The History of the Crown Companies

Strength for the Future from Tradition and Experience

Tradition has been the guiding influence on the life of the Schlobach Family and the success of the Crown Companies.

The Schlobachs have been obsessed with wood as far back as their history can be traced. The first reference mentions Hans Schlobach who, around the year 1575, was a pitchmaker. According to the chronicle, paid an annual tax of five floor-boards to the authorities in Liebenwerda, Germany.

Wood and Energy were joined together to create the innovation of the saw - allowing for the development of the veneer mill.

In 1846, at the age of 22, Carl Wilhelm Franz Schlobach transistioned from milling wheat to sawing veneer from logs at the Thomas Mill in Leipzig. After a short time water power was no longer a sufficient source of energy. The enterprise was moved outside the city gates to Boehlitz-Ehrenberg. That was the beginning of the veneer industry in Saxony, and the starting point for a company with owners who were soon active throughout the world running veneer, lumber, plywood and office furniture factories.

Around the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration in 1896 Domino Mahogany was already acquired from Africa. Carl Wilhelm Franz Schlobach was made Royal Counsellor of Commerce in Saxony. Shortly thereafter his sons, Curt, Walter and Georg Schlobach joined the business. Under their leadership the company was expanded to become one of the most important in the industry, having numerous branches and timber concessions in several continents. In 1920 the veneer mill in the port of Hamburg was constructed to handle the import of logs from Africa.

The 75th anniversary jubilee was celebrated in 1921 and by the end of the twenties production had increased to exceed 33,840,00 board feet worldwide.

The third generation, Georg's son Franz Henning Schlobach was entrusted in 1934 with the direction of the veneer mill in Hamburg - Wilhelmburg. The 100th anniversary fell in the year 1946 - a time of great tribulation. The labor of several generations was destroyed. Five veneer and sawmills, among them the parent company in Leipzig, were expropriated in Eastern Germany, and the company in Hamburg was completely destroyed by bombs in 1944.

Out of the ruins in Hamburg Franz-Henning Schlobach and then the 4th generation lead by brothers, Hans-Peter and Christian Schlobach, did not wait long to rebuild the mill and started Schlobach Gebr. in Hamburg, specializing in the custom cutting, importing, and marketing of veneer.

In 1962, Hans- Peter Schlobach carried the company to the United States. Crown Hardwood was incorporated to supply logs for Hamburg and export to customers all over the world. In 1980 Crown Veneer opened its doors to supply the US architectural market with veneer from all over the world. His son, Stephan Schlobach, the 5th generation took over the helm and the log and veneer companies celebrated 175 years in 2021! The Crown companies are currently dealing around the globe and striving to be a key player in the industry so the upcoming 6th generation can lead the Crown companies to the next historical milestone of the Schlobach tradition.