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About us

As an independent, family-owned MedTech company, we ambitiously think in generations instead of quarters to improve patients’ lives around the world.


Karl-Christian Storz, CEO of KARL STORZ
KARL STORZ in numbers
100%
Family-owned business
9400
KARL STORZ employees worldwide
b
Euros sales in fiscal year 2023
+
Subsidiaries in 40+ countries served
Total product range

INNOVATION Our passion for MedTech sets us apart

Growth doesn’t happen without a commitment to innovation, quality, and care. At KARL STORZ, we pride ourselves on harnessing leading technologies, precise workmanship, and dedicated customer support. Watch the video to learn more about our cutting-edge modular systems that have been integrated into 16 operating rooms at Heidelberg University Hospital.

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LONGSTANDING TRADITION Our path to the future

From spearheading the first endoscopy equipment to innovating the operating room, we have innovated and advanced in the world of endoscopy for over 75 years.

1945

Dr. med. h. c. Karl Storz founds the company in Tuttlingen, Germany. The initial product range includes: instruments, headlights, binocular loupes. His interest in medical vision, illumination and physics led him to later specialize in endoscopes.

1955

With CLAR55, KARL STORZ launches the first warm-light headlamp in ENT, which is still the best-selling model among warm-light headlamps to this day and became a real success story.

1960

A new chapter is launched with the development of the cold light source. The approach of endoscopic illumination has endured to this day: The light generated by a powerful external source is transmitted into the body via a flexible fiber optic light cable.

1965

Introduction of the HOPKINS® rod lens system: New image quality offering brilliant, sharp, high-resolution images with faithful color reproduction.

1996

Dr. med. h. c. Karl Storz passes away at the age of 85 with the leadership reins handed over to his daughter. Dr. med. h. c. Sybill Storz drives the company's worldwide expansion on all continents in the years to come.

1998

At the MEDICA trade fair, KARL STORZ conquers the market with an advanced integrated solution for operating rooms called OR1, which has since been installed in many hospitals around the globe.

2000

The first video laryngoscope in the world: With the first miniature endoscope specially designed for removing stones from the salivary duct, minimally invasive surgery gains a new dimension in this field as well.

2007

With IMAGE 1 HUB HD, KARL STORZ launches the first medical FULL HD camera worldwide and once again underlines the pioneering spirit of the company.

2019

Karl-Christian Storz takes over the management of the company in the third family generation and has been setting ambitious targets ever since. His focus is both on expanding the global business and on driving forward digitization in all areas.

2020

Next level imaging: With the launch of IMAGE1 S Rubina®, KARL STORZ introduces 3D endoscopy in 4K resolution including fluorescence imaging.

2023

KARL STORZ breaks through the 2 billion euro sales mark for the first time in fiscal year 2022 and now employs more than 8,800 people worldwide.

EVERYONE COUNTS Our employees make the difference

Is your job just about work, or are you pursuing a higher purpose in life? At KARL STORZ, our goal is to enable our healthcare partners to perform at their very best every day, and in turn improve patients' lives around the world.

To achieve this successfully, we have one secret ingredient – our employees! After all, we are a family-owned company where every single member counts!