50 years of SCHÜTTE.
50 years in our element.
Quality that simply works.
Half a century of SCHÜTTE
Since 1976, our products have been part of many people's everyday lives – reliable, functional and with a clear understanding of what matters most: safe and convenient water management. Over five decades, SCHÜTTE has continuously developed, driven by experience, technical expertise and the desire to create lasting quality.
For you, this means solutions that function reliably for years and make handling water noticeably easier – then as now.
A look back at the past
1976
Founding and trade with Eastern Europe
"Ambitious goals are a key driver of growth and success. Or, as my father used to say, 'Not demanding is laziness.' To this day, this attitude continues to be the driving force behind trust, performance and sustainable progress." Björn Schütte
The founder, Franz Joseph Schütte, completed his training in his parents' retail business. The business was a classic corner shop and gave him an early understanding of goods, customers and entrepreneurial responsibility.
He then gained further experience in retail and took over the management of a branch of a larger retail chain. In the following years, he was responsible for several locations. This practical career in retail ultimately gave him the opportunity to take the step into self-employment and lay the foundation for his own company.
Franz Joseph Schütte GmbH was founded in 1976 and continued the trading tradition of Interport GmbH, which had been active in Eastern European business since 1966. International trade formed the cornerstone of the company, quickly became a growth driver and continues to shape its partnership-based, cross-border cooperation to this day. The initial product range was symbolic of commercial flexibility and courage: a broad mix of everyday and consumer goods, from wallpapering tables, toilet paper and meat hooks to "Björn's crispbread".
1985
Product range development
In 1985, the company reached an important milestone: it began its transition from a trading company to a plumbing specialist. The first plumbing products were launched under the name HOGA, derived from the terms "hobby" and "garden". The "Brillant" is still part of the range today as a timeless classic and marks the start of the company's own product expertise. At this point, Franz Joseph Schütte recognised the potential of the DIY market and set the course for the future development of the company.
1988
Expansion to Ringstraße in Hollage/Wallenhorst
1988 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company's history with the move to Ringstraße in Hollage/Wallenhorst. The larger location provided space for growing structures and laid the foundation for a phase in which the company consciously shaped its progress and consolidated its position in the long term.
1999
Björn Schütte takes over the company at the age of 26
In 1999, at the age of 26, Björn Schütte took over responsibility for the company, thereby initiating a generational change. With a clear stance, reliable commitment and a keen sense for developments, he has since shaped the company's path and provided important impetus for continuously securing its future.
2000
The first container from the Far East
"We put all our eggs in one basket back then. We took that risk quite deliberately – because we believed in the opportunities it could bring." Björn Schütte
In 2000, the company took a bold step that would have a decisive impact on its future: the first container from the Far East marked the beginning of global production. It was a courageous and consistent decision that opened up new opportunities, strengthened competitiveness and laid the foundation for the consistent further development of the company's own manufacturing expertise.
2001
Client development Discount & furniture retail
SCHÜTTE entered new markets in 2001: by entering the discount and furniture retail sectors, the company tapped into high-growth channels. Rising demand provided the impetus to expand the product range in a targeted manner – high-performance products such as hand showers and new product lines geared to customer needs consolidated the company's path.
2011
Acquisition of Wilhelm Kirchhoff GmbH
In 2011, SCHÜTTE took over the insolvent Wilhelm Kirchhoff GmbH in Iserlohn. This allowed the company to expand its range to include installation products and fittings and gain important "behind-the-wall" expertise. This decision strengthened its role as a comprehensive system provider in the sanitary trade. It created a closed portfolio and offered an attractive range of products to both retailers and end customers. This became a key moment that secured the company's long-term growth.
2014
Acquisition of Eisl and the emergence of today's SCHÜTTE Group
"Progress is achieved when goals are clearly defined and consistently pursued. This understanding continues to shape the company to this day." Björn Schütte
In 2014, SCHÜTTE took another step towards the future: with the acquisition of the Austrian company Eisl Sanitär GmbH, the range of bathroom and kitchen products grew significantly and was expanded to include key product areas such as toilet seats. This strengthened the company's market position and expertise in its core segments.
At the same time, SEE Holding GmbH was founded, from which today's SCHÜTTE Group emerged. This secured the strategic management of the steadily growing corporate structure.
2015
The new company headquarters
In 2015, SCHÜTTE opened its new headquarters in Wallenhorst. With around 11,000 square metres of logistics space, all previously distributed processes, including those at the Iserlohn site, could be bundled and made more efficient for the first time.
The new building also represents a focus on the future. It relies on sustainable energy concepts such as photovoltaics and geothermal energy and creates modern working conditions for employees.
2017
MB Bad & Küche joins the SCHÜTTE Group
In 2017, MB Bad & Küche joined the SCHÜTTE Group, marking another step towards rounding off the product range, particularly in the kitchen sector. The expanded range strengthened the company's competitiveness and customer base in the long term.
2020
Wasserwerk – Manufactured in Germany
In 2020, SCHÜTTE launched its own premium brand, Wasserwerk – Manufactured in Germany, which showcases the company's manufacturing expertise. The brand stands for high quality standards and regional production at the Wallenhorst site.
At the same time, the market entry in the USA opened up new international perspectives and strengthened the SCHÜTTE Group's position in the global environment.
2024
Majority stake in Luisina and Adell
2024 marked another important step in the SCHÜTTE Group's corporate development. With the acquisition of a majority stake in the French company SCD Luisina, the product range was expanded to include high-quality kitchen sinks and complementary kitchen products. At the same time, the integration of Adell in Turkey brought additional production expertise.
These developments strengthen SCHÜTTE as an international manufacturer and create the basis for quality, reliability and new perspectives.
2026
50th anniversary of SCHÜTTE
"Responsibility for employees, customers and the entire company is a matter close to my heart." - Björn Schütte
In 2026, SCHÜTTE will reach a special milestone: 50 years of company history. Since its foundation in 1976, SCHÜTTE has stood for continuous growth, entrepreneurial courage and the aspiration to combine quality and zeitgeist in the sanitary and kitchen sector.
This combination is reflected in the anniversary fittings "Franz" and "Joseph". They unite the roots of SCHÜTTE with contemporary design and pay homage to the founder and namesake Franz Joseph Schütte.
FRANZ & JOSEPH - our anniversary faucets
To mark our anniversary, we have developed faucets that reflect our origins and bear the name of our founder. FRANZ and JOSEPH are made of solid stainless steel – for a high-quality feel and long-lasting quality.
The difference is in the details: FRANZ has a fixed spout, while JOSEPH also offers a pull-out spout for greater flexibility in everyday use.
Any questions?
Do you have any questions about our company, our products or our anniversary? We look forward to hearing from you – regardless of whether you are contacting us as a member of the press, a retailer or an end customer.
Please use our contact form or send us an E-Mail directly.