About Us
What sets us apart
PARAT unites passion with precision, tradition with innovation, and craftsmanship with forward-thinking technology. Our products, always 'Made in Europe', represent sustainable production and a commitment to local communities. With about 30 dedicated employees at our current headquarters in Waldkirchen, we develop solutions that convince and inspire.
We are committed to achieving the perfect balance between quality and innovative design. Each PARAT product embodies our vision to provide a customized storage solution that meets the specific needs of professionals across all industries.
Discover the key milestones that have shaped PARAT, the guiding values, and the dedicated team behind our success.
History of Progress
PARAT throughout history
Read about the courage of two brothers in 1945 to manufacture high-quality products leading to the launch of market-shaping products and the development of the innovation hub Waldkirchen in 2023.
1945
Foundations for the Future
On October 8, 1945, Heinz Schönenbach made history. Together with his brother Martin Schönenbach, he turned his passion for leather bags into a legacy on which the present global player PARAT is built. This marked the first milestone in PARAT's corporate history.Image: The family enterprise "Lederwarenfabrik Schönenbach" in Remscheid at the end of 1940
Image: The family enterprise "Lederwarenfabrik Schönenbach" in Remscheid at the end of 1940
1967
The brand name PARAT
At the Cologne Hardware Show, an important milestone was achieved: the demonstration of the innovative tool bag with drawers. When the founder's wife, Gertrud Schönenbach, first saw the bag and its well-arranged interior design, she spontaneously said, "A place for everything and everything in its place." And so the name PARAT was born, meaning literally 'to have everything always ready to hand' in German. The brand name was immediately registered and the iconic logo "PARAT" with the striking letter "S" for Schönenbach was created. The PARAT logotype is a symbol of quality and tidiness that still exists today.
Image: the original PARAT logo
1980
A timeless classic perfected
Since its launch in 1980, the CLASSIC tool case by PARAT has remained the benchmark for tool cases. Its interior design can be individually adapted to meet the specific needs of different industries and trades and features specialized organizing systems. The CLASSIC case continues to be PARAT's best-selling model.
Image: Production of one of the first CLASSIC tool cases
1993
Game-changing mobility
PARAT is expanding its product line to offer "mobile office" solutions, setting new standards for professionals on the move. With continual advancements in IT technology, PARAT is introducing IT-CASE to store IT devices, providing new storage solutions for the latest technologies.
Image: Storage solutions for portable IT technology by PARAT in the 1990s
2001
Safety guaranteed
PARAT has expanded its product line to include safety lamps, highlighting its commitment to providing comprehensive protection and support for professionals. As a result, PARAT now serves security and rescue workers from all across Europe.
Image: The PARALUX product line by PARAT is considered one of the safest and most effective lamps for security and rescue forces.
2021
The PARAPROJECT® CASE
New Standards in Education: PARAT is evolving just as technologies and organizations are changing. In 2012, PARAT introduced the first series of cases to accommodate up to 16 iPad devices or tablets, setting new benchmarks in the education sector. These cases feature robust outer shells and high-quality safety latch mechanisms to protect valuable IT equipment and safeguard it from unauthorized access. Tablets can now be securely charged, transported, and managed.
Image: PARAPROJECT® CASE i16
2023
Towards a new horizon
In 2023, PARAT became part of the WAG Group and is now linked to the new advanced development site in Waldkirchen. This move promises innovation and growth, providing a new home for research and development, sales, customer service, and training.
PARAT company premises in Waldkirchen
What pushes us
The essence of our brand
PARAT's corporate philosophy combines tradition with innovation, with the focus always on continuous development, quality, and sustainability.
With an eye on the future
Thinking ahead
"Our clear focus on "Engineered in Germany" and "Made in Europe" sets new standards in individuality, quality, and innovation. Our products represent the highest level of reliability and durability. We achieve these goals thanks to our highly skilled team with extensive know-how and longstanding experience. Together, we will be able to continue to strengthen our worldwide presence and deliver the best storage solutions on the market."
Christian Wimmer & Bertram Göb – Executive Board
Our strength
Diversity unites
The PARAT team is a network of talent and experience, brought together in the same place to create outstanding products.