• Company name: Faber-Castell AG
• Founded: 1761
• Founder: Kaspar Faber
• Headquarters: Stein, Bavaria, Germany
• Industry: Stationery, art supplies, writing instruments
• Products: Graphite pencils, coloured pencils, fountain pens, ballpoint pens, markers, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, technical drawing tools, fine writing instruments, and creative art supplies
• Operations: Products are sold in more than 100 countries through factories, sales offices, and distribution partners worldwide.2

The origins of Faber-Castell date to 1761, when cabinet maker Kaspar Faber established a small pencil workshop in Stein near Nuremberg. Over the subsequent centuries, the family expanded this enterprise into an internationally recognised manufacturer of writing instruments.1

A pivotal era occurred in the 19th century under Lothar von Faber, who transformed the business into a global concern. He introduced standardised production methods, expanded export markets, and was among the first industrialists to prioritise branding and trademark protection.1

In 1898, heiress Ottilie von Faber married Count Alexander zu Castell-Rüdenhausen. Consequently, the family name became Faber-Castell, and the company adopted this designation to preserve the “Faber” identity while incorporating the Castell lineage.1

Faber-Castell is particularly distinguished by several key brand elements:

• Green pencils, most notably the Castell 9000. Introduced in 1905, this model has become one of the most recognised graphite pencils worldwide.
• The two jousting knights logo, which symbolises quality, tradition, and craftsmanship. This emblem originated from historical advertising imagery and was later modernised to serve as the official corporate logo.1

Faber-Castell manufactures a diverse range of products catering to students, professionals, artists, and collectors. The catalogue includes:

• Graphite pencils
• Coloured pencils
• Mechanical pencils
• Fountain pens
• Rollerball and ballpoint pens
• Fineliners and markers
• Watercolours and acrylic paints
• Oil and soft pastels
• Charcoal and sketching materials
• Erasers and sharpeners
• Technical drawing equipment
• Luxury writing instruments
• Creative kits for children1

Artist Product Lines

The company produces several renowned ranges specifically for artistic use:

• Polychromos coloured pencils
• Albrecht Dürer watercolour pencils
• Pitt Artist Pens
• Pitt Graphite drawing pencils
• Goldfaber artist series
• Castell 9000 graphite pencils1

Sustainable manufacturing is central to the operations of Faber-Castell. The company manages its own forests in South America to supply renewable wood for pencil production. It adheres to responsible forestry practices and promotes environmentally friendly production processes alongside the use of certified raw materials.3

Faber-Castell maintains a significant international footprint:

• Employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide, though figures may vary slightly by year.
• Operates manufacturing facilities and sales organisations across multiple continents.
• Distributes products in more than 100 countries.
• Produces over 2 billion wood-cased pencils annually, ranking it among the largest pencil manufacturers in the world.2

Faber-Castell is widely regarded as a premium brand within the stationery and art supply sectors. Its reputation is built upon:

• High manufacturing quality
• Long-lasting product durability
• Rich colour performance in artist materials
• Durable graphite pencils
• Innovation in writing instruments
• A heritage spanning more than 260 years3

• Founded in 1761, making it one of the oldest industrial companies still in operation.
• Has remained under the ownership and leadership of the Faber-Castell family for nine generations.
• The Castell 9000 has been in continuous production since 1905.
• The signature dark green colour has become one of the most recognisable visual identities in the stationery industry.1

1. History
2. Faber-Castell history
3. Company – Faber-Castell USA