Hammer Sport
Corporate brand
UnclaimedGerman manufacturer of home fitness equipment, operating the HAMMER and FINNLO brands and distributing MIKASA volleyballs in Germany.
Last updated September 26, 2026
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Overview
Hammer Sport AG is a German sports equipment manufacturer headquartered in Neu-Ulm. It is one of the leading international manufacturers of home fitness equipment. The company sells strength stations and cardio machines for home use, clubs, and public institutions under the brands Hammer and Finnlo. It also owns the brands Hammer Boxing and Hammer Home of Hoops, and holds the German distribution rights for the world-famous MIKASA brand (equipment supplier for Olympic Games, World and European Championships). The core of the corporate strategy is the development of innovative and particularly effective fitness equipment with high standards of design and technology. Hammer Sport is represented with over 600 products in more than 60 countries and operates 16 own stores in Germany and Switzerland. The history of the family business Hammer begins in 1900 in southern Germany, when Heinrich Hammer took over his parents' sawmill in Erbach/Baden-Württemberg together with his wife. Over the decades the company evolved from wood processing to sports equipment, producing tennis rackets and skis under the 'erbacher' brand, becoming a leading German ski manufacturer. In 1982 the company was renamed Hammer Sport and moved its headquarters to Neu-Ulm. It also took over the German general distribution of Mikasa volleyballs. In 1989 Hammer Sport developed a home fitness equipment series with several innovations, and in 1999 the company was converted into a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft). The premium brand FINNLO was introduced in 2005. In 2010 hammer.de went online and the first HAMMER store opened. Expansion into Switzerland followed in 2013 with the opening of the first store in Zurich. By 2018, HAMMER fitness equipment had sold over 3 million products and was present in over 60 countries. In 2019, the world premiere of JumpStep took place at FIBO, and in 2021 the 16th HAMMER store opened in Hanover. Today Hammer Sport continues to operate as a family-owned business, with a focus on innovation, quality, and a strong retail presence in Germany and Switzerland, as well as partnerships in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden.
History
The history of the family business Hammer begins in 1900 in southern Germany, when Heinrich Hammer took over his parents' sawmill in Erbach/Baden-Württemberg together with his wife. It did not remain solely with the production of boards and handles. Heinrich Hammer used the wood to shape all kinds of useful objects. Ten years later, the company produced not only handcarts and sledges but also tennis rackets and skis cut from solid wood and bent under steam. The sports equipment was continuously optimized through gluing, but the Second World War forced a temporary standstill. In 1945, under the leadership of Hans Hammer, the southern German manufacturer became the leading German ski manufacturer with the 'erbacher' brand and gained global recognition. In addition to skis, Heinrich Hammer's tennis rackets found great appeal. From 1950, professional tennis world champions Hanne Nüsslein and Gottfried von Cramm won several victories with the 'Diplomat' and 'Spezial-Modell' models. In 1960, Heidi Biebl won Olympic downhill gold with the 'erbacher Grand Prix' in Squaw Valley, USA. Numerous top racers such as Franz Vogler and Sepp Heckelmiller also used the skis from Erbach. In the same year, the company built the world's first plastic ski and produced metal skis as the second company worldwide alongside the Head brand. In 1978, the short ski was developed together with ski instructor Martin Puchtler. In 1982, the company 'erbacher' was renamed Hammer Sport. The family business now consisted of the founder's grandson Günter Hammer and his wife Christa Hammer, a sales manager, and an administrative employee. The company's headquarters is in Neu-Ulm. Hammer Sport also took over the German general distribution of the world-famous Mikasa volleyballs (equipment supplier for Olympic Games, World and European Championships). In 1985, the ski factory and the 'erbacher' brand were sold to Rosi Mittermaier, Christian Neureuther, and the Mayer family. In 1989, Hammer Sport developed a home fitness equipment series with several innovations. These included the first fillable plastic dumbbells produced using blow molding technology, the patented on-board computer for rowing machines, and fitness equipment with integrated radio. In the mid-1990s, the Hammer Sport range was expanded to include boxing and martial arts accessories. To meet growth and increased market importance, the company was converted into a stock corporation in 1999. In addition, construction of the warehouse and administration building at Von-Liebig-Straße in Neu-Ulm was initiated. Several innovations such as 3D saddle movement, high-tech aluminum pedals, and the introduction of the TPA system (Training Plan Assisted) for cardio equipment were part of the production line. At ISPO 2004, the patented Nordic walking treadmill received the innovation award. In 2005, the premium brand FINNLO was introduced. Under this brand, in 2007, a strength station without weights was created, the FINNLO Bio Force, which works with TNT resistance technology. In 2010, hammer.de went online and the first HAMMER store was opened. In 2013, expansion into Switzerland took place with the opening of the first store in Zurich. Nine stores in total. In 2015, Plus X Awards, Stiftung Warentest test winner for the Exum ergometer, and further quality awards. In 2018, the Aquon Waterflow rowing machine won a Plus X Award in three categories: High Quality, Design, and Functionality. The Plus X Award is the world's largest innovation prize for technology, sports, and lifestyle. The international and independent expert jury from 27 industries honors innovative and future-oriented products. HAMMER fitness equipment now has over 3 million products sold and is represented in over 60 countries worldwide. In 2019, world premiere JumpStep: Step Board meets Trampoline. At FIBO 2019, the world's largest fitness trade fair, HAMMER presented the fitness trampoline JumpStep as a world first. For the first time, jumping fitness and step aerobics are combined in one device, because JumpStep is the first trampoline with an innovative jumping step. In 2021, the 16th HAMMER store opened in Hanover.
- 2021
16th HAMMER store opens in Hanover.
- 2019
World premiere of JumpStep at FIBO; takes over European distribution of Goalrilla and Goaliath.
- 2018
Aquon Waterflow rowing machine wins Plus X Award in three categories; over 3 million products sold.
- 2015
Plus X Awards and Stiftung Warentest test winner for Exum ergometer.
- 2013
Expansion into Switzerland; first store in Zurich opens.
- 2010
hammer.de goes online and first HAMMER store opens.
- 2007
FINNLO Bio Force strength station without weights created.
- 2005
Premium brand FINNLO introduced.
- 2004
Patented Nordic walking treadmill receives innovation award at ISPO.
- 1999
Company converted into a stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft).
Products and positioning
Premium home fitness equipment with high design and technology standards, sold through own stores and partners.
BioForce Series
Strength training equipment series.
Autark Series
Strength training equipment series.
FlyRun Series
Cardio equipment series.
Technum 10.0
Treadmill.
Pro Force SmartTurn
Rowing machine.
E-Glide Acceleton
Elliptical trainer.
SpeedSKI Competition
Cardio machine.
Loxon XTR BT
Cross trainer.
Cable Tower 4.0
Cable machine.
Speed Race X
Cardio machine.
Exum XTR
Ergometer.
Walk 2.0
Walking pad.
BioForce MX NorsK
Strength station.
Ab&Back Trainer
Ab and back trainer.
Autark 2200
Strength station.
JumpStep
Fitness trampoline with jumping step.
Aquon Waterflow
Rowing machine.
Sources3 sources
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