ANNIVERSARY KARCHER DESIGN
Karcher GmbH was founded 3 decades ago, on 1 April 1991. We look back with pride on the last three decades and what we have achieved during this time.
KARCHER DESIGN presented itself for the first time at the hardware fair in Cologne 30 years ago. At that time, the market was dominated by brass door handle models. With the then bestseller being the Lignano and other design-oriented door and window handles, KARCHER DESIGN was able to establish a significant position in the market.
The market is constantly changing. For example, brass models were replaced by high-quality door handles and accessories made of stainless steel. The company slogan was also replaced; “DESIGN IN NOBLE MATERIAL" became "DESIGNS OF STAINLESS STEEL". Today, high-quality stainless steel forms the basis for many other surfaces. In addition to the classic satin or polished stainless steel surface, KARCHER DESIGN set a trend for modern door fittings with the introduction of the "Black Edition". The three dark colours Antique Bronze Optic, Cosmos Black and Titan Grey are velvety to the touch and were innovatively designed with tangibility in mind. The colour Cosmos Black has become a trendsetter and was awarded the international Red Dot Award, among others.
With its excellent technical know-how, the innovative development department of KARCHER DESIGN not only designs new locking and assembly techniques, but also creates ergonomic and design-oriented door handle models collaboratively with renowned product designers. For example, KARCHER DESIGN pioneered the privacy pin technology in Germany and introduced KD Comfort, a new innovative locking mechanism for interior doors.
In addition to the continuous development of KARCHER DESIGN products, the company is expanding warehouse space and family of staff. At the main location in Bad Rappenau, due to the continuous success of the Karcher brand, we are perpetually creating new jobs.
With its multilingual sales team, the family-owned company has also been able to open up new markets internationally over the past 30 years and establish a significant market position in Great Britain, France, Austria and the Benelux countries. In 2015, KARCHER DESIGN N.A. LLC was founded as a subsidiary in Seattle in the USA in order to provide professional on-site support to customers there as well.
Of course, an internationally active company also bears a great responsibility towards nature and the environment. KARCHER DESIGN protects and respects the environment with both proven and innovative concepts and solutions. For example, a solar plant was built for the main site in Bad Rappenau, which supplies the entire building and the electric company vehicles with in-house eco-power. The pronounced awareness of the global environmental situation drives KARCHER DESIGN to protect our oceans, plants and animals by designing increased plastic-free packaging and with 100% recyclable materials.
With great passion and enthusiasm, KARCHER DESIGN pursues goals of always acting with the future in mind to protect people and the environment and therefore setting a high bar in ecological protection.
Today, KARCHER DESIGN presents itself as a modern-day company. New digital product information and order processing systems simplify the company processes and internal procedures. This means that customers and partners throughout Europe can be competently and efficiently served by a qualified team at all times and benefit from smooth order processing.
Our team includes a professional training management program, which trains and develops highly qualified young professionals in varied professions.
Today, the family business is already being successfully managed by the second generation of the Karcher family, Isabel and Jan Karcher. With a combination of experience, technical know-how, state-of-the-art warehouse logistics and a well-rehearsed sales concept, KARCHER DESIGN has been able to win many customers and partners over the last three decades whom we would like to thank for their valued loyal custom.