Discover Germany | Special Theme | The Top Innovative Companies of Germany
Hansgrohe:
Innovation, design and quality Since 1901 Hansgrohe has been one of the leading companies in the sanitation industry. Right from the start, creative powerhouse Hans Grohe recognised the importance of innovation and developed the first household hand shower. This became the foundation for today’s globally successful company. It is still pioneering in its field and the headquarters remain in the Black Forest. Hansgrohe does not only make life more beautiful, but also more comfortable. TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: HANSGROHE SE
The customer takes centre-stage at Hansgrohe. The team continuously keeps asking what products could make their customers’ lives easier. In 1928, the hunger for new creative solutions resulted in the first affordable hand shower. The first shower rod quickly followed. Today, we cannot imagine a bathroom without these items, but back then, it was a true revolution. In our current century, things are obviously a little different. Today’s technical innovations can be found in the Select Technology series. At the touch of a button, one can intuitively change the shower’s spray mode or switch the water on and off. Innova66 | Issue 71 | February 2019
tion at Hansgrohe does not mean jumping on each trend’s bandwagon. It means developing products that are genuinely ground-breaking and add value. “Novelties younger than three years generate round 30 per cent of Hansgrohe’s sales − a crucial amount,”says Jan Heisterhagen,VP product management, Hansgrohe SE.“That is a high ‘vitality index’, which shows that we are never satisfied with the status quo.” The design aspect is also very important. Since the early 1970s, Hansgrohe has been working exclusively with top external design partners – from various countries such
as Italy, France, Japan, Sweden and the UK. That is how tomorrow’s bathrooms and kitchens are made. AXOR and hansgrohe, the two brands of Hansgrohe Group, do not only offer technical highlights for bathrooms and kitchens, they are also longlasting and sturdy thanks to the materials used and the top-quality workmanship. Material, form and function follow premium quality standards because fittings, hand showers and accessories are used every day. Over 500 internationally renowned awards such as the ‘Red Dot Award’, ‘German Design Award’ and ‘Innovation of the Year’ or being labelled ‘Top 100’ as one of the most innovative German companies of medium-size, demonstrate what league Hansgrohe Group plays in. Things certainly remain exciting: numerous innovations will be presented during the next ISH, the world’s leading trade fair for sanitation industry running from 11 to 15 March in Frankfurt.