Faber-Castell has been in business since 1761, making it one of the world’s oldest manufacturers of writing instruments. Known not only for the quality of its products but also for its ability to balance tradition with innovation, this German company began as a pencil manufacturer before expanding to pens. Today, with production facilities in 10 countries around the world, Faber-Castell has taken the business beyond writing instruments and into arts-and-crafts materials for kids.