• Founded: 1912

• Founder: Franz Just

• Headquarters: Wels, Upper Austria, Austria

• Industry: Marking and identification products

• Products: Self-inking stamps, date stamps, numbering stamps, stamp pads, inks, seal presses, identity protection products, accessories

• Parent Group: TroGroup

• Global Presence: Distribution in over 150 countries

• Export Rate: Approximately 98% of production is exported worldwide. [1]

Early Beginnings (1912)

Trodat’s history began in 1912 when Franz Just established a small stamp manufacturing business in Vienna, Austria. Before founding the company, Franz Just and his wife produced stamp inks in their kitchen, filling glass bottles by hand. Their growing success enabled them to open their own manufacturing workshop. During the following decades, the business expanded steadily, increasing production capacity and exporting products to neighboring European countries. [1]

Birth of the “Trodat” Brand

The name Trodat was originally used for a product rather than the company itself. The word combines:

• “Tro” – derived from Trolitul, a plastic material once used to manufacture stamp housings.

• “Dat” – short for date stamp.

Plastic date stamps bearing the Trodat name first appeared in 1947–1948. In 1960, Walter Just, son of founder Franz Just, officially registered Trodat as an international trademark. As the brand became internationally recognized, the company later adopted Trodat as its official corporate name because it was easy to pronounce in many languages and had become synonymous with quality stamping products. [1]

Expansion

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Trodat expanded rapidly. Major developments included:

• Construction of larger manufacturing facilities

• Growth of international exports

• Expansion across Europe

• Development of new manufacturing technologies

In 1951, production was relocated from Vienna to Wels, Upper Austria, which remains the company’s headquarters today. [2]

Innovation

Trodat became famous for introducing several innovations in the stamp industry.

Original Printy

One of its most successful inventions is the Original Printy, introduced in 1976. It was the world’s first plastic self-inking stamp, replacing many heavier metal stamp designs. The Printy quickly became popular because it was:

• Lightweight

• Durable

• Easy to use

• Clean and reliable

• Affordable

More than 300 million Printy stamps have been sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling self-inking stamp series in history. [1]

Trodat later became part of TroGroup, an Austrian industrial group focused on marking technologies. TroGroup consists primarily of:

• Trodat – stamping and marking products

• Trotec – laser engraving and laser cutting systems

This combination allows the group to manufacture both traditional stamps and modern laser-produced marking solutions. [1]

Trodat manufactures a wide range of marking products.

Self-Inking Stamps

The company’s most recognized products include:

• Original Printy

• Professional Line

• Pocket Printy

• Mobile Printy

• Micro Printy

These are available in many sizes and can be customized with names, addresses, logos, signatures, or business information. [1]

Date Stamps

Trodat produces date stamps for:

• Offices

• Warehouses

• Government agencies

• Banks

• Hospitals

• Schools

Many models combine text with adjustable dates.

Numbering Stamps

Numbering stamps automatically increase sequential numbers and are commonly used for:

• Invoice processing

• Document control

• Inventory management

Seal Presses

Trodat manufactures embossing seal presses used by:

• Notaries

• Universities

• Government offices

• Corporations

These create raised impressions without ink.

Stamp Inks and Accessories

Trodat also supplies:

• Replacement ink cartridges

• Refill inks

• Stamp pads

• Identity protection rollers

• Stamp racks

• Personalized marking accessories

Trodat focuses on:

• Precision molding

• Long-lasting impression quality

• Replaceable ink cartridges

• Environmentally conscious manufacturing

• Ergonomic product design

Many of its self-inking stamps are designed for thousands of clear impressions before requiring re-inking or cartridge replacement. [1]

Trodat promotes sustainability through initiatives such as:

• Reduced CO₂ emissions in manufacturing

• Use of recycled plastics where feasible

• Energy-efficient production

• Climate-conscious product lines, including certain “climate-neutral” stamp offerings

The company also maintains internationally recognized management certifications covering quality, environmental practices, occupational health and safety, and energy management. [1]

Trodat operates through subsidiaries and distributors across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Major markets include:

• Germany

• United Kingdom

• France

• United States

• Canada

• China

• India

• Japan

• Australia

• Brazil

• Mexico

Its products are available in more than 150 countries, with exports accounting for the vast majority of production. [1]

Trodat products are widely used by:

• Businesses

• Government agencies

• Hospitals

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Pharmacists

• Engineers

• Architects

• Lawyers

• Accountants

• Teachers

• Schools

• Universities

• Banks

• Retail stores

• Logistics companies

Trodat has received numerous industry awards and certifications, including recognition for:

• Product design

• Innovation

• Export performance

• Workplace quality

• Environmental management

• Quality management

The company also holds certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and occupational health and safety standards. [1]

Trodat is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the stamping industry. Its products are known for:

• Reliable print quality

• Long service life

• Durable construction

• Replaceable ink systems

• Broad product range

• Strong global distribution

The Original Printy remains the brand’s flagship product and is considered one of the most successful self-inking stamp designs ever produced. [1]

Over more than a century, Trodat has evolved from a small family-run ink and stamp workshop in Vienna into a globally recognized manufacturer of marking solutions. The brand is especially known for pioneering self-inking stamp technology, continuous product innovation, and a broad international presence. With millions of users worldwide and flagship products such as the Original Printy, Trodat remains one of the most influential names in the stamping industry. [1]

1. History – TroGroup

2. Trodat

3. La Historia de Trodat: Evolución de Sellos de Caucho