Our complete history
Welcome to the history of the Harry Lucas machine factory—a family story in four acts. Since 1942, four generations have led the company under the same name, each with their own unique talents: pioneering spirit, sales acumen, technological vision, and today, digital innovation. This interplay of tradition and progress has sustained us through 75 years of crises and successes. Discover how inventors became global market leaders.
Where it all started
1890 – 1941
From Prussian origins to first steps in mechanical engineering
Harry Lucas I was born in Brandenburg in 1913 and began his apprenticeship as a machine fitter at AEG in Berlin in 1928. Until 1941, he gained experience in metalworking and electrical engineering, passed his master craftsman’s examination and worked in Łódź. These early professional stations laid the foundation for his later entrepreneurship in mechanical engineering.
1941 – 1945
Founding of the castle in Łódź and involuntary flight
In March 1942, Lucas I opened his mechanical locksmith’s shop in Litzmannstadt (now Łódź), supplied German armaments factories and quickly expanded to over 100 employees. Due to the war, he had to evacuate in 1944/45, lost machines and materials, but was able to restart in the West. This phase shaped his ability to re-establish himself under extreme conditions.
1945 – 1953
New start in the north with the first hand knitting machines
Lucas began repairing agricultural machinery in a farmer’s barn in Neumünster on May 1945. By building his own improvised helpers and the first electric hand knitting machines, he made the step towards series production in 1950. Between the barracks of the AEG site hall, he laid the foundations for later factory production with circular knitting and stocking machines.
1953 – 1970
Crisis, turnaround and expansion to a special factory for “elha” machines
A major contract that fell through in 1953 led to short-time work and the search for financing. In 1954, Lucas patented the W-type reversible plating machine, stabilized the company with local loans, and built up the export business in Europe. With the “elha” brand, he established complex circular knitting machines that made him highly competitive in niche markets and ensured sustainable growth.
1970 – 1986
A completely new style: Electronics integration and digitalization in mechanical engineering
Under the leadership of Harry Lucas III, electronics and data communication were integrated into the machine design. New locations—for the first time again in Poland—enabled modular systems and simplified maintenance. This increased production capacity, standardized control systems, and laid the technical foundation for future global market entry.
1986 – 1991
Expansion after the fall of the Berlin Wall in Eastern Europe
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 quickly opened up new markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Lucas III leveraged existing contacts, built sales networks, and adapted machines to regional requirements. This strategic expansion consolidated its international presence and set the company on a path to becoming a reliable partner in former socialist countries.
1991 – 1999
Reorientation in the 1990s and entry into automotive technology
Globalization required greater investment and location decisions. Harry Lucas invested in additional plants, increased vertical integration, and developed specialized radiator hose machines for the automotive industry. In doing so, the company gained important OEM approvals and laid the foundation for long-term stability in volatile markets.
1999 – 2008
From hidden champion to global market leadership
By the end of the 1990s, Lucas had already sold over 12,000 machines worldwide and dominated the niche market for radiator hose machines. With consistent process optimization, innovative product development, and intensive customer support, the family-owned company became known as a “hidden champion” and achieved a leading position among international medium-sized companies.
2009 – 2017
IoT, automation and new business models
Starting in 2009, Harry Lucas IV introduced modern sensor technology, automation software, and IoT services. Predictive maintenance and digital service platforms optimized plant uptime, reduced costs, and enabled subscription-based revenue models. This technological reorganization created additional revenue streams beyond pure machine sales.
from 2017
Sustainability, individualization and vision of the future
Since its 75th anniversary in 2017, the company has been investing in resource-saving materials, modular product kits, and CO₂-reducing production processes. With digitalized customer portals and sustainable service offerings, Harry Lucas is preparing for its 100th anniversary in 2042 and strengthening its position as an innovative, independent family business.
