Brief presentation of Villeroy & Boch

It’s those special moments that life is all about. Reflecting this philosophy, Villeroy & Boch adds a decorative touch to its customers’ living environments and meets the most discerning standards. Villeroy & Boch combines a sense of heritage with an innovative outlook and stands for class and sophistication. Since its foundation in 1748, the company has developed into one of the world’s leading ceramic producers and a distinctive life-style brand. Villeroy & Boch’s activities are divided into the Bathroom and Wellness as well as Dining & Lifestyle Divisions, and the company offers products for domestic use as well as for project work and the commercial sector.

Villeroy & Boch views the words Bathroom and Wellness as being intrinsically linked - because premium products transform bathrooms into well-being oases in which you can recharge your batteries every day. The Bathroom and Wellness Division’s portfolio encompasses the full spectrum of products required to create comfortable bathrooms: from high-quality ceramics to beautifully crafted baths, exclusive whirlpool tubs, clever shower systems and innovative installation technology. Tasteful bathroom furniture, mirrors and a range of taps and fittings add the finishing touches.

The Dining & Lifestyle concept illustrates Villeroy & Boch’s commitment to offering much more than conventional crockery. This guiding principle is anchored in the eventful history of a company that has designed unique washing vessels for royal households and Popes and that supplies world-famous hotels and restaurants. The company has also made a significant contribution towards bringing tableware culture to the wider market. With effect from 1 January 2021, Villeroy & Boch has renamed its Tableware Division as Dining & Lifestyle. The new name reflects the changes within the Division. Villeroy & Boch already offers much more than tableware in this area, and the product portfolio has become more diverse. The products now not only embellish the table and dining table, but also turn the entire home into something special. They are also increasingly accompanying people outside the home. Because with porcelain from Villeroy & Boch, you are perfectly equipped even when you are out and about and feel a little bit like you are at home. The Division produces high-quality and attractive products designed to create stylish table settings: crockery, cutlery, glasses and table decorations, gift ideas, home accessories and sophisticated special tableware inspired by international food trends.

Villeroy & Boch is also present in the Kitchen sector with its premium ceramic sinks. From tableware to bathroom or kitchen products, this robust material is distinguished not only by its resistance to knocks and impacts, but also by its special hygiene properties. Villeroy & Boch takes advantage of the benefits of this premium material for its sinks and creates stylish products.

A success story! Villeroy & Boch's distinctive signature consists of a combination of imaginative and tasteful designs, innovative materials and technical expertise. In the mid-19th century, the company was already expanding beyond Europe into America, China and Russia and making a significant contribution towards bringing tableware and bathroom culture to the wider market. Many design and innovation prizes testify to the continuous development of this premium brand that is now setting new standards in product development and the digitalisation of areas including distribution channels.

From Mettlach to the whole world! Villeroy & Boch’s headquarters is the Old Abbey in Mettlach, Germany, from where it controls 13 production sites in Europe and Thailand. A total of around 7,100 employees develop, design and produce premium ceramic products for markets in 125 countries. At the Global Academy, the company’s in-house training facility at its head office, employees are prepared to address the latest developments in the sector and meet future requirements. As an employer, the company offers modern working environments, personal development opportunities and exciting career prospects.

The Chairman of the Villeroy & Boch AG Management Board is Frank Göring. Georg Lörz is responsible for the Bathroom and Wellness Division and Gabi Schupp is head of the Dining & Lifestyle Division. Dr. Markus Warncke is CFO. In 2020, the joint-stock company recorded a turnover of around € 800.9 million, of which € 539.1 million was generated by the Bathroom and Wellness Division and € 259.2 million by the Dining & Lifestyle Division.

A sustainable approach to innovation! Villeroy & Boch is aware of its responsibility and the company therefore places great emphasis on sustainability, environmental friendliness and efficient use of resources in its production operations and beyond. Since 2013, production sites such as Merzig and Torgau have met the EMAS environmental standard - based on strict European criteria - and are also certified according to ISO 14001.

The development of sustainable products is another focus of the group's environmental management policy. One example is the DirectFlush toilet with a flush volume of just 3 to 4.5 litres, which is setting new standards in environmental friendliness and efficiency - with no loss in performance, thanks to an ideal flushing system. Villeroy & Boch’s product portfolio also includes water-saving urinals with a flush volume of just 0.8 litres.

Inventive spirit! Villeroy & Boch is regarded as a trailblazing innovator in the sector. Pioneering achievements across the sector also include the easy-care CeramicPlus ceramic surface and the innovative Quaryl® material made from acrylic and quartz which allows the production of very precise edges to create exceptional shapes.