Tradition that paves the way for innovation
More than 100 years ago, Heinrich Schulte I decided to become self-employed and founded the company that still bears his name today. In the early years, bird cages were the main focus before the company developed its expertise in sanitary fittings. He was followed by his son and later his grandson, who continued to develop the business.
Our history is shaped by craftsmanship and continuous development. Over more than a century, this has created expertise that today extends from product development and in-house manufacturing to surface finishing and quality assurance.
For heinrichschulte, tradition therefore does not mean holding on to the past. It provides the foundation for the continued development of new technologies, modern production processes and products with a long-term perspective. As a family-run company, heinrichschulte combines established values with long-term thinking and responsible decision-making. Our guiding principle of Enkelfähigkeit – Thinking in Generations – reflects this approach: shaping progress in a way that allows future generations to build on what we create today.
The history of heinrichschulte
1921
Heinrich Schulte I. founded the company as it is known today in 1921. The first products were birdcages. Production was set up right next to the family home on the Aumes (Iserlohn, Germany).
1950
Mr. Heinrich Schulte with the office staff.
1950
The extension at the Aeumes in 1950 marked an important step in the site’s growth. In doing so, heinrichschulte remained true to its roots whilst at the same time laying the foundations for more efficient production.
1953
Following the extension and renovation work, the company now comprises several buildings surrounding the family home.
1956
These photographs from 1956 show the people behind the company. They feature colleagues from that time working in the foundry, soldering shop, electroplating shop, assembly and dispatch departments, as well as the office and the department heads in the sales department. With their craftsmanship, personal dedication and strong team spirit, they laid the foundations for the further development of heinrichschulte.
1957
In 1957, heinrichschulte exhibited at the Sanitary and Heating Technology Trade Fair in Düsseldorf. This participation demonstrates that the company sought to engage with the industry from an early stage and raised the profile of its products beyond its own premises.
1960
In 1960, craftsmanship and robust machinery characterised production at heinrichschulte. In the foundry, components were cast from molten metal and then precision-machined on the production line. Experience, attention to detail and the personal commitment of the staff formed the basis for durable fittings and reliable manufacturing quality.
1975
In 1975, the product range was significantly expanded. In addition to washbasin, bath, shower and kitchen taps, the focus also shifted to control elements for limiting water flow and temperature, as well as concealed solutions.
As a result, heinrichschulte evolved from a traditional tap manufacturer into a provider of sophisticated water technology. Visible design and invisible functionality were increasingly integrated – in front of the wall, behind the wall and in everyday use.
1990
Impressions from the SHK Essen trade fair in 1990.
1991
The 1991 Spring Fair in Leipzig was marked by the economic upheaval following German reunification. For heinrichschulte, it was a special opportunity, as a West German fittings manufacturer, to raise its profile in a newly opened market and to seek direct dialogue with specialist customers, the trade and new partners.
At that time, Leipzig was more than just a trade fair venue. The fair combined tradition, a spirit of renewal and reorientation – and thus became an important venue for encounters between East and West, for new business relationships and for the growing significance of the unified German markets.
1992
Our first show truck was built between September and December 1992. A fully-fledged exhibition area, complete with a separate meeting room, was set up inside the trailer. We took this mobile exhibition to the SHK Essen trade fair.
From 2004
In 2004, heinrichschulte became part of the de Gruyter/Stach Group. With this acquisition, the company was integrated into a strong, family-run business group.
For heinrichschulte, this move brings support, industrial breadth and new opportunities in development, manufacturing and market development. The brand retains its independent character whilst gaining strength through shared expertise.
2009
In 2009, the company’s vertical integration was further expanded through the acquisition of the former g.t.s. Galvanotechnik GmbH. Electroplating facilities, automatic grinding and polishing machines, and industrial surface treatment processes strengthened the company’s expertise in the finishing of fittings.
This step is a key component of our current production strength. After all, quality is not merely a result of the finished product, but is built into every stage of the process that influences the surface finish, function and durability.
2010
In 2010, an additional site was acquired in the Iserlohn-Sümmern industrial estate. With new space for warehousing, offices, staff rooms and modern production facilities, further scope for growth and long-term viability was created.
This expansion demonstrates that heinrichschulte consistently combines loyalty to its location with development. Investments in premises and production facilities continue to form the basis for quality, delivery reliability and industrial strength to this day.
2021
With the integration of Covello GmbH in 2021, another key element of vertical integration was added to the group. Grinding and polishing are crucial steps in achieving high-quality fittings surfaces.
In this way, heinrichschulte is strengthening its expertise in the areas where quality can be seen and felt. A surface is not merely a finishing touch, but an expression of precision, experience and care throughout the entire manufacturing process.
2022
2022 marks a technological milestone of great significance with the patent for a chromium(III)-based chrome plating process. Against the backdrop of European regulations on chromium(VI) compounds, this development exemplifies innovation and responsibility.
For heinrichschulte, this is not merely about a new process. It is about sustainable surfaces, safe processes and responsibility towards the people who work in production every day.
2022
The strategic investment in LUEG Drehtechnik GmbH has enabled us to significantly expand our vertical integration for heinrichschulte and the entire group. Furthermore, the company is located not far from our two plants in Iserlohn, which allows us to further concentrate our expertise.
2023
Also in 2023, a ‘Made in Germany’ hand shower production line was acquired and integrated into the factories. In doing so, heinrichschulte is reinforcing its commitment to further developing key product groups through its own German manufacturing operations.
This integration not only expands the product range but also enhances industrial expertise. From components to the finished product, it provides greater control over quality, functionality and suitability for everyday use.
2024
In 2024, the integration of NIL’s grinding and polishing equipment marked a further step towards consolidating expertise in surface finishing. Equipment, experience and process knowledge were brought together, strengthening the industrial base. For heinrichschulte, this means added assurance of consistent quality in high-quality surfaces. Particularly in the case of fittings, this precision determines the feel, appearance and durability of the product.
2025
The new flush-mounted box was launched in 2025. It embodies modern bathroom design, reliable technical installation and sophisticated plumbing technology concealed behind the wall. The flush-mounted box demonstrates that innovation often begins where it is no longer visible later on. Its compact design, flexible application and reliable technology combine to create a solution that offers greater comfort and control.
2025
With its new Made in Germany shower range, heinrichschulte set a clear signal in 2025 for product expertise backed by in-house manufacturing. The new products combine water comfort, everyday usability and a clear commitment to quality with German manufacturing expertise.
This makes the shower segment another important element of the brand’s strategic development. heinrichschulte is not only continuing to develop individual products, but also systematically expanding its existing areas of expertise.
2026
In 2026, the new electroplating facility will commence operations and become a central technological element within the corporate group. It brings together surface expertise, modern manufacturing technologies and automated processes, creating additional opportunities for coordinated production workflows and the continued development of finishing capabilities.
The commissioning also reflects heinrichschulte’s long-term investment in manufacturing in Germany. Experience, technology and a high level of vertical integration provide the foundation for the continued development of key processes and for maintaining a consistent quality approach across important stages of the value chain.
Mai 2026
In May 2026, heinrichschulte received the DVGW Certificate of Conformity for Hygiene under System 1+. For products that come into contact with drinking water, this is a particularly important certification, as it is not only functionality and quality that count here, but also the hygienic suitability of the materials and components used.
System 1+ stands for a particularly robust certificate of conformity, involving external assessment and third-party monitoring. For heinrichschulte, this certification is further proof that responsibility for water technology begins right from the stage of material selection, the manufacturing process and drinking water hygiene.
Vision 2035 – A future built on our own strengths
As a family-run business, we are consistently developing our manufacturing in Germany – through long-term investment, qualified employees and responsibility for future generations.
Our vision extends beyond the year 2035. heinrichschulte thinks in generations and pursues the goal of strengthening and further expanding manufacturing in Germany over the long term. Investments in modern production facilities, surface technology, quality assurance and high-performing sites provide the foundation for retaining key expertise within the company and securing jobs in Germany for the long term.
For us, technical progress and the experience of our employees belong together. Through vocational training, continuous professional development and the transfer of specialist knowledge, we create opportunities for young people and systematically develop existing expertise. Modern systems for documentation, production planning, master data and digital building models support transparent processes, well-founded decisions and the continuous development of our operations. People remain a decisive factor in quality, development and manufacturing.
We also take environmental requirements into account as we continue to develop our products and processes. Investments in modern surface technology, the further development of our production processes and robust environmental information are important building blocks in this approach. heinrichschulte is working on Environmental Product Declarations – EPDs – which are intended to provide structured information on the environmental impacts of the products concerned and to support informed building and product planning in the future.
Enkelfähigkeit – Thinking in Generations – is our guiding principle for long-term corporate stewardship. For heinrichschulte, this means considering economic resilience, the continued development of our operational processes and social responsibility together, with future generations in mind. Through long-term investment, the expertise of our employees and the continued development of our manufacturing capabilities, we are creating the foundation for advancing our family-run company and our Made in Germany production for generations to come.
