FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH

About FLEX

FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH is a manufacturer of power tools headquartered in Steinheim an der Murr. Founded in 1922 in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt – originally as Ackermann & Schmitt – the company launched the first high-speed angle grinder (DL 9) on the market in 1954; the brand name “Flex” became the generic term for angle grinders. The product portfolio covers the four application areas of renovation and refurbishment, metalworking, automotive paint finishing and natural stone processing, and includes corded and cordless tools (including 10.8 V, 18 V and 24 V systems) with brushless motors as well as accessories. Since 2012/2013, the company has belonged to the Chinese Chervon Holdings Ltd. In 2019, FLEX employed around 250 people with revenue of 81.59 million euros and an export share of 63.3%. The closure of production in Steinheim an der Murr is planned for 2025.

Site

Steinheim an der Murr

Processes

own repair service, 3-year warranty, dealer service, digital services

Materials

Power tools

Certificates

ISO 9001, TOP 100 Innovator 2022, iF Design Award 2025

Founded

1922

Employees

250

Industries

Renovation and refurbishment, Metalworking, Automotive paint finishing, Natural stone processing

1. 01

   Product development

2. 02

   Manufacturing

3. 03

   Distribution via specialist retailers

4. 04

   Repair service

Products & Technologies

Locations

Quality & Awards

FLEX offers its own repair service and a 3-year warranty. Products and the company have received multiple awards, including the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award 2025.

History

1. 1922

   Foundation of Ackermann & Schmitt in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt by Hermann Ackermann and Hermann Schmitt; first hand grinding machine MS 6 with flexible shaft.

2. 1935

   First low-speed angle grinder.

3. 1954

   World's first high-speed angle grinder, the DL 9.

4. 1987

   FLEX polishing systems for automotive paint, furniture and natural stone floors.

5. 1989

   First satin finishing machine; introduction of steel wire burnishing.

6. 1996

   Renamed FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH.

7. 1997

   FLEX Giraffe – long-reach wall and ceiling sander.

8. 2004

   End of cooperation with Porter-Cable; acquisition by Black & Decker.

9. 2007

   FLEX wall groove cutter for pull or push cutting.

10. 2012/2013

    Acquisition of all shares by Chervon Holdings Ltd. (China).

11. 2020

    Conversion of the administration building in Steinheim completed.

12. 2021

    New brand design and slogan “this is proformance”.

13. 2022

    TOP 100 award as TOP Innovator.

14. 2025

    iF Design Award 2025 for the FLEX Giraffe GE 6 R; planned closure of production in Steinheim.