1923
Foundation of the Gmelich + Söhne company
Gmelich + Söhne is founded in Großbottwar by businessman Otto Gmelich and his sons Hugo and Robert.
Gmelich + Söhne
Company Profile &
Company history
The range of products extends from traditional to modern.
We process the high quality hides of cows and bulls from the south of Germany into the finest leather.
Our 150 highly trained employees carry out the many steps of this metamorphosis in-house. As a result, we have complete control over the entire process, and the end product is of the same high quality as our name. Leather from Gmelich is a delight for all the senses.
The finest scent, elegant look and flattering feel when you sit down blend into a sensual composition with an extreme feel-good factor. The quality of our leather harmonizes perfectly with the high demands of our renowned customers from the upscale furniture, office furniture, railway and aviation industries. Our high quality leather creations are a perfect match for the specific requirements of a wide range of industries. They range from traditional, classic interpretations to modern variations with the latest finishes.
A Tradition of Innovation
Gmelich + Söhne can look back on a long history, during which the craftsman’s business has grown into a company with international operations. Otto Gmelich and his two sons founded the company in 1923 with the construction of the first factory and the production of leather for the shoe industry. In 1949, the company began to produce leather for the clothing and furniture industries by investing in a chrome tannery. The following decades continue to be characterized by constant investment in innovative processes and by consistently expanding the product portfolio.
history
1938
The first piece of leather
In-house tanning of the first leather for the shoe industry.
1940
The company founders
Company founder Otto Gmelich dies at the age of 67, followed one year later by his son Robert at the age of 40.
1949
Reorganization of the production
The production is reorganized in the post-war period. Hugo Gmelich invests in a chrome tannery in order to be able to produce split leather and cowhide nappa leather for the clothing industry. As a result of the rapid growth in demand, the furniture leather collection is also an increasingly important part of the company’s turnover.
1966
Hugo Gmelich
At the age of 66, Hugo Gmelich, the last of the three founders, passes away. Hugo’s daughter Sigrid Zerhusen – who has been married to the master tanner Hermann Zerhusen since 1955 – takes over the management of the company together with her husband. The couple is successful in the establishment of solid partnerships in the furniture industry.
1971
50-year anniversary
Just in time for the company’s 50th anniversary in 1973, a new finishing plant is built on the outskirts of Großbottwar.
1978
Expansion
The finishing plant is expanded and a hide warehouse is built.
1988
A new building is constructed
Construction of a new dyeing plant and waste water treatment plant.
1989
HERMANN ZERHUSEN DIES
Hermann Zerhusen dies at the age of 61.
1990
Commissioning of the new dyeing plant
With a waste water treatment plant and a chromium recovery plant in the existing water treatment plant.
1995
Ground-breaking ceremony
Start of the construction of a new folding mill.
1996
Expanded
The product range expands to include various articles for sports and walking footwear.
1998
75th anniversary of the Gmelich + Söhne company
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary, the ground-breaking ceremony for a new water workshop in the industrial area takes place.
2000
Inauguration ceremony
The new water workshop is successfully put into operation.
2001
Awarded
Award as supplier of the year by Sedus Stoll
2002
Start of operations
The new clamping frame dryer and the new finishing line.
2004
A new managing director is appointed
Volker Nagel, head of the sales department, is appointed as managing director. The purchase and commissioning of new paint drums and a splitting machine are in progress.
2005
The machinery and equipment is expanded.
New systems are installed: Staking machine, measuring line and stretching machine.
2006
Even more products are added
SOLITair storage program launched
2007
A new generation takes over
On January 1, 2007, Sigrid Zerhusen retires from her position as Managing Director after 60 years of service, but will continue to be available to the company as a consultant. On the same day, Volker Nagel takes over the sole management of the company Gmelich + Söhne.
2011
A year full of events
Sigrid Zerhusen, daughter of founding father Hugo Gmelich, dies on February 15, aged 81. Until the end of her life, she actively participates in the development of the company. The physical separation ends: Administration and warehouse move to the production area in the industrial zone. The founding building in Bachstrasse is now used for storing. Gmelich is named supplier of the year by the Kusch company. The ASCOT stock range is expanded to a total of 111 colors.
2014
Record Year
Turnover exceeds €20 million for the first time.
2015
Another year of growth
A new record turnover of 26 million euros is reached.
2016
The warehouse will be expanded
A new hall is built to store wet blue and chemicals. An additional parking lot is needed as the number of employees exceeds 150.
2019
The Blue Angel
Gmelich is awarded the “Blauer Engel” (Blue Angel) according to RAL UZ 148 for environmentally friendly leather.
2020
A new CEO is appointed
On October 1st, 2020, Mr. Christian Wiesner takes over the management of the company.
2023
100th anniversary
The company Gmelich + Söhne celebrates its 100th anniversary with a family party and an open day for the public with great success.