In 1942, Poul Nielsen founded the workshop “Kyringe Træindustri” on the island of Zealand. During the war years, Nielsen initially produced wooden shoes and simple everyday items there. Around 1946, the production was expanded to include beechwood pipes. Once high-quality briar wood became available again, he switched production to briar pipes. These were sold under the name “Kyringe.” In 1948, the brand “Stanwell” was born — a deliberately English-sounding name, as English pipes were regarded as the benchmark at the time.
In 1965, production was relocated to Borup near Copenhagen. For many years, the factory was considered the largest and most modern pipe production facility in the world. Despite the high output, no compromises were ever made in terms of quality. Germany consistently remained the company’s largest export market.
Until 1982, the brand remained in the ownership of the Nielsen family. Following the death of the company founder, the family decided to sell the business. Rothmans International became the new owner of Stanwell. For the tobacco company, the acquisition represented a meaningful addition to its product portfolio.
In 1999, Rothmans International was taken over by British American Tobacco. As a result, numerous smaller brands and holdings became part of the publicly traded corporation. However, the company intended to focus on its core cigarette business. Pipes and pipe tobacco were regarded as a niche category. In 2003, BAT sold the brand to the Scandinavian Tobacco Group. For the world’s largest producer of pipe tobacco — including brands such as Orlik and W.O. Larsen — this was a strategically sound decision. To this day, STG remains the owner of the Stanwell brand and the producer of Stanwell pipe tobaccos.
The brand’s remarkable success was largely the result of its close collaboration with Danish freehand pipe makers, who shaped the distinctive design language of Stanwell. Foremost among them was the legendary Sixten Ivarsson. He developed modern, flowing pipe shapes that made the so-called Danish Style famous around the world. His legacy was continued by renowned pipe makers such as Tom Eltang, Ulf Noltensmeier, Per Hansen of S. Bang, Jess Chonowitsch, and many others. These artisans were allowed to select ebauchons from the Stanwell stock; in return, they shared their creative ideas, expertise, and designed numerous models. The Stanwell factory was managed by the two STG executives Arne Deli and Jens Lillelund, both of whom maintained close and friendly relationships with many pipe makers. There was a strong sense of mutual respect and support.
In 2009, production in Denmark was finally discontinued. Production volumes had declined, and manufacturing in a high-wage country was no longer economically viable at those price levels. The parent company relocated production entirely to Italy.
STG owns numerous cigar brands and markets roll-your-own tobacco, snus, nicotine pouches, and pipe tobacco. Within the company’s overall portfolio, pipes now play only a minor role. As a result, only a few new products have been introduced in recent years, and only a limited number of markets continue to receive a broader product range.
For Oliver Kopp, the brand has always been — and still remains — a legend in pipe history. After lengthy negotiations, he succeeded in securing an exclusive licensing agreement with STG covering the brand and distribution rights for Stanwell tobacco pipes and smoking accessories.
The Kopp family has maintained excellent relations with its northern neighbor for generations. Since 1969, the Offenbach-based family business has been importing tobacco pipes from Denmark. However, the company is not merely an importer; it is also the owner and developer of numerous internationally renowned pipe brands.
Oliver Kopp personally oversees the designs of the company’s three own brands — Rattray’s, Barling, and White Elephant — and is now looking forward to preserving and continuing the heritage and core identity of Stanwell pipes while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Kopp Pipes is responsible for the development of the collection, production management, quality control, warehousing, marketing, and distribution throughout Europe.
The pipes continue to be crafted with great care by an Italian manufacturer. The small workshop is located in Livorno and possesses nearly all of the original models. It is owner-operated and currently employs six people.
The relaunch begins with twelve bestselling 9 mm models. These are available in the Vario and København series in brushed, sand, terracotta, and light finishes. This core collection of 60 items will gradually be expanded with historic special editions and the Hans Christian Andersen series. New Pipe of the Year editions, developed in collaboration with Danish pipe makers, are also planned. Tom Eltang has already pledged his support.