Page 40 - TPM Issue2

Left:
In the early days, JCB
ordered several different
models in 1:35th scale.

While the new venture was proving successful, there was another problem. This also required a lot of extra hours of work for the staff however
Additional manufacturing space was needed so Gerhard began looking the project was a success and such numbers are unheard of in today’s
for other premises, forming his own tool making department in 1972 marketplace.
before, a year later, moving to a new building on Sigmundstrasse where
NZG have been based ever since. With the ever-increasing need for additional space, the Sigmundstrasse
factory was increased to 3000 square meters which, along with the main
It wasn’t just diecast models that were produced, as Gerhard recounts office, contained the model making, painting shop, manufacturing,
when they were asked to produce plastic packaging by the Sanders warehouse and dispatch departments. In peak times, over 400,000
company to hold and display different gem stones. The order was models were manufactured and shipped to customers worldwide.
for 250,000 plastic boxes with clear covers and Inge fondly remembers
the stones all throughout the home as the family were drafted in to help In 1985, the daughter of the company’s founder, Hannelore Hauer joined
pack the stones into the boxes. the company with Inge Schmid joining the company in the following year
where they both slowly took more and more responsibility for the further
One of the largest single orders to be realised by NZG were for 300,000 development of the company. Gerhard retired from the day to day
1:87th scale truck models for Aldi which were needed for a specific date, operation of the company in 1993 but kept shares in the company until
and Gerhard remembers that the models were produced over the summer the year 2000 which was also the year when Hannelore Hauer decided
of 1977 with young students helping in the manufacturing of the models to sell her shares in the company to Inge and Michael Ludwig.
during their study break to ensure the models were completed on time.

Above: Just some of the products that NZG has produced over the years which are on the fringe of their recognised product offerings.

NZG celebrate Started production Gerhard and NZG close Scania LT110
their 25th of the historic Hannelore sell their production in awarded model
anniversary. range of models shares in the company, Germany, moving of the year by
in China. Inge and Michael production to NAMAC.
become sole China.
managing partners.

1993 1999 2000 2003 2005

Gerhard Schmidt NZG logo
retires at the age of 65. changes.

40 TPMMW Magazine - Winter 2019