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FORUM FIRMENJUBILÄUM • COMPANY ANNIVERSARY

Rohstoffe aus sechs Kontinenten werden zu edlen Produkten wie Emerso von Arik Levy verarbeitet. • Raw materials from six continents are processed into noble products such as Emerso by Arik Levy.

T wo natural materials – robust steel and fine glass – combine to form the high- meets the strong demand in Germany at the end of the 1950s and in the 1960s. In
1972, Kaldewei as a pioneer is the first to use robots for serial production. A matter
quality Kaldewei steel enamel. With this composite material and a whole centu-
ry of experience, the Ahlen family-run enterprise develops bathroom objects with of course today, this technology ensures so far unknown, computer-controlled, uni-
homogeneous materials in premium quality. Today, Kaldewei is still the only manu- form email coating.
facturer of sanitary ware to produce the enamel in its own melting furnace. Raw
materials from six continents are processed and give the products their noble shine. Clear focus on steel enamel
The formula was developed in the Kaldewei laboratory and continuously refined over
decades. The innovative yet traditional company consistently focuses specifically on In 1973, when Franz-Dieter Kaldewei takes over the firm, the oil crisis curbs the global
the one material that has become the brand core of the company and allowed economy and residential construction is decreasing. Furthermore, with acrylic a new,
Kaldewei to develop into one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of bathtubs, rapidly more significant material is launched on the market. Out of conviction, Franz-
showers and washbasins of steel enamel. Dieter Kaldewei stays true to steel enamel, meets the challenges and is able to
expand his market position in the fiercely competitive market of sanitary ware. The
Strategic decisions company continues to invest in improving quality and expands its services and guar-
antees. Modernization is shown in the fasted press line for bathtubs and shower
Today’s company with more than 700 employees worldwide started as a small met- trays, a new logistics centre and a training- and competence centre at the former loca-
alware factory founded by Karl Kaldewei in 1918. This is where the raw goods for the tion of the founder’s villa. Thanks to cooperation with renowned design offices such
Ahlen enamel industry were produced. After the First World War, there is an as Sottsass Associati or Phoenix Design, the portfolio includes new models and
immense demand for enamelled household- and kitchen items. Son Heinrich, who colours. From now on, design as a marketing factor becomes more significant.
had joined the company in 1928, manages the metalware manufacture for the prod-
uct programme extended by milk churns and dairy utensils. At the beginning of the Into the future with the fourth generation
1930s, Kaldewei enters the sanitary-ware market. Bold investments in a company
enamelling plant and its own melting furnace already early on ensure that Kaldewei In 2008 and with Franz Kaldewei, the fourth generation is heading the company.
is able to generate the complete value chain of its products. In 1934, the first “Learning from the past to newly shape the future”, is his motto. Continuous interna-
Kaldewei bathtub is born. With the new “Anker” trademark, the company for the first tionalization, digitization and the users’ growing affinity towards design are in the
time supplies tubs made of steel enamel, still, however, welded together from several foreground for him. He invests in an innovative press lines for shower trays, starts a
parts. A milestone in the still young company history! And an important step for the major advertising campaign to position Kaldewei as a luxury brand and adds a fur-
future! As of 1937 and with a new drawing press, series production is successful. This ther milestone in 2015: washbasins of steel enamel, the third mainstay of the compa-
means an enormous increase in production capacity. In 1956, shower trays extend ny. Just two years later, the range was extended with 80 models and variants. Since
the product range. One year later, the purchase of two hydraulic bathtub presses then, it has been possible with Kaldewei bathtubs, washbasins and shower trays to
amounts to an enormous technology leap since now tubs can be seamlessly pro- design bathrooms completely with homogeneous materials and designs. 150 awards
duced from one single steel sheet. Productivity again increases considerably and prove the success of the brand. 100 years of vision, development and continuity!

040 • AIT 11.2018