Staff party to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company in Bad Münder

[09-06-2007] On 20 July, the last working day before the summer holidays commenced, Wilkhahn staff celebrated the company's 100th anniversary. The company had invited the entire "Wilkhahn family" and 1,450 guests came for the occasion. The celebrations started with the inauguration of a sculpture and the official presentation of the award to the company as one of the 365 places in the Land of Ideas; this was followed by the main programme in which Management and Works Council provided some insights into 100 years of corporate history, the current international situation and future developments before informal celebrations got under way which continued well into the evening.



The main focus of this large-scale celebration on 20 July was on the people at Wilkhahn. All members of staff with their families, as well close friends of Wilkhahn and all those who have helped to create the spirit of Wilkhahn over recent decades were invited to the celebration. The 1,450 guests also included many members of Wilkhahn staff from international subsidiary companies and licence partners: from Austria, Switzerland, Spain, France, Great Britain, Japan and even Australia. In the official ceremonial act, Managing Director and President Dr. Jochen Hahne, Holger Jahnke, Director International Marketing + Sales and Ralf-Olaf Stender, Chairman of the Works Council gave reviews of history, insights into the present and previews of the future development of the company. An extensive supporting programme provided a good mix of information and entertainment:
  • With a special exhibition showcasing the milestones of product history at Wilkhahn


  • With games particularly geared towards children


  • With a raffle in which a few lucky draws could win a copy of the famous "Rocking Sculpture" by designer Walter Papst

  • And with "Crazy Chicken", the in-company band that got together especially for the occasion.


Inauguration of sculpture: "Ohne Titel"

The celebrations started with the inauguration of a sculpture designed by Daniel Kühlwetter as a competition project at the Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen (HAWK). The competition was part of the "Chair Path" project for the village regeneration scheme of Eimbeckhausen near Bad Münder, the place where the company was founded and today still home to Wilkhahn Headquarters. Prizes were awarded for chair designs which were to be placed at distinctive points along the various roads leading into the village to draw attention to the tradition of chair manufacture as a former thriving branch of industry to which the village owes the nickname of "chair village".


(right hand: Daniel Kühlwetter)

In spring 2006, more than 30 students from the Design Faculty worked on designs that comprised both models and detailed descriptions of the concept. The jury met on 7 April 2006 to decide on the ranking and the prize money awarded by the main sponsors. In summer 2006, Wilkhahn decided to have the prize-winning design by Daniel Kühlwetter produced. The sculpture comprises a 5x1x1 m concrete pedestal with three abstract, angularly welded configurations in corten steel. These steel sculptures may be interpreted as abstract depictions of chairs, but also as figures sitting on a bench and communicating with one another. Wilkhahn regards cooperating in the "Chair Path" project, selecting the sculpture and taking over the production costs amounting to EUR 25,000 as an important contribution to the village regeneration project in Eimbeckhausen.



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