Durst has begun marking its 90th anniversary in early 2026, tracing its origins back to 1936 in Brixen, South Tyrol. Founded by Julius and Gilbert Durst in a former brewery, the company initially focused on camera repairs before developing photographic enlargers. Despite political pressure during the fascist era in Italy, the company retained its German name while operating officially in Italian to avoid interference.
Durst grew steadily after World War II, avoiding military production due to its small size. Through the post-war decades, the company expanded its product line, maintaining a focus on specialized photographic equipment. A shift occurred in the 1990s under CEO Richard Piock, who led Durst’s move into digital imaging, including the launch of the Lambda printer in 1994.
In 2013, Christoph Gamper became CEO and co-owner. Under his leadership, the company transitioned further into industrial inkjet printing, entering markets such as ceramics, textiles, and packaging. The 2019 joint venture with Koenig & Bauer focused on inkjet solutions for corrugated and folding carton packaging, including the VariJet platform.
Durst has also made acquisitions to strengthen its software and AI capabilities, including Vanguard Digital Printing and Callas. The company established Kraftwerk, an internal incubator for software development and integration. In 2025, Durst introduced the Open Software Initiative to improve system interoperability.
Still family-owned, Durst operates globally with local subsidiaries and partners. Leadership and direction are supported by a broader team, including figures such as Christian Harder, Thomas Macina, and Andrea Riccardi. As it marks 90 years, the company maintains a long-term approach and a focus on technological adaptation.