The Hansgrohe Group in the 21st Century
The beginning of the new century is a phase of new beginnings for Hansgrohe: new factories are being built, internationalization is progressing and the company develops into a full-service provider for the bathroom. Successes that are due in particular to the passion of the employees.
Passionately into a New Era
The beginning of the new century is a phase of new beginnings for Hansgrohe:
- New factories are being built in China and Serbia,
- and internationalization is progressing.
- The company develops into a full-service provider for the bathroom: bathroom drain systems, furniture, ceramics and mirrors expand the product portfolio.
- The number of employees is growing.
Each and every employee contributes passionately to ensuring that the company stands for innovation, design, quality and sustainability worldwide. The increasing turnover is not just a number, but an expression of joint strength and creativity.
Courage to Try New Things; Respect for the Past
In 2002 and 2003, Klaus Grohe’s sons, Richard and Philippe, took over responsibility and led AXOR and hansgrohe into the future with renewed vigor.
Change at the Top
In 2008, an external manager takes over the management of the company for the first time. The long-standing CFO, Siegfried Gänßlen, becomes Chairman of the Board of Management. After 33 years at the helm of Hansgrohe, Klaus Grohe moves to the Supervisory Board and will continue to accompany the company as Chairman of the Board.
Under Siegfried Gänßlen, Hansgrohe gains innovative strength, expands its international market presence and consolidates its financial base. Change at the top here means openness to new things without forgetting one’s roots.
Under CEO Thorsten Klapproth, the company will grow in the usual way from 2014 onwards. In 2016, the company exceeded the 1 billion Euro sales mark for the first time, and Hansgrohe developed into a process-driven, global organization. The members of the founding family withdraw from operational activities.
In 2018, the management of the company passes to a new generation: Hans Juergen Kalmbach, who began his career in the Hansgrohe Group in 1998, takes over as Chairman of the Executive Board at the age of 43. In the course of global expansion, he increasingly focuses on national and international market development. The change in management brings new impetus, but retains independence and the Hansgrohe spirit.
Creating Great Things Together
The company is growing strong: new factories, showrooms and subsidiaries are being built around the world. The number of employees will increase from 2,300 in 2000 to over 5,600 in 2024. Sales break through the 1.5 billion Euro barrier.
Innovation remains at the heart of the company’s development:
- Hundreds of patents a year,
- groundbreaking innovations, such as the Raindance shower,
- hansgrohe Select operating technology,
- the PowderRain spray type,
- and water-saving solutions
set standards.
Sustainability is deeply rooted in the corporate culture and is becoming a leading theme – out of conviction and responsibility for future generations.
Crises as an Opportunity
The financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID pandemic from 2020 onwards are challenging Hansgrohe. But it is precisely in these times that the true character of the company becomes apparent: flexibility, cohesion and extraordinary commitment by all employees mean that Hansgrohe emerges stronger from the crises. Flexible working models and team spirit characterize this time. The demand for high-quality bathroom solutions is increasing – a sign of people’s confidence in quality and reliability.
From 2022 to the Present
From 2022 onwards, the global framework conditions will tighten: The Russian invasion of Ukraine, sharply rising energy prices, high US tariffs and inflation are leading to a phase of stagnation, especially in the construction industry.
Hansgrohe meets these challenges with courage and innovative strength. Investments in new markets, sustainable products and an international presence secure the future. Hansgrohe’s strength lies in its employees – yesterday, today and tomorrow. Their lived values are the foundation for growth and sustainable success and provide support and orientation, even in stormy times.
Shaping the Future
Hansgrohe’s growth strategy is based on sustainability, digitalization and new business models.
By 2030, all water-bearing products are to be equipped with water and energy-saving technologies. Awards, such as the German Sustainability Award and the Platinum Medal from EcoVadis, confirm the path the company has taken. Confidence characterizes the outlook –supported by the commitment of all employees and confidence in the company’s own innovative strength.
