Ulmia

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Overview

Ulmia is a German brand specializing in woodworking hand tools, workbenches, and precision layout instruments. Originally produced by Georg Ott Werkzeug- und Maschinenfabrik, the brand was acquired by ANTON KESSEL GmbH & Co. KG after the original company's bankruptcy in 2002, with production continued under a new Ulmia GmbH. It maintains a reputation for high-quality wooden planes, benches, and accessories targeted at professional woodworkers.¹²⁴

History

Founded in 1877 (or 1878) by master carpenter Georg Ott in Ulm, Germany, as Georg Ott Werkzeug- und Maschinenfabrik, with production of the first hand miter saw starting in 1879. The company expanded into hand tools, workbenches, and machines like table saws. The original firm went bankrupt, and in 2002, ANTON KESSEL GmbH & Co. KG acquired the name, trademarks, patents, and facilities, establishing a new Ulmia GmbH to continue hand tool production.¹²

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Workbenches	Heavy-duty wooden benches for professional woodworking	$800 - $1,500
Precision Layout Tools	High-accuracy squares and rules for marking	$150 - $400
Hand Planes	Wooden body planes for finishing work	$100 - $300
Miter Tools	Precision saws and mitre aids	$200 - $500
Alu-Line Series	Adjustable aluminum rules and squares	$100 - $250

Manufacturing

Products are made in Germany. Following the 2002 acquisition, production of Ulmia hand tools continues via the newly founded Ulmia GmbH, associated with ANTON KESSEL GmbH & Co. KG facilities.¹²⁴

Notable Products

Ulmia Workbench (vintage) - Robust wooden workbench valued at $800-$1,500 in used market for durability.
Precision Try Square (e.g., 605 model) - Anodized aluminum stock with walnut inlays, available in lengths up to 750mm, accuracy +/-0.02mm.
Reform Plaster Plane - Tempered pear wood plane for precise plastering and finishing.
MFT1200 Stop/Support Rail - Beech wood rail compatible with modular systems.
Hand Miter Saw (original patent) - First produced in 1879, foundational to brand's tool legacy.

Reputation

Enthusiasts and professionals regard vintage Ulmia workbenches and tools highly for their robust construction and precision, often commanding premium resale prices. The current brand under ANTON KESSEL is seen as distinct from the original, with some noting it lacks the heritage quality of pre-2002 products. Strengths include German manufacturing and accuracy in layout tools; criticisms focus on the post-bankruptcy rebranding.²⁴

Sources (7)