Ownership of Hilti Power Tools
Hilti is a renowned global leader in power tools and construction equipment, but it’s a company that operates under a unique ownership structure. Unlike many large corporations that are publicly traded, Hilti is a privately-owned company. All of its registered shares are held by the Martin Hilti Family Trust. This structure allows the company to maintain a long-term strategic vision and remain focused on innovation and quality, rather than short-term financial pressures often associated with public companies.
The ownership by the Martin Hilti Family Trust ties the company’s future to the Hilti family, ensuring that the company stays true to its core values of high-quality products, customer commitment, and sustainable growth. The Hilti family has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the company since its inception, and it continues to do so today.
Company History
Founding of Hilti
The story of Hilti begins in 1941 in Schaan, a small town in Liechtenstein, where it was founded by Martin Hilti and his brother Eugen Hilti. Originally, the company started as a small firm that focused on producing hardware products. Martin Hilti, an engineer by trade, had the vision to create tools that would revolutionize the construction industry.
The company’s early years were marked by a focus on innovation and quality. Martin Hilti’s dedication to developing products that met the needs of professional users helped set the foundation for what would eventually become one of the most respected brands in the power tool industry.
The Growth and Expansion of Hilti
By the 1960s, Hilti began to expand its product offerings and started gaining a reputation for reliability and precision in the construction industry. The company made significant strides in developing power tools that would make construction work safer, more efficient, and more precise.
In the 1970s, Hilti introduced its iconic rotary hammer drill, which became a game-changer for the construction industry. It allowed workers to drill into tough materials like concrete more efficiently than ever before. This was a major milestone for the company and marked the beginning of Hilti’s strong presence in the global market.
Over the years, Hilti continued to innovate with products like impact wrenches, diamond-cutting tools, and professional measuring tools. By the 1990s, Hilti had established a global network of subsidiaries and operations across the world, further solidifying its position as a leader in the power tool industry.
Today, Hilti is recognized not only for its high-quality tools but also for its strong customer relationships and commitment to developing products that meet the specific needs of its diverse clientele. From the construction sector to the energy and industrial sectors, Hilti’s tools are trusted worldwide.
Corporate Structure
Hilti’s corporate structure is designed to maintain a close connection between the company’s leadership and its employees while enabling the company to be highly responsive to market needs and challenges.
Headquarters
The company is headquartered in Schaan, Liechtenstein, a small principality located between Switzerland and Austria. Schaan is not only the birthplace of Hilti but also continues to be its operational heart. Hilti’s corporate headquarters is the central hub for research, development, and innovation. The company also maintains manufacturing and assembly facilities in various countries, allowing for a global presence and efficient operations.
Global Presence
Hilti operates in more than 120 countries around the world, and its products are sold in virtually every market. With subsidiaries in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Hilti has established itself as a truly global brand. The company has a strong presence in key markets such as Germany, the United States, China, and Japan.
To support its worldwide operations, Hilti operates a vast network of research and development centers, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers. This global infrastructure enables the company to meet the needs of customers in various industries and regions efficiently.
Product Offerings
Hilti’s product range is diverse and caters to a wide array of professional needs. From drilling and fastening solutions to measuring instruments and safety equipment, Hilti’s power tools are designed to provide reliability and precision for demanding tasks in construction, demolition, and industrial sectors.
The company offers a range of cordless power tools, such as drills, saws, and impact drivers, as well as heavier-duty tools like rotary hammers and demolition hammers. Additionally, Hilti has expanded its portfolio to include software solutions for project management, robotics for construction sites, and cutting-edge equipment for energy-efficient building.
Leadership
Hilti’s leadership team plays a critical role in maintaining the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. Although the company is privately owned by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, it operates with a professional management team that drives its strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.
The Executive Board
The executive board at Hilti is composed of experienced professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including engineering, sales, marketing, and finance. The team works together to ensure that the company’s long-term vision is executed effectively while maintaining the high standards that Hilti is known for.
As of 2025, the leadership of Hilti is headed by Christoph Loos, the CEO of the company. Under his leadership, Hilti has continued to emphasize sustainable growth, innovation, and customer-centric solutions.
Christoph Loos has been with Hilti for several years and has held a variety of leadership positions within the company. His deep knowledge of the company’s operations and strategic goals has helped guide Hilti through significant industry changes and competitive challenges.
Additionally, the executive board includes experts from various business disciplines who bring their expertise to the table, ensuring that Hilti stays ahead of industry trends. Their collaborative efforts enable the company to respond quickly to market demands while upholding its high standards.
Family Involvement
Despite being a privately-owned company, Hilti maintains strong ties with the Hilti family. While the day-to-day operations are run by the executive team, the Hilti family remains an integral part of the company’s leadership. The Martin Hilti Family Trust ensures that the company’s core values remain intact and that Hilti continues to operate as a family-run business with a long-term focus.
Commitment to Innovation
One of the driving forces behind Hilti’s success is its unwavering commitment to innovation. The company continuously invests in research and development to create new and improved products that meet the evolving needs of its customers. Innovation is not just about new products; it extends to improving the way construction projects are managed and executed.
Product Innovation
Hilti has introduced several groundbreaking technologies throughout the years. For example, the company was one of the first to introduce cordless power tools that could match the performance of traditional corded tools. This innovation revolutionized the way construction workers operate on job sites, providing them with greater flexibility and mobility.
More recently, Hilti has embraced digital technologies, creating software solutions that integrate with their power tools. For example, the Hilti Connect platform allows users to track tool performance and service history, ensuring that tools are always in optimal condition.
The company also focuses on sustainability, designing products that not only perform at a high level but also minimize environmental impact. Hilti has committed to reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and products, making sustainability a key part of its innovation strategy.
Research and Development
Hilti invests heavily in research and development (R&D) to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. The company operates several R&D centers around the world, where engineers and scientists work on developing new solutions for construction and industrial applications.
By focusing on R&D, Hilti ensures that its tools and equipment evolve with the changing demands of the industry. The company’s dedication to high-performance, long-lasting, and sustainable products has earned it the trust of professionals across the globe.
Conclusion
Hilti is a privately-owned company, with the Martin Hilti Family Trust holding all of its registered shares. Founded in 1941 by Martin and Eugen Hilti in Schaan, Liechtenstein, the company has grown from a small hardware firm to a global leader in power tools and construction equipment. With a strong commitment to innovation and quality, Hilti continues to provide cutting-edge products to professionals in various industries around the world.
The company’s corporate structure allows it to maintain a long-term focus on innovation, while its leadership team ensures that the company’s strategic goals are met. Whether it’s through the development of groundbreaking power tools or software solutions for construction management, Hilti remains at the forefront of the industry.
From its humble beginnings to its current global presence, Hilti’s legacy of excellence and dedication to its customers continues to shape the future of the construction industry.
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