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
The founding
"Cooperation means setting requirements and growing together. Or, as my father used to say, 'Not making demands is laziness.' To this day, this attitude remains the driving force behind trust, performance and sustainable progress." - Björn Schütte
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 laid the foundation for the company, became an early 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 toilet paper and meat hooks to "Björn's crispbread".
1985
The first sanitary products
In 1985, the company reached an important milestone: it began its transition from a trading company to a sanitary specialist. The first sanitary products were launched under the Hoga brand, 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
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
The next generation
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 its continued future security.
2000
All in one card
"At the time, we put all our eggs in one basket. We took this risk quite deliberately – because we believed in the opportunities that could arise from it." - 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 manufacturing. 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
New clients and markets
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 Kirchhoff
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 cohesive portfolio and offered retailers and end customers an attractive range of products – a key moment that secured the company's long-term growth.
2014
Acquisition of Eisl and transformation into the SCHÜTTE Group
"Progress is achieved where expectations are clearly formulated and consistently pursued. This understanding has shaped the company over many years." - Björn Schütte
In 2014, SCHÜTTE took a decisive step towards the future: with the further acquisition of Eisl, the range of bathroom and kitchen products grew significantly and was expanded to include key product areas. This strengthened the company's market position and expertise in its core segments.
At the same time, SEE Holding GmbH – now the SCHÜTTE Group – was founded to ensure the strategic management of the growing corporate structure.
2015
The new company headquarters
In 2015, SCHÜTTE opened its new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Wallenhorst. The 11,000 square metres of logistics space enabled the consolidation and optimisation of all previously distributed processes, including the Iserlohn site. The new building emphasises the commitment to the future: it focuses on sustainability through a large photovoltaic system and efficient heat pumps, as well as advanced working conditions for all employees.
2017
Acquisition of MB Bad & Küche
In 2017, the acquisition of MB Bad & Küche enabled a further step towards completing the portfolio. The extensive range of bathroom and kitchen products strengthened SCHÜTTE's competitiveness in a sustainable manner.
2020
Wasserwerk
In 2020, SCHÜTTE launched its own premium brand, Wasserwerk – Manufactured in Germany, which showcases the company's growing manufacturing expertise. It stands for the highest quality and regional production in Wallenhorst and establishes a new tradition of craftsmanship. At the same time, sales in the USA opened up new international perspectives and strengthened the global position of the SCHÜTTE Group.
2024
Majority stakes in Luisina and Adell
2024 marked another highlight in the SCHÜTTE Group's history. With the acquisition of a majority stake in French company SCD Luisina, the product range was expanded to include high-quality kitchen sinks and complementary kitchen products, while the integration of Adell in Turkey brought additional production expertise. These expansions enrich SCHÜTTE as an international manufacturer with quality, reliability and new perspectives.
2026
50 years 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 and 50 years of the SCHÜTTE brand. The company has grown steadily since 1976, and the SCHÜTTE brand has always stood for quality and pioneering spirit in the sanitary sector. This anniversary combines the tradition of the company with the development of the brand and honours the journey they have taken together.
SCHÜTTE is sending a strong signal with its anniversary faucets "Franz" and "Joseph": they combine the company's roots with contemporary design – as a tribute to five decades and a look ahead to the next 50 years.
From 2026
Looking ahead
From 2026 onwards, SCHÜTTE will be deliberately looking ahead. With the "Brillant 50" design study, one of the company's first faucets is being reinterpreted and transformed into a modern design language. The unique design shows how tradition and progress merge and how the brand is shaping its path for the future.
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.