80 years of Cleo Skribent: From the backyard to the world market leader in Bad Wilsnack!

80 years of Cleo Skribent: From the backyard to the world market leader in Bad Wilsnack!

In a festive atmosphere, Cleo Schreibgeräte GmbH celebrated its 80th anniversary on September 19, 2025 in the impressive Wunderblut Church in Bad Wilsnack. Around 200 guests from business, politics and society as well as employees came together to celebrate the success story of one of the best-known manufacturers of writing instruments in Germany. The Prime Minister of Brandenburg, Dietmar Woidke, praised the brand and highlighted the quality and craftsmanship that characterize Cleo.

The company was founded in 1945 by Herbert Wurach in a backyard garage, where it began modestly with just six employees. The first collection, which bore the illustrious name “Cleopatra”, signaled the start of the company’s rapid expansion. Particularly worth mentioning is the “Skribent” series, which achieved its international breakthrough in the 1960s and exported large quantities to the former Eastern Bloc. Today, the next generation – Anja Weber and Mathias Weiß – manage the business after Wolfgang Weiß ran the company until 2014. Cleo now has around 50 employees.

From the garage to the factory

Cleo quickly developed from a supplier of metal parts to a respected manufacturer of high-quality writing instruments. Production went through many ups and downs, especially during and after reunification, when the sales structures collapsed. But Cleo didn't give up: the company faced new challenges and focused on innovation. Fountain pen nibs were usually finished with a unique rhodium coating, which has become a trademark.

The company has now specialized in handcrafted production. This includes putting together up to 26 individual parts - which makes each piece unique. Rare woods and precious metals are used to create writing instruments that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Ebonite, a classic material used in series production, is a special feature that only a few manufacturers still use today due to its complex processing process.

Celebratory occasion and outlook

André Krumbiegel from the “Prinzen” brought the event to a festive conclusion with a concert, which took place in the Wunderblut Church. Cleo Skribent will also be present at the “Fine Writing World” trade fair in Bremen on September 20th to present the latest products and technologies to a wider audience. Participation in such events shows the unbroken entrepreneurial spirit and reliability that Cleo is known for.

The story of Cleo is an example of the best of tradition and innovation. The manufacturer has made a name for itself over the years and continues to stand for quality products that are highly valued not only in Germany but also internationally. With a strong focus on handcraft and a flair for something special, Cleo Skribent continues to secure its place at the top of the writing instrument manufacturers in Germany.

For anyone looking for handmade writing instruments, the factory outlet in the Alte Schule in Bad Wilsnack offers an excellent opportunity to experience the quality and variety of the products up close. Cleo remains a defining force in the writing instrument industry, combining tradition with modern design and functionality.