1918-2018: 100 Years of Panhans

Panhans was founded in 1918 by Anton Panhans, in a small hamlet near Karlsbad – which is now found in today’s Czech Republic. He initially started his venture in the trade of tools and saws, before branching out into the manufacturing industry; developing parts for woodworking machines.

Early Years
Between the early 1920s and late 1940s, the development of machines experienced exponential growth. Panhans capitalised on the emerging technology, developing reliable and fairly inexpensive woodworking machines.

By the early 1950s, Panhans workshop had reached maximum capacity, the success of his woodworking machines meant that a new and more modern production factory was required. They settled on building their new factory in Sigmaringen, Germany as the land was cheap and it offered great transport infrastructure. Once settled, they produced the APA band saw guide, which paved the way for guide standards that are still used today.

Up until the early 1970s, Panhans went from strength to strength, developing a real name for themselves in the woodworking industry. Sadly, this success was followed by sorrow, as the company’s founder – Anton Panhans – died in 1974, shortly before his 80th birthday.

The Next Generation
They company was passed down to the next generation, who implemented modernisation of production in the Panhans factory. This led to the development of the then new CNC processing machine.

1993 marked the 75th anniversary of Panhans, a huge milestone in any company. The next 10-15 years saw them become one of the few German elite manufactures with their innovative technology and precise engineering.

2006 was another innovation year for Panhans, as the development of the sliding table panel saw, known as the V 90 with double-sided swiveling saw blade. A milestone in the development of all sliding table saws, which still has a permanent place in the machine program till this day.

2010 saw the takeover of the Panhans brand by Reinhold Beck. Who produced and distributed their machinery under the disguise of Hokubema, a newly founded company. In the same year, Reinhold Beck also acquired the Agazzani brand, which meant that the manufacturing of band saws became a big and important part of the Hokubema group.
At the 2013 Ligna Trade Fair in Hanover, Hokubema launched their 680-sliding table panel saw. The new 680 generation came with great success and still continues to do so. The next few years saw the technology progress further again with the programmable systems and along with the safety standards needed to go with all machines with no expense spared.

Panhans, Hokubema in 2018
2018 marks the 100 years of competence at the highest level for Panhans, Hokubema. This will indeed be a special year for everyone involved at Panhans and Calderbrook, who are the leading suppliers of Hokubema woodworking machinery.

Panhans, Hokubema now boasts:

• £9million in sales
• 60,000+ machines worldwide
• 60 employees
• 12,000 square meters of production area
• 600 square meters of exhibition/training area

Looking to the future, Panhans, Hokubema are now not only concerned with wood but also with other composites like plastics and metals. Behind this is an experienced team of highly qualified technicians as well as a strong nationwide partner network with fast reaction times and comprehensive know-how.