Today, Villeroy & Boch is synonymous with quality, upmarket aesthetics, with forward-looking ideas and techniques for ceramics. Combined with an unmistakable feeling for design, which is simultaneously revolutionary and yet timeless. Establishing Villeroy & Boch as a premium brand with a global reputation that spans nearly three centuries and in over 125 countries.
Starting off as simple a craft business founded in 1748 and transforming into an international group, Villeroy & Boch has evolved from a production-oriented ceramicist to a world-renowned lifestyle provider. To celebrate 275 years of excellence and innovation, embark with us on a journey through time to the defining moments in history that transformed the company into the global brand we see today.
1700: A WORLD COMPANY EMERGES
Starting from humble beginnings as a family-owned business back in 1748. François Boch and his three sons opened a pottery workshop in Audun-le-Tiche, in the Lorraine region, marking the birth of Villeroy & Boch.
By 1791, François Boch’s son Pierre-Joseph takes over the family business and transforms it into a regional success with Luxembourg becoming one of their ‘initial’ sales markets. Around the same time, businessman Nicolas Villeroy acquires an earthenware factory in Vaudrevange, which is today called the Wallerfangen.
1800: FROM METTLACH TO THE WHOLE WORLD
Fast-forward to 1836 and the entrepreneurs Boch and Villeroy finally meet. In order to exist in Europe's economic framework, particularly alongside the dominant English industry, the two entrepreneurs agree to merge. Combining the strengths of both businesses from creative talent, to entrepreneurial spirit, to innovative power, and production capacity — this merger singlehandedly transformed Villeroy & Boch into a global brand in the 19th century.
Throughout the century, Villeroy & Boch continue to establish itself as a household name in ceramics. Having designed a full range concept, which has become an integral component of Villeroy & Boch’s corporate strategy today, to designing the floor mosaic of the Cologne Cathedral.
Villeroy & Boch went from strength to strength, until 1899 when the company began large-scale production of bathtubs and toilets. This breakthrough was achieved thanks to an innovation during the production process that allowed bathroom furnishings to become more affordable to the average home. Thus, becoming an important development towards democratising bathing and hygiene.
1900: BETWEEN WORLD WARS, INNOVATIONS AND EXPANSION
Throughout the 20th century, Villeroy & Boch managed to survive two World Wars and recover while producing a wide variety of porcelain sets. In 1971, Villeroy & Boch make their first large-scale shipment of crockery outbound towards Japan. At the same time, exports to the USA are stepped up, truly establishing themselves as a global brand.
In 1982, Villeroy & Boch undergoes a major restructuring. The company was divided into three divisions: Tiles, Sanitary Ware and Tableware/Crystal. By using this "single source" strategy, Villeroy & Boch was able to respond to the requirements and wishes of its market partners in the retail, trade and commercial sectors promptly, flexibly and with a close focus on customer needs.
Following the restructuring, strategic reorientation and the conversion of Villeroy & Boch KG into a public limited company, the company starts trading on the stock exchange in 1990. This step marked the beginning of a new phase of opening up towards capital markets.
2000: TAKING NEW PATHS IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
In 2004, a branch of the Bathroom and Wellness Division is opened in Shanghai for the purpose of developing the Chinese market. China's brand-oriented consumers enjoy a high level of purchasing power and hold great potential for Villeroy & Boch. This branch represents a further step towards developing the company's position in major global growth markets.
Truly entering the golden era of the company's rich history. In 2005, Villeroy & Boch receives the German Business Innovation Award in the "medium-sized business category" for the design and production technique of its NewWave cup. This award confirms a corporate strategy in which innovative activity holds a key position for international market success and brand image.
Again in 2007, Villeroy & Boch undergoes another restructuring after 51% of Villeroy & Boch is sold to Eczacibasi – a highly-competitive Turkish industrial group. Where chairman, Wendelin Boch, is succeeded by Frank Göring. In the following year in 2008, Villeroy & Boch continues its strategy of internationalisation by purchasing Nahm Sanitaryware Co. Ltd. in Bangkok. This allowed Villeroy & Boch to establish an efficient platform that could tap into the various markets in Asia.
Over a decade after the restructuring, Villeroy & Boch were able to make various technological advancements and innovations within this period. From bringing a new generation of toilets to the world with the DirectFlush system to a new milestone in ceramics research with TitanCeram. Villeroy & Boch's crowning achievement came in 2018 with the completion of Factory N°09.
Today, the only reminder of the incarnation of these former warehouse and production premises is the name Factory N°09. With its diverse spectrum of working spaces, the new building has broken away from conventional office structures: about 4,000 square metres provide a tailored workspace for each activity.
Finally, in 2022, Villeroy & Boch is honoured for its exemplary innovative work as one of the "TOP 100 Innovators" in the German SME sector.
Touching upon only a fraction of the company’s rich history, Villeroy & Boch has always stood for quality and sophistication above all else. Since 1748, it has always been Villeroy & Boch's ambition to design our homes in order to enjoy life's moments. "Creating Homes" means more than furnishing a house. "Creating Homes" means realising one's personal ideas, one's own lifestyle and feeling at home. Here’s to 275 years of "Creating Homes".
