Swarovski & Co.

Swarovski & Co., manufacturers of cut crystal-glass products (gemstones, decorative objects, chandelier pendants, design objects), lighting systems, reflectors for use in traffic and of products combined with natural stones. Moved from Bohemia to Wattens (Tirol) in 1895; the brothers Manfred and Daniel Swarovski made it the largest manufacturer of glass stones and crystal glass. Others parts of the business are Swarovski Optik (Habicht binoculars) and the abrasives factory in Schwaz TYROLIT-Schleifmittelwerke Swarovski KG. The housing estate built by Swarovski & Co for their employees is of exemplary quality. In 1995 Swarovski & Co opened the multi-media event "Kristallwelten" (crystal worlds), designed by A. Heller, at Wattens. In 1999 the company employed 11,000 staff worldwide, of which 4,000 in Austria; consolidated turnover 1.99 billion.