Johann Puch was born to Franc and Neža Puch on 27 June 1862 in Sakušak by Juršinci. In 1885 he settled in Graz and it was there he started to repair 'mišolin' (Michaux high wheeler) bicycles. He lowered the frame, introduced two identical wheels with ball bearings, and the back wheel was driven by the pedals and the chain. In 1899 he founded the 'Styria Werke' and in 1901 the factory produced the first motorcycle powered by a petrol engine. In 1912 Puch's factory employed 1,100 workers who produced 16,000 bicycles, 300 motorcycles and 300 cars.