In the early 1930s, a small New Zealand company founded by Wolfe Fischer and Maurice Pikel was engaged in the production of various equipment under license from other companies. Later, when the question arose about the continued existence of the company due to high competition, it was decided to engage in its own production of equipment, using the technologies of other companies and modifying them.

The first technology the company took on was insulation, which was used in almost any electrical equipment. Fisher & Paykel engineers proposed replacing expensive fasteners and insulators with proprietary plastics and polyurethane foam. The technology for manufacturing insulating materials was quite cheap, while there were no other producers of polyurethane foam in the country. As a result, the company began to receive good income, which made it possible to launch the production of household appliances.

In 1961, the company acquires Japanese steel technology for large household appliances: refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and dryers. But our own engineers are now working on the production of the main components. Dryers were Fisher & Paykel's first own project. Although they have been used in Europe and the USA since 1955, they were new to New Zealand and Australia.

In the following years, the company pays great attention to the modernization of washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. New Zealand is a country where there are special requirements for the environmental friendliness of household appliances, so after a few years, all Fisher & Paykel household appliances begin to consume less electricity, and appliances that use water reduce the volume of the chamber by one and a half times while increasing the efficiency of cleaning and washing.

In the 80s, the company acquired a small production site in Ohio, one of the most famous industrial centers in the United States. Here are the divisions of the concern -, as well as many smaller manufacturers of household appliances.

Later, a manufacturing facility opens in Huntington Beach in southern California. Washing machines, dishwashers and dryers began to be produced here. Products initially go to the local American market, but over time, they begin to gain popularity in Canada, and then in European countries, where the company's representative offices are opened.

In the 1990s, the production facility in Cleveland (Australia) was expanded. Many Australians today still prefer inexpensive Fisher & Paykel equipment to foreign ones, which become more expensive due to delivery.

In the world market, Fischer skis occupy a leading position. They are popular in Russia and other CIS countries. Devices are of high quality, using the latest materials, as well as a considerable price. They are operated by leading athletes and amateurs who are actively involved in skiing.

About the manufacturer

The Fischer company was founded back in 1924 by Josef Fischer, a little-known carpenter at that time. The first production workshop was erected in the city of Ried (Austria). At first, the company produced various joinery products. Fischer cross-country and alpine skis began to be produced only in 1934. Now the corporation occupies a leading position in the manufacture of relevant products in the world.

In the domestic market, professional samples of this brand are also a priority. In addition, the company produces ski poles, boots, special clothing and sports accessories. The main product line consists of training, amateur, racing and alpine skis.

Marking

Designations are placed on the toe of the skis and on their side surface. The first one is two digits. One of them indicates the type of sliding surface. The cold type is marked with the symbol A5, and the warm type is marked with 28. The second marker indicates the design features. Skis Fischer 610 (610Q) are focused on a soft prepared type of track. Option with index 115 (1Q) is designed for hard and icy areas. A number of numbers are also applied on the side surface. The first of them indicates the height group in centimeters, the second - the year of production. The next number indicates hardness (maybe 6, 5 or 4 - stiff/medium/hard). The next five digits correspond to the batch number, and the last index is a hardness indicator.

Peculiarities

The range of thermal loads that Fischer skis have is divided into two categories, namely:

• Cold type (Cold) is designed for use at temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius.
• Warm class (Plus) is designed for operation at a higher temperature.

In fact, the second type is considered more universal. The devices have a soft base, which makes it possible to achieve optimal glide on a soft track with a high humidity index. In severe weather, they can be adjusted by rubbing with paraffin or special knurling. Cold analogues on soft snow will glide worse, and when the frost is below five degrees, this figure is almost the same.

Alpine skiing Fischer

The Speedmax model is a high-level professional model. The most famous skiers perform on such a modification. In this series there are skating and classic variations. In the first case, the devices are equipped with a characteristic cutout in the toe of the ski, which reduces the weight of the model.

They are equipped with a special carbon fiber core and are cold glued on the base. To do this, the base is first made in a molding oven at a temperature of over 100 degrees, and then a working surface is attached at room temperature. This improves glide, regardless of weather conditions. The mass of such a pair is 1.02 kilograms with a length of 1.86 meters.

• Alpine skiing Fischer Carbonlite. They differ from the previous series in the lightweight Air Core Carbonlite core system and production technology. The product is completely made in the oven. With a pair length of 186 centimeters, its weight is 0.97 kg.
• The RCS modification is the previous version without the toe hole. The use of laminated elements and fiberglass in the construction contributes to the fact that the product weighs 1.08 kg at a standard length (186 cm).

Instances for training

This category is classified as a series for training runs by professional skiers and amateurs with more experience. Skate-type options and Fischer Classic skis are available. In production, simpler and cheaper materials are used. The manufacturing scheme is identical to the elite variations. This combination allows you to guarantee high running parameters at a lower price.

For example, the Fisher modification (SCS) has a universal structure designed for different climatic conditions. Reinforced edges provide high directional stability, and additional inserts on the heels and toes increase the durability and rigidity of the product. Additionally, a core is used, consisting of a material with the inclusion of volcanic basalt elements. The mass of a pair with a length of 1.87 meters is 1.27 kilograms.

Another modification for training "Fischer" (CRS) is equipped with a universal design of the sliding part, differs from the previous version in the presence of other materials, as well as dimensions. Weight is 1.35 kilograms, length - 187 centimeters.

Hobbyist and tourist options

In this class, Fisher skis are divided into skating, classic, children's and combined options. They are intended for use by beginners, young skiers and other people who enjoy the usual riding on such a device. High-quality, but simple components and materials are used in the manufacture. With this approach, the desired speed qualities are maintained in combination with an acceptable price. Among the tourist options are the following modifications:

• SC - a pair has a mass of 1.38 kilograms and a length of 1.87 meters.
• Skis Fischer Sprint LS have a weight of 1.45 kg and a length of 187 centimeters.

Consumer responses

Owners note in the considered modifications a lot of advantages and minor disadvantages. The advantages of users include reliability, strength, excellent maneuverability and gliding. In addition, the owners are satisfied with the external design, the possibility of purchasing similar additional accessories and a wide choice, depending on the purpose.

Among the minuses, amateurs and professionals note the high price, especially for professional models. However, they agree that the quality remains at a high level due to the use of productive technologies and high-quality components in manufacturing. Fischer cross-country skis, reviews of which are mostly positive, are rightfully the leader in their class, both at the amateur and professional levels.

Conclusion

Fisher skis have gained high popularity largely due to top-end specimens. They are designed for athletes of various levels and just connoisseurs of this sport. It is worth noting that Fischer children's skis are identified by the name Junior.

They differ in size, but are great for training and moving young skiers on different snowy slopes. Despite the decent cost, the products in question are in demand all over the world. In addition, Fisher skis are favorably distinguished by a combination of price and quality among the nearest competitors.

Fischer is a time-honored German brand that has become the world leader in nylon and steel fasteners. The history of the brand began 6 decades ago, when the German inventor Arthur Fischer created the world's first polymer S-dowel with two antennae. This simple invention has revolutionized the history of fasteners and has contributed to the emergence of new high-tech fastener technologies.

Today, you can buy Fischer products (Fischer) in more than 100 countries around the world. The high demand for fasteners and the desire to be closer to the consumer prompted the creation of more than 40 subsidiaries in 33 countries on different continents. Production is constantly invested, new patented products and technologies are introduced every year. As of the beginning of 2018, the following positions are present in the product portfolio of Fisher fastening systems:

Fischer is ahead of the times with innovative ideas that improve speed, reliability and quality of installation. Working in the premium segment, the company was able to offer the world new solutions to traditional construction and installation tasks. Particularly popular among fans of German quality in Russia are nylon dowels SX, UX, S, PD, GK, FU, GB, SXR, FUR, SHR, steel anchors for high loads TA M and TA M-S, as well as chemical anchors for installation in seismic FIS HB zones and FIS SB low temperature conditions.

A significant part of Fischer's production sites is located in Germany, with headquarters in Waldachtal. All inventions are tested in laboratories and after thorough testing are put into serial production. The personnel policy of the brand is aimed at continuous staff development and motivation to put forward new ideas. In terms of the number of patents, the company ranks first in Germany. Its products constantly receive awards at international exhibitions of fasteners. The owner of the company, Professor Klaus Fischer, sees the secret of the success of the family business in innovation and the ability to quickly respond to customer needs.

The Fischer company (manufacturer - Germany) has made its name with colossal work and has proudly carried the palm for more than a decade, not stopping there. Its focus is the constant expansion of the product sales market and the development of unique fastening technologies for the most complex projects and responsible tasks.

Helpful Hints

The history of the Fischer company began in 1924, when Josef Fischer Sr. opened a small workshop for the production of wooden sledges and carts in the Austrian town of Ried, naming the company after himself. A year after the founding, tourist skis were added to the product range, for which there was a good demand at that time. Almost 90 years have passed since then. The workshop has grown into one of the largest ski factories in Europe with the latest equipment and powerful research laboratories. The true Austrian quality of the products has made the Fischer brand world-famous, and the price-quality ratio of the product line has attracted the attention of a number of well-known sports teams and vendors who have begun to place their orders here. Fischer is now the world leader in ski production and offers the best prices at the highest quality.

Fischer's production and sales activities began as a typical small family business. At first, Fischer worked on individual orders, and, starting in 1936, switched to mass production. In March 1938, Austria was incorporated into Germany and functioned as a dependent state until 1945. During this period, Fischer worked very intensively, fulfilling not only civilian, but also military orders.

The accumulated experience and the quality of manufactured ski products played a positive role. In the post-war years, Fischer increased production volumes, also entering foreign markets. By 1957, Fischer was already sending a quarter of its products for sale abroad. However, on November 15 of the same year, a fire occurs at the enterprise, which causes serious damage to the company. Nevertheless, production capacities are not only being quickly restored, but are being modernized along the way. After the restoration and reconstruction of the factory, the production capacity increases and amounts to 50 thousand pairs of skis per year.

The following year, 1958, Professor Rudolf Ferch develops a new trademark for Fischer, which consists of three yellow equilateral triangles on a black background, combined into a single composition.

A year later, in 1959, the founder of Fischer, Josef Fischer Sr., dies, leaving behind the world's largest ski business. The management of the company passes to two other family members - Josef Fischer Jr. and his sister Selma Sturmberger.

In the 1970s, on Fischer skis, a number of famous athletes won competitions at the highest level - the Olympic Games, championships, World and European Cups. During this period, Fischer equips about 200 leading skiers, biathletes and ski jumpers from many countries of the world. Thomas Wassberg (Sweden), Sergey Savelyev (USSR), Lars Erik Eriksen (Norway), Tommy Limby (Sweden), Evgeny Balyaev (USSR), Toni Innauer (Austria) won their victories on Fischer skis. In 1990, Russian biathlete Sergei Chepikov won the overall standings of the Biathlon World Cup stages on Fischer skis.

In 1994, Fischer introduced a new product line of ski boots to the markets, which proved to be very successful. Thus, Fischer began to gradually capture adjacent markets, gaining a foothold in them and crowding out competitors.

Fischer's streak of victories continues into the 2000s as well. So, at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the number of medals won by athletes on Fischer skis was 51%. Success in professional sports has had a strong impact on the volume of sales in the mass market segment. At the end of 2011, the company's turnover increased by 20%. The year 2012 was equally impressive, with a 16% increase in Fischer's turnover.

What has provided such strong sports, marketing and financial results for Fischer over the past decades? Why does the company remain out of reach for so long for competitors who do not stop trying to get ahead of it?

The answers to these questions are to be found in Fischer's innovations, operating principles and philosophy. Thus, the success in the development of new composite materials laid the foundation for the development of a new direction of the company's activity - work in the aerospace industry. Currently Fischer's partners are such well-known aviation companies as Boeing, McDonnel Douglas, Bombardier, Fokker, automobile concerns BMW, Rolls-Royce, SAAB. Thanks to this collaboration, Fischer is always at the forefront of science and has the most advanced technologies that are used in the production of ski equipment.

One of Fischer's latest developments is AirCarbon, a unique aviation composite material that simultaneously combines the highest strength, elasticity and ultralight weight. Today, "Air Carbon", as its name can be translated, has no analogues in the world. Just like in tennis rackets, the use of AirCarbon in the construction of Fischer skis provides them with unique properties with high strength and lightness.

The new Fischer ski collection includes the following technical and technological innovations:

high longitudinal flexibility of the ski and high torsional rigidity

the best performance in terms of strength and elasticity among all composite materials available on the market

instant absorption of vibrations

· a light weight.

Russian biathletes and skiers, represented by their federations and national teams, have been cooperating with Fischer for a long time and speak of the company's products with great respect. We can only hope that this mutually beneficial cooperation will lead our team to future victories at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.