The origins of STABILO date back to 1855, when Gustav Adam Schwanhäußer acquired the pencil factory Großberger & Kurz in Nuremberg, Germany. This acquisition established the foundation for what would eventually become the Schwan-STABILO Group.

The STABILO trademark was officially introduced in 1925 following the development of an exceptionally durable pencil lead. The name reflects concepts of stability, reliability, and strength. Shortly thereafter, the company expanded its portfolio with additional brands such as OTHELLO and SWANO.

During World War II, the company’s facilities suffered extensive destruction. Production resumed after the war through a major reconstruction effort, enabling the company to rebuild and continue its international expansion. Over subsequent decades, STABILO became known for continuous innovation in writing instruments, introducing products that later became industry standards.2

• Founded: 1855
• Brand introduced: 1925
• Headquarters: Heroldsberg, Bavaria, Germany
• Parent company: Schwan-STABILO Group
• Ownership: Family-owned (fifth generation)
• Employees: Approximately 1,500 worldwide
• Markets served: More than 180 countries
• Manufacturing locations:
• Germany
• Czech Republic
• Malaysia3

STABILO manufactures a broad range of writing and creative tools.

Highlighters

Highlighters represent the company’s most iconic product category.

• STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL
• STABILO BOSS MINI
• STABILO Swing Cool
• STABILO NAVIGATOR

The STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL, launched in 1971, became one of the world’s most recognisable highlighters due to its distinctive rectangular shape and fluorescent ink.

Pens

• Fineliners
• Rollerball pens
• Ballpoint pens
• Fountain pens
• Gel pens

Popular models include:

• STABILO point 88
• STABILO pointMax
• STABILO worker
• STABILO EASYoriginal

Pencils

• Graphite pencils
• Coloured pencils
• Watercolour pencils
• Pastel pencils
• Mechanical pencils

Popular series include:

• STABILO woody 3 in 1
• STABILO GREENgraph
• STABILO Othello

Markers

• Permanent markers
• Whiteboard markers
• Flipchart markers
• Brush pens
• Acrylic markers
• Creative markers

Art & Creative Products

Designed for artists, designers, and hobbyists, this range includes:

• Brush pens
• Fineliners
• Colouring pens
• Water-soluble pencils
• Calligraphy tools
• Professional sketching supplies

STABILO has consistently focused on product innovation. Key developments include:

• Ergonomic writing instruments for children learning to write
• Triangular grips for improved comfort
• Left-handed and right-handed pen designs
• Long-lasting water-based inks
• High-quality pigment formulations for artists
• Sustainable materials, including recycled plastics and certified wood4

Environmental responsibility is a significant component of STABILO’s business strategy. Key initiatives include:

• Use of FSC-certified wood for wooden pencils
• Increased use of recycled plastics
• Development of bio-based plastics for selected products
• Investments in renewable energy, including company-operated solar power
• Ongoing efforts to reduce manufacturing emissions and improve production efficiency5

STABILO products are available through office supply retailers, stationery stores, art supply shops, educational suppliers, online marketplaces, and major retail chains. The company exports to more than 180 countries, making it one of the most internationally recognised stationery brands.6

STABILO’s branding emphasises creativity, self-expression, German quality, innovation, reliability, bright colours, and functional design. Its well-known swan logo derives from the Schwan family name (“Schwan” means swan in German) and has been part of the company’s identity since its early history.7

STABILO is one of the core businesses of the Schwan-STABILO Group, which also operates in cosmetics (Schwan Cosmetics) and outdoor equipment and apparel (including brands such as Deuter, Ortovox, Maier Sports, Gonso, and Doghammer). This diversified group remains privately owned by the founding family.8

STABILO is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading stationery brands. Its products are particularly valued for high durability, smooth writing performance, vibrant ink colours, ergonomic designs, reliable quality, and long product lifespan.

The brand is especially popular among students, teachers, office workers, architects, illustrators, designers, and artists. Products such as the BOSS ORIGINAL highlighter and point 88 fineliner have achieved near-iconic status within the stationery industry.9

1. Information about the brand STABILO – our colorful world | STABILO
2. Company Facts
3. Company | STABILO Promotion Products
4. Schwanhäußer Industrie Holding – Startseite
5. Schwanhäußer Industrie Holding – from 1855 to the present
6. Information about the brand STABILO – our colourful world | STABILO
7. Sobre la marca STABILO – nuestro colorido mundo | www.stabilo.com/latam
8. Information about the brand STABILO – our colorful world | stabilo.us
9. Company | STABILO Promotion Products