History
The story of Lötters-Draht begins in 1912 with the founding of the Friedr. Lötters wire factory by Friedrich Lötters in Hemer-Bredenbruch. The first production buildings were erected that same year. Despite the interruption caused by the First World War, the company succeeded in resuming operations under the management of Clara Lötters.
After the war, the company founder consistently pushed forward with the expansion of production. The construction of a hot-dip galvanizing plant in 1924 laid an important technological foundation. After the founder's death, his son Friedrich Lötters took over the management of the company and continued to run the business in the second generation.
Growth and diversification
(1930–1945)
In den 1930er-Jahren wird das Produktportfolio deutlich erweitert. Lötters-Draht fertigt nun ein breites Spektrum an verzinkten, verzinnten und verkupferten Drähten für unterschiedlichste Anwendungen. Während des Zweiten Weltkriegs ist die Produktion stark zweckgebunden.
1945 erhält das Unternehmen von der britischen Militärbehörde die Genehmigung zur Wiederaufnahme der zivilen Fertigung.
Innovation and expansion
(1950–1980)
The post-war decades were characterized by technological innovation and structural growth. In 1952, a patent was granted for a spot-welded wire mesh for the construction industry, which played a crucial role for many years. Through company acquisitions, new production facilities, and the expansion of staple wire production, Lötters-Draht sustainably strengthened its market position. With the entry of Fritz-Peter and Herm-Dirk Lötters in the 1970s and 1980s, the third generation assumed responsibility within the company.
Internationalization
(1988–2010)
From the late 1980s onwards, the focus increasingly shifted to international markets. New production facilities, modern multi-drawing machines, and innovative product lines laid the foundation for further growth. The decisive step towards internationalization was taken in 1993 with the addition of coated wires for the printing and paper industry. Subsidiaries and sister companies in Poland and Brazil, as well as sales offices in Asia and South America, followed.
Today and future
(2011–2026)
In 2011, Robin Peter Lötters, representing the fourth generation, joined the company's management. Lötters-Draht celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012. To this day, the company stands for the combination of tradition, technical expertise, and future-oriented development—firmly rooted in its Hemer location and active worldwide.