Today, Nolte is one of the world’s largest makers
of modular Kitchens and Bedrooms. The second largest kitchen brand in Europe
and present in over 55 countries, Nolte has over 3000 employees and more than
20000 retail points spread across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. Over
1000 customised Kitchens and 2500 metres of Wardrobes are crafted to perfection
every day. But whatever we are today, we owe to a visionary and ambitious man
who took a direction others wouldn’t.
Let’s look at the milestones in the history
of Nolte that reinforced the brand to be the leading producers of fitted
kitchens and bedrooms and set the benchmark for the furniture industry.
1923. There’s a saying that journey of a
thousand miles begins with one step and that’s how our founder George Nolte
started out too. The hardships of the World War I were unimaginable that
Europe’s economic and industrial supremacy was uncertain and finding steady
work was difficult. Amidst the disarray, a few forward thinking individuals
began industries where many were ending. One of them was George Nolte. In 1923,
in a small town called Rheda, Germany, Nolte began a factory that made
polishing disks and cleaning materials.
At the turn of the decade, sensing the opportunity for quality furniture
he had a two plants in Delbruck and Brilon. From a construction worker, he
followed his instincts and passion to become the company founder that shaped
the world of furniture forever.
In 1932, the living room and bedroom
furniture were manufactured at a small furniture factory in Delbrück. A second
factory was then founded in Brilon in 1937. Both the production units
unlocked the doors to innovative designs. These designs went on to grace stately
mansions in Germany. Georg Nolte's eldest son Konrad learned production-line
manufacturing from Ferdinand Porsche during his time at the Volkswagen plant.
This inspired a vision.
The advent of the World War II, saw the
stability of Europe shaken once again, Konrad Nolte succeeded his father at the
realm of business and recognized very early the potential of supplying quality
furniture to those with sophisticated taste. In 1945, he took over the
company’s management in Rheda.
In 1947, he affiliated plywood and
chipboard plants. Further this enabled him to realise his idea of becoming the
first furniture producer to introduce production line techniques. His
pioneering efforts revolutionized the entire furniture industry worldwide and
forever. Nolte as a brand is very proud of this achievement for being the first
furniture manufacturer to introduce assembly lines in our factories.
 |
| In 1962, Nolte's Germersheim plant became Europe’s longest furniture factory with a production line of 768 meters long. |
By the 1950’s things were looking bright.
Europe was enjoying the fruit of the new industrial revolution. Apart from
business, entertainment and art group, Germany became synonymous with
manufacturing. In the wake of all this, Nolte diversified. In 1955, a factory
was set up in Germersheim, a small town near Frankfurt to produce bedrooms.
This was followed by another in Loehne in 1960 exclusively for kitchens. Thus
was born the new direction of Nolte. In 1960, Nolte's fleet were a regular sight
on the Autobahns in Germany.
The core element in Nolte’s bedroom and
kitchen business is chipboard, which is produced in its very own backyard. This makes Nolte one of the few fully
integrated furniture companies. New technology, techniques, and processes in
manufacturing are constantly created and added to the backbone of the system
that produces thousands of pieces of furniture. In Germersheim alone, 23,350
sqmts of chipboard and 3500 metres of wall units are produced everyday. While
in Lohne 6700 complete kitchen pieces made of 70,000 parts leave the factory
daily. Nolte quality is a benchmark in the industry. Quality is not tested in
the product but exists at every point in the production system. In 1993, Nolte
received the golden M for quality as the member of the German furniture product
association. Along with WKI, Nolte developed an internationally competitive
process to recycle used furniture into chipboard that delivers not only high
performance and versatility but also environmental safety. This and Nolte’s
practised environmental policy was recognized when it was awarded the blue
angel designing products that are ecologically safe and waste free.
Product design is directed by ergonomic
research and practical insights into people’s need and various markets around
the world. In all its products Nolte offers a world of choice, whether its
style, size or features. From the latest in high tech gadgetry to the latest in
contemporary finishes. Nolte means exquisite furniture that stand out for their
quality, style and convenience.
In the last 50 years, there were many changes
but none such as this. Going against norms, Nolte introduced a revolutionary
new kitchen design system that brings style and functionality closer together than
ever before.
Trendsetting innovation is also evident in
wardrobes. With new designs, locking systems and lofty heights was developed especially
for those who were in need for them. Adding to its manufacturing strength is
Nolte’s own logistics company. With the state-of-the-art fleet that helped
reach its furniture to customers all over the world.
In the last decade, with the dynamic and
charismatic Georg Nolte as its chairman, Nolte has surged ahead. With the
acquisition of key companies in various categories of furniture, Nolte today
produces more than just bedrooms and kitchens for homes. In 2005, Nolte
launched the exclusive bedroom collection for one of Europe’s most reputed
fashion brands, called Joop living. The collection spreads class and
exclusivity and inherits the core essence that is seen in all Nolte home
furniture.
 |
| Milestones of Nolte |
2006. Nolte Home Studio reached Indian
shores opening its first Home Studio in Bangalore. Connoisseurs applauded the
revolutionary Matrix 150 kitchen. They welcomed the 'adapted for India'
wardrobe designs. Nolte later expanded, with showrooms across Baroda,
Hyderabad, Kochi, Ludhiana, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, and Surat. In the same
year Nolte also won the Red Dot Design award.
In 2009, Nolte introduced Express Kitchens
in Melle and in the same year as proof of our sustainable forestry management
practices, Nolte was awarded the FSC and PEFC certificates.
Nolte’s efforts revolutionized the entire
furniture industry. Be it innovation, technology, or uncompromising quality and
service- it all begins with successful design and ends with our working
philosophy.
No comments:
Post a Comment