Friedrich Knapp’s first invention: a connector spring.
1978
Friedrich Knapp received his first award at the Exhibition of Inventions in Vienna for the connector spring. The president of Austria, Dr. Rudolf Kirchschläger, visited Mr. Knapp’s stand at this event.
1983
Friedrich Knapp patented his first self-tightening furniture connector, “MOBI-CHAMP”, which is compatible with the Lamello-system. The MOBI-CHAMP connector has proved itself ever since.
1985
The furniture connector has been presented to the public for the first time during the exhibition Expobois in Paris.
In 1985 Friedrich Knapp became a sole trader.
1986
Friedrich Knapp GmbH (LLC) was founded. From then on, the company is owner managed.
1987
First trade fair exhibiting KNAPP connectors.
1989
Opening up a branch in Germany and setting up a distribution network in 1991 with his daughter Elisabeth.
1992
First product catalogues were produced for the retail sale.
1994
First trade fair participation at the Holz- & Handwerk in Nuremberg.
1995
First website went online after submitting a URL.
1998
With his first connecting system for wood construction, Friedrich Knapp revolutionized the cross-grained wood screwing and obtained the German Technical Approval from the DIBt, the German Institute for Building Technology.
2005
Establishment of a subsidiary in France.
2007
A central warehouse has been opened in Amstetten, Austria. From there, the KNAPP connectors are shipped all over the world.
2008
The change of name from Friedrich Knapp GmbH to KNAPP GmbH.
2010
KNAPP GmbH based in Aschheim is restructured into a German subsidiary of KNAPP GmbH.
2017
Establishment of KNAPP USA Inc. with his son Paul Knapp.
A large number of patents and trademarks are filed by Friedrich Knapp.
