A brief history of Clipper Interall

Clipper Interall has a rich history dating back to 1945, when 21-year-old Martien Jonkers started his business from his parents' home in Helmond, The Netherlands. What began with the sale of pens and mechanical pencils quickly grew into a company with its own employees, new locations and an ever-expanding product range.

In the 1960s, Jonkers developed his first own pen sets under the name Clipper, laying the foundation for the brand that would later become a household name. The company further expanded its activities with its own printing works and a varied product line, and moved several times to accommodate its growth. During this period, Clipper also started purchasing directly from the Far East and China, which put the company on the international map.

Under the leadership of Martien Jonkers, the company became a pioneer in direct marketing in the Netherlands in the 1980s. Sales through representatives gradually gave way to sales through catalogues, which proved to be particularly successful. New branches in Belgium, France and later Germany and the United Kingdom marked the company's international expansion.

With the opening of modern premises in Helmond, everything came under one roof and Clipper continued to grow into an international organisation with hundreds of employees. After the death of founder Martien Jonkers in 2007, a new management team took over, continuing the international growth and tapping into new markets, including Scandinavia.

Over the years, acquisitions followed, such as Brabantia Asten and Interall Group, further strengthening Clipper's expertise in sustainable, circular products. In 2023, the brand was revamped and Clipper stepped further into the spotlight as Clipper Interall, with a fresh look and a future-oriented strategy.

After more than eighty years of entrepreneurship, innovation and international growth, Clipper Interall is entering a new phase: joining Favorite Gifts. This marks the end of a special chapter for the company and the beginning of a new era in January 2026.