FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH

Crafts and industry are in a permanent state of change – in terms of both what is demanded of them and the working methods involved. For this reason, the engineers and designers at FLEX focus on developing new products and system solutions while at the same time updating the traditional range. A continuous dialogue with craftsmen and users, along with many years of experience in the development and manufacture of professional power tools, results in innovative and trailblazing solutions for both industry and crafts. This company with a long tradition employs around 270 people at its headquarters in Steinheim/Murr in Germany.

Top-class quality and service for over 90 years

FLEX has been developing hand-held tools since 1922. That was the year in which Hermann Ackermann and Hermann Schmitt founded the company Ackermann + Schmitt in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt to manufacture and sell the hand-held grinder MS 6 that they had developed themselves. The electric motor from this invention powers a flexible shaft – a feature that gave its name to the completely new tool: FLEX. This was also the origin of today's brand name, and of a verb that is now an everyday word: flexing.

At the end of the 1920s, the flexible shaft was replaced by an angular gearbox that resulted in the angle grinder, which was also sold under the FLEX name. Following the launch onto the market of a low-speed angle grinder in 1935 and its high-speed counterpart in 1954, the term FLEX became synonymous with angle grinders and the word flexing replaced the cumbersome "cut-off grinding" in everyday parlance. 

The type was continuously developed over the years, but the way in which FLEX works remained the same. The cast iron has been replaced by modern plastics, the tools have become more handy and lighter, and the motor powers have been increased. The principle of the angle grinder is so successful that it is also used in other machines and forms the basis of other innovations.

Growing success and the associated shortage of space resulted in FLEX relocating motor production to Großbottwar in the 1940s. However, it wasn't long before these premises were no longer large enough either, and the right place for expansion was found in nearby Steinheim. The Steinheim location finally became the company's headquarters in 1984 when all production and administration was relocated from Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, and the works in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt was closed shortly afterwards. In 1996, Ackermann + Schmitt finally became today's FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH. In the following year, FLEX was the first power tools manufacturer in Europe to introduce the long-neck sander for working on ceilings and walls - the FLEX Giraffe®. This is synonymous with quality, safety and maximum ease of use. The company continues to set new standards with its products today – and in so doing guarantees the highest quality and best service.

Major emphasis is placed on quality in all areas

Whether in terms of its products, service or loyalty to specialist dealers – quality is always at the forefront for FLEX. All tools have CE conformity and are monitored during production by a quality management system that complies with the requirements of DIN EN ISO 9001:2015. The company also gives its customers a two-year manufacturer's warranty on every power tool, plus accessories. FLEX gives its customers competent all-round service in the shape of its efficient customer service centre. The tools are available exclusively from specialist dealers. This ensures professional consultation by specially trained and authorised specialist dealers.