From its initial beginnings as a small craft business in 1748 to becoming an international group, Villeroy & Boch has transformed from a production-oriented ceramicist to a comprehensive lifestyle provider.
Villeroy & Boch Celebrates 275th Anniversary
275 years of Villeroy & Boch reflect a unique company history, constantly demonstrating its resilience against the challenges of time. These challenges have stemmed from political and societal changes, the dynamism of market conditions, and the advancement of technology. New procedures, material formulations, colors, and shapes have emerged, while ceramic, as a durable natural product, remains at the core of the company.
While the founding fathers, François Boch and Nicolas Villeroy, initially had a regional focus when they merged in 1836, Villeroy & Boch has since evolved into a global player. Their first products were simple household commodities such as pots and bowls. Now, 275 years later, Villeroy & Boch employs its diverse offerings to craft holistically designed spaces and worlds of style that reflect the lifestyles of its global customer base. Presently, Villeroy & Boch operates in 125 countries, and this internationality and diversity extend to its workforce: 6,400 employees from 81 countries contribute to Villeroy & Boch's global presence.
"Innovative and customer-focused, both in physical locations and online, the Villeroy & Boch brand is represented with its products and services wherever our customers are today," states Frank Göring, who has been managing the globally operating public company as CEO since 2007. The company's management has been committed to continuously adapting to the evolving times since its inception. Emphasizing quality, market responsiveness, and the deliberate choice to industrialize and embrace digital transformation at an early stage, Villeroy & Boch consistently reinvents itself, shapes the market, and stands as a pioneer in the industry."
275 Years Creating Homes
For 275 years, Villeroy & Boch has not only been synonymous with its own legacy but with the very concept of home. Since its establishment in 1748, Villeroy & Boch has been creating high-quality porcelain that is accessible to all. In doing so, it has not only played a pivotal role in democratizing the modern bathroom but has also left an indelible mark on home culture as a whole. This legacy is intertwined with an unmistakable design sensibility—simultaneously groundbreaking and timeless, always possessing the essence of a classic.
Once a mere utilitarian space, the bathroom has evolved into a sanctuary of comfort and well-being. Where it was once about complete crockery sets, Villeroy & Boch now offers a diverse product portfolio that enhances not only the dining experience but the entire household with its array of living accessories and gift items. Today, Villeroy & Boch doesn't just make your table setting more beautiful; it enriches your entire home.
"Villeroy & Boch recognized the profound significance of 'home' for people at an early stage," emphasizes Frank Göring, "and consequently, shaped the vision we are pursuing today: transforming houses into homes." Whether it’s within the comfort of your own four walls or while exploring the far corners of the world, wherever Villeroy & Boch is present, you experience that unmistakable sense of 'home.'"
The 2023 Anniversary Year
Frank Göring emphasizes, “275 years of Villeroy & Boch represent both heritage and the future simultaneously. We take pride in this unique company anniversary and eagerly anticipate celebrating it alongside our employees, customers, and partners worldwide and continuing to write our success story."
In this anniversary year, both divisions of the company will unveil truly exceptional product highlights. In the Bathroom & Wellness division, the “Hommage to Hommage” collection introduces a new edition of the highly successful bathroom collection, showcasing its traditional Victorian forms in the trendy new color “Nero.” In the kitchen, two popular classics come together: the white butler sink featuring a version of the renowned alt Luxembourg decor, reimagined by designer Gesa Hansen. Dining & Lifestyle proudly presents a new iteration of “La Boule.” This successful reinterpretation of Helen von Boch’s 1970s classic “Die Kugel” (The Sphere) was designed with a fresh take on the classic copperplate decor, Paradiso, for the anniversary. This sensational piece, created in honor of the anniversary, is available only in limited quantities.
275 years of Villeroy & Boch represent not just products and innovations, but also the people and emotions that are closely linked to the company. Throughout its history, the company has been graced by the presence of famous individuals, including artists like Helmut Newton and design legends like Luigi Colani. To mark this special anniversary, Villeroy & Boch is inviting everyone to discover exciting, humorous, and occasionally surprising insights from behind the scenes of the company and its rich history in “275 Stories.” Join us on a journey from our humble roots in 1748 to the modern era, and experience “275 Years Creating Homes” available online.
Villeroy & Boch is a globally recognized premium brand for ceramic products. This family-owned business, established in 1748 and headquartered in Mettlach, Germany, is synonymous with innovation, tradition, and exceptional style. Renowned as a leading lifestyle brand, Villeroy & Boch offers a wide range of products in the Bathroom & Wellness and Dining & Lifestyle sectors, and operates in 125 countries worldwide.