History KNAPP Connectors

Home - About - History KNAPP Connectors
1977

Friedrich Knapp invents his first product, a connector spring.

1978

Receives his first award at the Exhibition of Inventions in Vienna. The President of Austria, Dr. Rudolf Kirchschläger, visits his stand at the event.

1983

Patents the MOBI-CHAMP, the first self-tightening furniture connector compatible with the Lamello system.

1985

The MOBI-CHAMP is presented publicly for the first time at the Expobois exhibition in Paris.

1986

Friedrich Knapp GmbH is founded, establishing the foundation for future growth.

1987

KNAPP exhibits at its first international trade fair.

1989

Expansion into Germany with a new branch office and distribution network led by his daughter Elisabeth.

1992

The first KNAPP product catalogs are published for retail customers.

1994

Participation in the Holz-Handwerk trade fair in Nuremberg.

1995

Launch of KNAPP’s first website.

1998

Introduction of the first connector system for timber construction, revolutionizing cross-grain wood fastening. Receives German Technical Approval from DIBt.

2005

A French subsidiary is established to support international growth.

2007

KNAPP opens a central warehouse in Amstetten, Austria, improving worldwide distribution.

2008

Company name changes from Friedrich Knapp GmbH to KNAPP GmbH.

2010

Restructuring of KNAPP GmbH in Aschheim, creating a German subsidiary.

2017

KNAPP USA Inc. is established by Paul Knapp, expanding KNAPP’s presence in North America. By this time, Friedrich Knapp has filed numerous patents and trademarks, securing the company’s position as a leader in connector innovation.