HOW EXCITEMENT STARTED
THE GECO STORY
Behind every success story is an innovative and active founding spirit! Today, GECO can look back on more than 130 years of expertise in the field of sporting and hunting ammunition. A time in which a small trader with a start-up mentality unerringly became a world-renowned brand.
ABOUT US
NEW LOOK, TRADITIONAL FEEL
GECO has epitomised innovative development and growth since the company was founded by Gustav Genschow back in 1887. What began as a wholesaler for firearms and ammunition quickly evolved into a flourishing business. Today, GECO ammunition is manufactured according to the strictest quality controls at sites in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Hungary.
Our patron, Genschow, would no doubt be proud – and rightly so. His guiding principle of “quality products in the service of hunting and sport” remains firmly embedded in the brand’s DNA. GECO is the brand that inspires and gives confidence to both young and experienced hunters and marksmen.
GECO - Where excitement starts!
A MORE THAN 130 YEARS OLD START-UP
THE HISTORY
25 August 1887: Founding of the firm Gustav Genschow & Co. based on the guiding principle of “delivering exclusively to retailers”. Founder is the eponymous Gustav Genschow from Stralsund
1899: Investment in Durlach-based weapons and ammunition factory in Baden, Germany
1903: Acquisition of Durlach-based Zündhütchen- und Patronenfabrik GmbH
1906: Merger of the two companies into the firm Gustav Genschow & Co. and formation of the first establishment in Cologne.
1912: A subsidiary is founded in Vienna for exports to Austria-Hungary and the Balkans.
1921: A new branch is opened in Königsberg, along with sales departments in Frankfurt and Nuremberg.
1924: The small-calibre weapon manufacturing division of Deutsche Werke AG is taken over – export successes, including to South America, use by the police.
1927/28: Cooperation with RWS/Dynamit AG (Nuremberg); joint production of ammunition in Fürth/Stadeln and Nuremberg.
1940: Death of the company’s founder, Gustav Genschow
1952: Resumption of production of hunting and sports ammunition (airgun pellets, shotgun shells; from 1957 pistols/revolvers as well)
1963: Transfer of ownership in all factory facilities owned by Genschow & Co. AG to Sprengstoff- und Munitionsfabrik Dynamit Nobel AG
1966/67: Merger of the GECO, Rottweil and RWS brands under the umbrella Dynamit Nobel AG
1972: Relocation of the company headquarters from Durlach to Fürth/Stadeln.
2002: Acquisition of Dynamit Nobel AG by the Swiss technology group RUAG.
2022: Beretta Holding acquires 100% of the RUAG Ammotec Group – GECO is now the No. 1 ammunition brand in Germany
Today: GECO offers globally proven hunting and sporting ammunition – reliable quality at a fair price.
WHERE EXCITEMENT STARTS
