Martin Hanke founded Hamaphot, a photo wholesale business based in Dresden, focussing on production of laboratory equipment and photo accessories.

The Hama factory was destroyed during the bombing of Dresden and relocated to Monheim where it was set up as a trading company in photo accessories.

Hama developed the first synchronised flash powder device and a research and production facility was installed.

Hama Exhibited at the first Photokina, Cologne (the leading International Fair for Photography).

Hama launched the worlds first automatic Cine Film Splicer.

Newly built Work 2 is opened to house production, sales and administration departments now employing 80 people.

The revolutionary slide mounting system Hamafix celebrates its first anniversary.

Work 2 building is extended and now employs 300 people.

New accessories for Audio and Video products are added to compliment the product portfolio.

The first subsidiary was founded in France.

The new Work 3 opens employing 500 people. The new site is involved in development, assembly, quality control and manufacturing. Hama (UK) Ltd opens for business in the United Kingdom.

Video Cut 200 is launched and becomes the top selling video editing unit, in Europe.

Company changes name from Hamaphot to Hama GmbH & Co KG. Additional product categories are launched encompassing Computer, Telecommunications and CD Storage. Hama exhibits for the first time at CeBit Technology Fair in Hanover.

Photokina, Cologne saw the launch of a complete range of photo frames and Samsonite Photo and Video Bags, developed in conjunction with Samsonite, the world's market leader in luggage.

World premier of self researched mobile phone installation system Mobile Safe. Hama enters the Car Accessory market together with Office Stationary.

The Photo category is complimented with the addition of Photo Albums and APS accessories. Launch of Samsonite "Sammies", a sensational entry into the field of ergonomically formed school satchels.

Work 3 is renovated and extended. A fully automated high bay warehouse is commissioned using state of the art computers controlling 25,000 pallet locations.

April saw the opening ceremony of the Hama Picture Frame operation in Syrovice, near Brno, Czech. Hama also celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Hama continues its guest brand policy with the introduction of SanDisk and Plantronics and develops its global expansion in the field of licensed product distribution.

Hama now employs 1,600 people around the World. The opening of our new subsidiary in Poland marks the further expansion into the developing market in Eastern Europe. With the boom in multimedia and telecommunications Hama achieves record corporate growth. Photokina sees the launch of a comprehensive range of Digital Photo Accessories leading the way into Digital Imaging.

The E-Commerce department is created to develop online opportunities. CeBIT 2001 saw the launch of the electronic product catalogues, and in August, further expansion, with the launch of our online ordering system for Hama trade partners. The introduction of Koss and Chiemsee increased our offering of licensed brands at the IFA Fair in Berlin.

1600 employees of the Hama GmbH & Co KG lament senior chef Adolf Thomas, who died in February.

Hama extends its market position by product innovations and new customer relationships. Increases in computer accessories and digital storage media pave the way for a successful future. The number of employees increased to around 2000.