History

Bernhard Förster (1879–1963) founds the company at the age of 27. His chain fasteners soon replaced the parts that had to be specially ordered from Paris, quickly making him well known and indispensable in the region.

Foresta – a name becomes a successful brand. After the war, the Foresta brand was registered for watches – a tremendous success. The Bernhard Förster company was one of the first to offer automatic wristwatches.

After the turmoil of WWII and the complete destruction of the factory, the headquarters in the Westliche Karl-Friedrich-Straße 151 was inaugurated. We still produce at this location today.

Watch assembly in the 1960s. Then as now: our high-precision miniature parts require the utmost care.

In 1972, the last FORESTADENT watch was released.

A new chapter begins with the sale of the first expansion screw: our entry into orthodontics. Rolf Förster recognizes the opportunity to manufacture orthodontic products with the existing machinery, qualified technicians and know-how. A success story to this day.

The former factory of a supplier of watch jewels in Mauritius is purchased and from now on spring rings and carabiners will be manufactured there.

A new building and extensive modernization of the old building at our original premises in Pforzheim offer twice as much space as before. With an investment of over 13 million euros, the company is well prepared for the future. And is committed to production “Made in Germany”.

Still family owned. Today, the fourth generation is determining the company’s course and leading it into the future with innovations. FORESTADENT is now one of the world’s leading suppliers of dental products for modern orthodontics. The product range now includes well over 10,000 items, which are shipped to customers in over 100 countries around the world, with an export rate of 70 percent.