About us
As an independent, family-owned MedTech company, we ambitiously think in generations instead of quarters to improve patients’ lives around the world.
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.
SUSTAINABILITY & COMPLIANCE A responsible role in the world
We’re committed to protecting the environment, the people, and communities where we operate.
This is our inaugural Sustainability Report, and it details our efforts and achievements in environment, social and governance matters.
We are committed to legal compliance, honesty, loyalty, transparency, sustainability, and fairness in everyday business operations.
KARL STORZ is dedicated to ensuring that the assistance we provide effectively reaches those who need it.
IMAGINE THE FUTURE What do you see?
Do you see the potential to transform healthcare as we know it? At KARL STORZ, we see the future of medical technology and we are pioneering the way forward. We are setting new standards in precision and safety, from improving diagnosis to enhancing outcomes. We see beyond the limits of traditional medicine. Because it’s not just about the tools we create. It’s about the lives we change. Together, we can do so much more. That’s the power of imagination in action.
Locations
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. mult. Karl Storz passes away at the age of 85 with the leadership reins handed over to his daughter. Dr. h. c. mult. 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!
