Häfele hit a major milestone in 2023, celebrating 100 years of innovation and growth. That was only the start…
A centur y of innovation… and counting
What started as a small joiner y shop in Württemberg, Germany, back in 1923 has blossomed into a global company with over 8,000 employees and nearly two billion Euros in annual revenue. Yet this centenar y isn’t just a nod to the past; it’s a springboard into the future as Häfele continues to push boundaries with new ideas and products.
From the beginning, Häfele has always put its customers first, focusing on creating products that solve real problems One of the company ’ s game-changers was the Minifix connector system, launched in 1983 B efore Minifix, assembling f lat-pack furniture was a hassle, involving glue and dowels But with Minifix, assembly became quicker, easier, and much more precise
The success of Minifix speaks for itself
Häfele’s B erlin factor y churns out 3 2 million of these connectors ever y day This kind of innovation isn’t just about making things easier ; it’s about setting new standards in the industr y
Fast for ward to today, and Häfele is still riding that wave of innovation. The
company marked its centenar y with a host of new products and ser vices designed to meet the needs of today’s tradespeople, architects, and furniture designers
A standout example is the Flex Lighting System, a f lexible lighting system that can bend around corners, which means no more dark corners underneath cabinets Whether it’s under a worktop, along a splashback, or a plinth, Flex Lighting offers a modern and versatile lighting solution that’s as practical as it is stylish What’s more, this new lighting system can be retrofitted, making cabinet lighting quicker and easier for the installer
Häfele’s knack for innovation isn’t just about keeping up with the market it’s about staying ahead of it, too The company invests heavily in research and development, always looking for the next big thing
Recently, Häfele’s market research revealed a growing demand for f lexible and functional living spaces, especially after the shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This insight has fuelled the
creation of products and ser vices that cater to these changing needs, ensuring that Häfele’s offerings remain relevant and valuable
Looking to the future, Häfele isn’t slowing down. Since marking its centenar y in late 2023, the company has made bold strategic moves, including a recent partnership with Samsung to supply its major domestic appliances (MDA) to the KBB and merchant sectors Häfele has also heavily invested in Samsung stock, enabling it to offer a market-leading 48-hour deliver y
As Häfele embarks on the next 100 years, the company is more committed than ever to driving for ward with innovation and staying tuned in to what its customers need With a centur y of success behind it, Häfele is poised to keep leading the way in the furniture construction industr y, delivering products and ser vices that maximise the value of space.
n For more information, visit www.hafele.co.uk
Lee Dicey, Chief Commercial Officer at Häfele UK, describes how Service+ can support merchants and their customers.
Support with Ser vice+
As merchants know all too well, the building industr y faces a skills shortage with many tradespeople hard-pushed to find enough skilled labour to meet demand is means, like you, we need to do all we can to make their working lives more manageable
In response, last year, we developed Ser vice+, a suite of ser vices designed to add value to our customers’ businesses from concept through to installation and beyond Ser vice+ comprises four key elements, each designed to give extra help and expertise across planning, design and customisation
By taking the strain from tradespeople, Service+ allows them to focus on delivering projects and planning for the next job However, it also provides a way for merchants to offer added value to their customers and removes the time and service pressures you might be feeling at the trade counter
Knowledge base
Service+ Knowledge connects tradespeople with Häfele’s in-house experts who can support them with technical product advice and support Using their experience, the team helps customers maximise Häfele products and services to meet their needs and identify additional time and profit-enhancing opportunities to develop their business
e Ser vice+ Knowledge team can also signpost customers to the Häfele Academy
for training courses and workshops
Alternatively, where there’s demand, we can bring training directly to your yard via our specially designed training vehicles, such as our mobile Loox lighting showroom
Planning support Service+ Planning provides planning and specification advice during the design stage to ensure trades are choosing the right products for the right application Whether it’s an integrated lighting design to illuminate a new kitchen or advice on which sliding door mechanism to use, our technical experts will create personalised recommendations, along with ready-to-order parts lists, installation advice, and instructions to help streamline the process
is ser vice is offered free of charge by Häfele UK and it something we ’ ve become known for by our customers
Complete customisation
Service+ Customised offers a wide range of custom-manufactured solutions, including bespoke timber and assembled drawers, customised worktops, component packing solutions and cut to length track and rail Ser vice+ Customised also works particularly well with our Lighting Design Ser vice, taking a bespoke lighting plan and supplying all the lighting elements tested and cut to size, packed and labelled as relevant.
Supporting showrooms
e final element of our enhanced offer is Ser vice+ Assist, providing ongoing technical support pre- and post-sale, including repairs, maintenance and advice during business hours rough Ser vice+ Assist, merchants can also get help with showroom or installation demonstrations to improve conversion on display products, or aer-sales support to offer peace of mind to purchasers.
n Find out how Service+ can support you and your customers at www.hafele.co.uk/service
Kitchens have undergone significant transformation in recent years, reflecting broader changes in how we live, work and use our homes. Rachel Tuckey, Chief Product and Marketing Officer from Häfele UK, explores the latest trends, including AI, and what they mean for the kitchens of tomorrow.
The future of kitchens
Like many aspects of our lives, the pandemic dramatically reshaped our kitchens With the sudden shift to remote work, kitchens quickly became multifunctional spaces.
While many people have since returned to traditional office settings at least part time, the demand for kitchens that can ser ve multiple functions remains strong In our research (conducted in 2023), over a third of homeowners (38%) said they use their kitchens for several purposes other than cooking, but there’s not enough space to do ever ything
To stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving role of the kitchen, we ’ ve introduced several innovative products and new technologies. Sliding door systems like the Hawa Concepta III range allow homeowners to partition off areas easily, creating private workspaces that can be hidden when not in use, as well as sliding doors that block out sound
Lighting also plays a crucial role in multifunctional spaces Layered lighting, which combines accent, task, and ambient lighting, allows homeowners to tailor their
kitchen’s atmosphere to different activities, whether it’s cooking, working, or relaxing Smart LED options like our Loox lighting system allow this adaptability at the touch of a button using pre-programmed schemes.
Smarter spaces
As kitchens continue to evolve, this trend leaning towards smarter spaces will only increase Already, we ’ re seeing how technolog y is being used in the kitchen,
moving from the reactive to the proactive and not only responding to commands but anticipating user needs
In kitchens, smart connectivity is becoming a standard feature in products ranging from lighting and sound systems, to ovens and dishwashers Smart refrigerators, for example, can suggest recipes based on available items, and create grocer y lists based on what’s already been used The newest washing machines are already
optimising detergent use based on load weight and cycle needs, and innovative refrigerators can monitor expiration dates to minimise food waste, highlighting how AI can provide extra functionality and environmental benefits
As consumers become more knowledgeable about AI, they see its potential to enhance daily convenience and energ y efficiency In fact, in our recent Homes for Living report, we found that nearly 12% of homeowners listed smart and
Intelligent design in action
ZUMA
Now available from Häfele, Zuma is an LED light and a HiFi speaker system, intelligently paired inside a single downlight Helping to simplify designs and spaces, Zuma eliminates the need for multiple smart devices, cables, plugs, and sockets The innovative product is housed inside an ultracompact downlight unit, which is easy to install It can also be retrofitted into existing fixtures, using current lighting circuits and switches
Wi-Fi, voice and Bluetooth enabled, Apple and Android compatible, and IP65 Rated, it is one of the most advanced smart home tech products available on the market today
AI FROM SAMSUNG
Earlier this year, Häfele partnered with Samsung to supply its major domestic appliances (MDA) to merchant and KBB sectors
Samsung offers Bespoke AI appliances across its cooking, refrigeration and laundry range helping homeowners live more efficiently and conveniently Taking advantage of Häfele’s robust logistics support, Samsung products are available on 48hour delivery, helping merchants ensure efficient supply to their trade customers, plus there’s comprehensive online and in person training and a range of POS to support sales
HAWA CONCEPTA III
Hawa Concepta III makes installing and adjusting slide and pivot doors
Wi-Fi-enabled appliances among the top ten most desired items for their next kitchen
To translate this awareness to in-branch sales, training is crucial. Having someone who can confidentially demonstrate and talk about connectivity and its benefits using real-life examples such as cost savings through reduced food waste or increased energ y efficiency is a powerful tool
To support this, Häfele, through its partnerships with Smeg and Samsung, has built a robust training offer including in-branch support via our on-the-ground team and online training, which is a great way to top up knowledge with ease and convenience
quicker and easier than ever Thanks to a high degree of pre-assembly and an in-built intuitive and accessible adjustment system, it is almost as easy to fit as it is to operate Plus, with the technology hidden inside the panels, it makes for a sleek and modern finish
SPONSORED SUPPLEMENT
Driving forward with innovat ion
Exploring some of the latest products from Häfele…
EGLO
A wide selection of products from EGLO’s affordable luxury range will now be available from Häfele, including decorative pendants, ceiling and wall lights, downlights, bathroom lighting, track lighting and LED ceiling fans
EGLO’s products are inherently trend-led, enabling customers to add personality and visual interest to their spaces through decorative lighting Pendants and ceiling lights are available in a mix of unique shapes and finishes, with a collection of vintage, art-deco, geometric and retro-inspired pieces Certain fixtures tap into sustainable and biophilic design, while finishes including matt black, gleaming brass and coloured glass enable customers with any taste to select their own statement piece
Adding EGLO to its portfolio enables Häfele to support the industry with ‘whole house’ lighting range, having previously been recognised as a leader in LED and furniture lighting solutions. The EGLO products now available from Häfele will enable customers to purchase cost-effective lighting solutions for multiple applications from one source, with a selection of the range also suitable for commercial environments, including offices and retail and leisure spaces
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NEW ALUSPLASH STYLES
Häfele UK has expanded its AluSplash range with a selection of new colours from the Essenza collection Inspired by the grandeur of space, the collection includes Supernova; Neutron; Milkyway, and Eclipse
Exclusively distributed by Häfele in the UK, AluSplash is a practical, hassle-free alternative to tiles It also takes a third of the time for installation, and it can be fitted with minimal training and standard tools.
AluSplash is available in pre-cut sizes, including 3050mm and a new 750mm length, and can be v-grooved around corners and easily cut for sockets Its flame-resistant aluminium surface and fireresistant core make it suitable for use behind all hobs, ensuring a seamless, easy-to-clean surface
GET A HANDLE
Häfele has further strengthened its suite of sales resources with an updated Decorative Handles brochure Featuring the latest collections, trends and finishes from across the globe, the new brochure is an inspiring visual guide and sales aid for merchants and kitchen fitters to use with their customers.
The stunning brochure condenses the company’s range of 1,500 high quality handles into 38 stunning collections of new, trend-led and popular products, many of which are available exclusively from Häfele
New additions include Omnia, featuring a captivating combination of concentric detailing and a sleek central slimmed profile, and Palladium, a delicate, art deco-inspired design with stepping detail for depth and sophistication Well-loved designs include Graf, a contemporary textured mesh-like handle, and Crawford, the perfect accompaniment to country-style kitchens and shaker doors
To inspire customers, many of the handle collections are paired with aspirational room set photography to demonstrate how the hardware can complement and enhance a range of cabinetry styles
