Vlastislav Bříza

We believe in the amazing power of creativity that brings joy and fun to life. Through our high-quality and affordable products, we inspire both kids and grown-ups, motivating them to develop themselves and making their lives more fun and colourful. Whether you are looking for quality art supplies for enthusiasts and professionals, creative children's aids, office equipment, or interesting gifts for your loved ones, KOH-I-NOOR HARDTMUTH has been bringing you a wide range of proven products for four centuries in a row. A number of significant innovations in the field of writing instruments comes from the KOH-I-NOOR HARDTMUTH factory. For example, the production of graphite and clay pencil lead, patented as early as 1802, the principle of machine-made pencils or division of graphite pencils into individual grades 8B-10H, according to the hardness of the lead, which were soon taken over by other manufacturers as a global standard. The factory in České Budějovice has been in operation since 1848, and it still ensures the largest volume of KOH-I-NOOR HARDTMUTH production. The whole company is also managed and organized from the South Bohemian metropolis. Czechs are also in the company's management. Although the company doesn't belong to the original owners of the Hardtmuth family anymore, KOH-I-NOOR HARDTMUTH continues to be a private company owned by the Bříza family with its general director Vlastislav Bříza Sr. leading it. KOH-I-NOOR HARDTMUTH formally belongs to the KOH-I-NOOR holding group, which, besides the consumer industry, also covers the health, energy, automotive & engineering, HoReCa and real estate divisions.