The engineer Fritz C. Wickel founded the factory in 1902 under the name of "Süddeutsche Patent-Metallfabrik AG" (Southern German Patented Metal Factory Corporation). He began manufacturing his own metal paper inventions, which he also had patented. With much success. This was because up till then tin foil had been used for the packaging of foodstuffs, cigarettes etc., a very expensive process.
With innovations and attractive products, the company gained an international reputation. Through the exceptional organisational talents of Fritz Tscheike – who had since 1907 been a director and soon after a joint owner – metal paper was already being exported around the world prior to World War 1.
In 1926 his son Arthur Tscheike took over management of the company. He had the challenging task of manoeuvring the business through difficult times coupled with increasing competition. Following the global economic downturn and World War 2, production had to be rebuilt with only modest resources available. But a spirit of innovation and a willingness to keep investing in improved machinery, guaranteed Wickels a leading position within the industry.
Since 1977, Dagmar Fischer-Tscheike has been heading the company and has successfully continued the progressive and forward-looking management style of her father. For example, in 1990 production was switched to dispersions, i.e. water-based and therefore environmentally friendly paints and glues. This is today a must for any company working with paints, but at the time it was a real innovation. As a committee member in the chamber for industry and commerce, and a commercial judge at the Nuremberg regional court, Ms. Fischer-Tscheike demonstrates her commitment not only to her own company but also to issues affecting the regional economy.
Since June 2009, Ms. Fischer-Tscheike has been supported by Dr. Marcus Vogler who will head the Wickels business as part of a planned company handover and generational change.