With Courage and Innovation to a Global Player
When Hans Grohe founded his own company with two employees in the Black Forest town of Schiltach in 1901, the way in which his company would evolve was still written in the stars. But he has the passion and courage to change things and break new ground. It is Hans Grohe who created the basis for the company’s global economic development.
Family Business with a Global Vision
Even as a young craftsman, Hans Grohe gained experience in various regions and countries, which shaped his entrepreneurial attitude. He is not only an ingenious developer of products, but also a creative mind in sales and export. He recognized opportunities in foreign markets early on. In this way, it ensured the survival of the company in times of crisis and laid the foundation for Hansgrohe’s international growth.
Internationalization as a Recipe for Success
As early as 1907, Hans Grohe ventured abroad and delivered his products to Amsterdam and later to Switzerland. In the 1920s, when the German market was weakening, he courageously focused on exports. Personal trips to Holland, Scandinavia and other countries lead to new business relationships. In 1926, the first export merchant was hired to strengthen international sales. In the 1930s, the company built up an international network of representatives, including in North Africa, Palestine and Syria. In 1933, the product catalogue was published in several languages – a novelty. Five years later, 21 representatives are employed by Hansgrohe at home and abroad.
Even after the war, the focus remained on international sales. After the death of his father, Hans Grohe Jr. continued the international business. In 1956, Hansgrohe exported products to the United States of America for the first time and presented itself at foreign trade fairs in Barcelona and Paris, and later also in Milan and Tehran. The international customer base grows steadily. By 1967, Hansgrohe was already exporting to 40 countries.
The Next Generation and the Global Expansion
By the end of the 1970s, Klaus Grohe takes over the management. Like his father, he is curious, courageous and internationally oriented. He travels a lot, learns languages and makes contacts worldwide.
Klaus Grohe consistently drives forward the internationalization of Hansgrohe: Wholly-owned sales companies are established in France, Spain, Italy, the United States of America and other countries.
In 1995, the factory in Atlanta, became the first foreign production facility, followed by locations in France, Poland, China and The Netherlands. In 1978, the export share was over 40%, and Hansgrohe sold to 50 countries.
Subsidiaries, Exhibitions, and WaterStudios
With the establishment of subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, America and Africa, Hansgrohe evolved from an export company into an international company in the early 1990s. Branches are established in metropolises such as Turino, Vienna, London, Shanghai, Atlanta, Buenos Aires, Moscow, Johannesburg and Mexico City. The Hansgrohe local teams are responsible for sales, sales promotion and customer-specific measures in their country.
Showrooms and WaterStudios in cities such as Paris, London, Berlin, Milan, Mumbai, Shanghai and Lisbon make innovation and design come alive.
Open-Minded Spirit as a Growth Engine
The open-minded spirit, especially of Klaus Grohe, becomes the engine of growth. His company’s success is based on an open mentality. For him, the workforce is family – and at the same time part of a worldwide community. Common values and exchange across borders shape the corporate culture. The Hansgrohe spirit is carried from Schiltach to all subsidiaries.
International marketing and sales events, as well as trade fairs and events, promote the close cooperation of the global team.
International Markets as the Key to Success
In 2025, Hansgrohe is represented by 35 subsidiaries and 22 sales offices worldwide. The AXOR and hansgrohe products are available in over 145 countries. Eight of its own production sites – four of them in Germany, one each in France, Serbia, the United States of America and China – ensure short supply chains and transport routes.
Over 70% of sales are generated abroad. The international orientation remains the key to success and ensures growth and innovative strength.
Hansgrohe develops products for global markets – and remains firmly rooted in the Black Forest.
Future from Tradition
In 2026, Hansgrohe celebrates its 125th anniversary. History shows that courage, innovation, international orientation and cooperation turn a small family business into a global player in the sanitary industry.
The Hansgrohe journey continues – with new markets, sustainable solutions and the goal of making water and design a global experience.
