HELKO WERK, GmbH
Wuppertal, Germany
Since 1844
The story of Helko Werk began in the village of Cronenberg, Germany, now part of the city of Wuppertal. In 1844, August Helsper founded the August Helsper Werkzeugfabrik (Helsper Tool Factory) and began producing axes for the region. The factory was built in the small forest valley of Gelpetal, alongside the Nöllenhammerbach creek, which bisected the town. The factory’s waterwheel, set in the creek, powered the forge hammers and grinding wheels. The factory remained at this location for more than sixty years. As the business became more established, the product line grew to include additional forestry and farming tools, even including such tools as hoes and planters for the era's expanding coffee and banana plantations.
The Helsper Family
New Partnerships & Growth
In 1909, the Helsper family relocated the factory three kilometers away, where it has remained ever since. The new site was positioned near a local railway station, allowing for direct steel shipments from the Ruhr factories, now ThyssenKrupp AG. In the early twentieth century, the Helsper Tool Factory began exporting axes beyond Europe, and by the 1930s was regularly shipping to Africa, Asia, and South America. Around this same time, the Helsper family entered into partnership with the Kotthaus family, setting the stage for major growth throughout the remainder of the century and giving the company its present name: Helko, derived from Helsper and Kotthaus.
One of the Oldest Manufactures still operating in Europe
Today, Helko Werk is one of the oldest axe manufacturers still operating in Europe and is widely recognized as a producer of premium, world-class handmade axes.
Above, the Helko Werk offices and manufacturing complex in Wuppertal.
Helko North America
USA
Helko North America, LLC is the exclusive distributor of Helko Werk products for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Our southern California warehouse stocks the entire Helko product line of axes, hatchets, splitting wedges, forestry tools, and replacement parts. In addition to direct point-of-sale to consumers via our web store, we also work with retailers, distributors, and various state and local agencies including parks and forestry service departments. If you are interested in retailing our products, or purchasing Helko products on behalf of your organization, you may get in touch with us via the Contact Us page. For additional information on Helko's manufacturing process, general axe information and safety tips, or to review our shipping and return policy, just follow the links below.
Helko North America, LLC is an independent company operating in the United States under an exclusive distribution agreement with Helko Werk of Wuppertal, Germany. We are not overseen or managed by Helko Werk. Use of the Helko logo and trademark is done with the express consent of Helko Werk for the purpose of promoting Helko products in North America.