausen, which initially specialized in whip production, into leather goods.

With foresight, entrepreneurial courage, and a high standard of fairness, Friedrich Wilhelm had a lasting impact on the company’s development and laid the foundation for its current structure. He stood for reliability, a sense of responsibility, and long-term partnerships. These values remain firmly anchored in fwf Friedrich Wilhelm to this day.

His open-hearted nature and clear principles in corporate leadership remain firmly in our memory and are inextricably linked to the company’s history.

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