Emil Schmidt – Professional Quality for the Bakery Trade Since 1884

Satisfied Customers for Over 140 Years

Forward-Thinking and Committed to Quality:
Where Tradition Meets Innovation.

Foto von Rigo Kirschner, Geschäftsführer

Foto von Stefan Kirschner, Geschäftsführer

Foto von Sabine Tormann-Heidrich, Service und Kundenbetreung

Foto Ramona Preuss, Einkauf und Prozesse

A STRONG TEAM

Welcome to Emil Schmidt GmbH, a traditional family-owned company based in Solingen. Founded in 1884, the company is now managed by father and son, Rigo and Stefan Kirschner, representing the second and third generations of the owning family. With passion and dedication, we are committed to delivering the highest quality for the bakery trade every day. Through innovative production technologies and sustainable projects, we ensure that our products meet the high standards of our customers. Rely on our many years of experience and expertise in markets around the world.

We look forward to working with you.

The Kirschner Family

Fimenhund Frieda mit einer Rührschüssel und 2 Mehlschaufeln in verschiedenen Größen

THE STORY OF EMIL SCHMIDT

For more than 130 years, we have consistently succeeded in producing products in line with our guiding principle: “Quality for the bakery trade.” Our customers have rewarded this high standard with their long-standing loyalty.

Emil Schmidt was founded in 1884 in Wald near Solingen and initially manufactured cutting tools, which were sold to local blacksmiths as well as ironmongery and household goods stores. Around 1900, bakery purchasing cooperatives were also added to our customer base.

After the First World War, Paul Schmidt, the founder’s son, took over the company. Production came to a halt during the Second World War and resumed in 1950.

In 1964, due to health and age-related reasons, Paul Schmidt sold the company to Rolf and Sonja Kirschner. Mr. Kirschner had already gained several years of experience in the metalworking industry and brought valuable expertise to the business.

From the very beginning, the couple – at times supported by their son and daughter – dedicated all their energy to the company. As a typical family business, the company is currently run by four family members and five additional employees.

At the beginning of the company’s transition, around 60 different products were offered. Over time, this range has expanded to approximately 700 items, specifically tailored to the needs of bakeries, confectioneries and promotional applications.

On July 1, 1981, Rigo Kirschner joined the company after completing his professional training, marking the entry of the second generation into the business. Under the joint leadership of father and son, Emil Schmidt was transformed into a GmbH on July 1, 1993.

With Stefan Kirschner, the third generation has also been part of the company since January 2008. After completing his degree in business administration in July 2012, he was officially appointed as second Managing Director in May 2013, following the retirement of Rolf Kirschner. The company is therefore now led by the Kirschner family in its third generation.

In February 2013, we moved into our new premises on Katternberger Straße in Solingen. This relocation also marked the start of our sustainability initiative, including a large photovoltaic system to generate electricity for our own use and for electric mobility. New production technologies, more efficient series manufacturing and optimized production processes already lay the foundation for maintaining our high standards: “Quality from the Blade City of Solingen – Quality for the Bakery Trade.”

In recent years, Emil Schmidt GmbH has undergone significant changes. The global pandemic, major disruptions in international trade and the war in Europe have had a profound impact on our industry. These events have highlighted how fragile global supply chains can be and have led to unprecedented cost increases, making long-term planning more difficult.

Our decision to focus on local production in Solingen has proven to be a major advantage. Short distances and supply chains have enabled us to avoid some of the most critical disruptions while also promoting sustainable practices. We intend to continue this strategy in the future.

Despite the challenges of recent years, you – our loyal customers – have supported us and made it possible for us to continue providing high-quality products. For this, we are truly grateful and remain committed to offering even better service going forward.

At the end of 2023, we launched an additional online shop that supports invoicing and volume-based discounts. Due to fluctuating market conditions, our price list will now only be available in digital form, allowing us to remain flexible and conserve resources.

Our goal remains unchanged: since 1884, we have been committed to providing products of the highest quality at a fair price-performance ratio. We will continue to do our best to be a reliable partner and to offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs.

1884 – Company founded by Emil Schmidt
1918 – Paul Schmidt takes over the company after the First World War
1950 – Production resumes after the war
1964 – Company sold to Rolf and Sonja Kirschner
1981 – Rigo Kirschner joins the company
1993 – The company became a GmbH under the leadership of father and son
2013 - Relocation to Katternberger Straße, Solingen
2013 – Stefan Kirschner appointed as second Managing Director
2016 – Launch of the online shop for end customers
2017 – Introduction of basic and professional product lines
2023 – Launch of an additional online shop

HISTORICAL INSIGHTS

A Look Back at the Bakery Trade and Our Company Site

Emil Schmidt – Professional Quality for the Bakery Trade Since 1884

Forward-Thinking and Committed to Quality: Where Tradition Meets Innovation.

THE STORY OF EMIL SCHMIDT

HISTORICAL INSIGHTS

Forward-Thinking and Committed to Quality:
Where Tradition Meets Innovation.