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with our day and age being dominated by technological and industrial progress, economy has started to play a decisive role in our country and our society. The local industrial plants, the commercial enterprises – all Sonneberg companies are a deep-seated part of our community and our life in Sonneberg. This is why I feel honoured and happy to congratulate PIKO on their 50th anniversary.
This day is a wonderful occasion to express my heartfelt acknowledgement to the whole PIKO staff as well as my utter satisfaction with many years of excellent and successful cooperation between PIKO and the town of Sonneberg. I would like to use the opportunity of this celebration to look back at the history of PIKO.
The history of PIKO Spielwaren GmbH begins in 1949 when the first “PICO Express” was developed. The train was ordered by the government in Chemnitz and first presented to the public at the Leipzig Autumn Fair. In 1951, officials decided to move the production of model railways to the “toy town” Sonneberg. The reason why Sonneberg was chosen was the town’s long tradition of toy manufacture that dates back to the early 18th century.
The first model trains to be produced in Sonneberg were manufactured at the state-owned company “Elektroinstalllation” in Oberlind. The E44, the first electric locomotive, the E46, and the steam engine BR 55 were early models made in Sonneberg. Soon, more and more locomotives as well as cars, power supply units, and tracks were manufactured.
Since the model railroad production in Sonneberg has ever since increased considerably, officials decided in 1957 to found an umbrella organization (VVB) for toy production whose headquarters was supposed to be in Sonneberg. And since it was not only model railways that were supposed to be produced in Sonneberg, but also other kinds of electromechanical toys such as washing machines and vacuum cleaners for children, a new large concern had to be created: The state-owed company VEB PIKO was founded in 1962.
Right from the start, PIKO focussed on the production of model railways on a scale of 1:87 (H0). While the first locomotives were made of zinc die cast the first plastic model cars were successfully launched in 1959. This technology made it possible for PIKO to offer very detailed and true-to-scale H0 model trains and made PIKO competitive with major rival companies.
PIKO proved very creative in terms of innovative model locomotives. The launch of the steam engine BR 95 in 1983 was a great surprise for everyone. This loco is very characteristic for the Thuringian Forest region and is mainly used on mountainous routes. The VEB’s last product innovation was the train “Saxonia” in 1988.
After the fall of the Wall, PIKO was turned into a limited corporation. Then the “Treuhand” in Berlin attempted to sell the company to an investor. After a period of confusion that even resulted in considerable production decrease, Dr. René Wilfer finally purchased the enterprise on May 1, 1992. He has ever since managed PIKO successfully. This was the basis for many years of model railroad production for fans worldwide who are certain to be able to enjoy PIKO in the future, too. Thank you very much for your great commitment.
I am convinced that the relationship between PIKO and the town of Sonneberg will continue to be excellent. I wish all the best, luck, and success!
Sibylle Abel
Mayor of Sonneberg
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