{{Short description|German kitchen furniture manufacturer in Aich district of Bodenkirchen}} {{Infobox company | name = Bulthaup GmbH & Co. KG | logo = 200px|brand logo of bulthaup | type = Kommanditgesellschaft | foundation = 1949 | founder = Martin Bulthaup | location = Aich, Bodenkirchen, Germany | key_people = Marc O. Eckert: President & CEO | products = Kitchen furniture and accessories | services = | revenue = 103.8 million € (2023)<ref name="Consolidated Financial Statement 2023">{{Cite news |title=Bulthaup GmbH & Co KG: Konzernabschluss zum Geschäftsjahr vom 01.01.2023 bis zum 31.12.2023 |date=2025-01-16 |trans-title=Bulthaup GmbH & Co KG: Consolidated Financial Statement for the financial year from 01.01.2023 to 31.12.2023 |publisher=Unternehmensregister |language=de}}</ref> | num_employees = 542 (2023)<ref name="Consolidated Financial Statement 2023" /> | homepage = http://www.bulthaup.com | slogan = }} '''Bulthaup GmbH & Co. KG''' (stylised as '''bulthaup''') is a German kitchen furniture manufacturer based in Aich, a district of Bodenkirchen near Landshut. The company is family-run in third generation<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Tuma |first=Thomas |date=2020-05-10 |title=Luxusbranche: Küchenikonen-Chef Eckert sieht auch Chancen in der Krise |trans-title=Luxury industry: Kitchen icons boss Eckert also sees opportunities in the crisis |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/handel-konsumgueter/luxusbranche-kuechenikonen-chef-eckert-sieht-auch-chancen-in-der-krise/25813136.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.handelsblatt.com |publisher=Handelsblatt |language=de}}</ref> and as of 2023 records revenues of over 100 million euros – over 83% of which is accounted for by exports.<ref name="Consolidated Financial Statement 2023" />
== Corporate history ==
=== Early years === thumb|Bulthaup Concept 12 (1974) thumb|Bulthaup Kitchen Workbench (1988) and Bulthaup System 20 furnitureMartin Bulthaup, originally from East Westphalia, established the "Martin Bulthaup Möbelfabrik" (Martin Bulthaup furniture factory) in Bodenkirchen near Landshut in 1949.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Knieps |first=Stephan |date=2022-04-18 |title=So erobert Bulthaup die Küchen der Reichen |work=Wirtschaftswoche}}</ref> In 1951, he and his then seven employees commenced the production of kitchen furniture. The first product was a kitchen buffet with hand-sewn curtains.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kupetz |first=Andrej |date=2019-08-06 |title=Liberating space |url=https://ndion.de/en/liberating-space-gerd-bulthaup/ |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=ndion |publisher=German Design Council |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Finsterwalder |first=Frauke |date=2005-01-23 |title=Der Befreier der Kredenz |work=Welt am Sonntag}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kujacinski |first=Dona |date=2021-03-13 |title=Wenn die Politiker die Freiheit der Menschen noch mehr beschneiden, gefährdet das unsere Demokratie |work=Focus |pages=50}}</ref> In 1953, he constructed a plant in Bodenkirchen, which was expanded in 1963 to include an office building and an additional production facility. At the same time, he introduced assembly-line production into the company's operations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1973-03-23 |title=Martin Bulthaup – Pionier der Einbauküchen-Industrie. Zum 60. Geburtstag des Mannes, der unsere Wohnkultur maßgeblich mitgestaltet |work=Vilsbiburger Zeitung}}</ref> In 1969, Bulthaup presented the ''Stil 75'' product line.<ref name=":0" />
With an annual turnover of approximately one hundred million Deutschmarks, the company ranked among the five largest German manufacturers of kitchen furniture by the late 1960s. In 1972, Bulthaup constructed a 40,000-square-metre production plant in Bodenkirchen-Aich, and in 1973 began exporting to the member states of the then European Economic Community (EEC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=1972-01-12 |title=Bulthaup hat ehrgeizige Küchenpläne |trans-title=Bulthaup has ambitious kitchen plans |work=Süddeutsche Zeitung |language=de |issue=8}}</ref><ref name=":8" /> In 1974, the company introduced the ''Concept 12'' (''C12'') kitchen system, which allowed for flexible planning utilitzing a 12-centimetre grid.<ref name=":0" />
In 1976, the founder's son, Gerd Bulthaup (1944–2019), together with his twin sister, Ingeborg Eckert, entered the company.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scharrenbroch |first=Christine |date=2019-10-01 |title=Gerd Bulthaup: Ein Pionier in der Küchenwelt |work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung}}</ref> In 1979, Gerd Bulthaup assumed management of the business<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matzig |first=Gerhard |date=2019-08-02 |title=Zum Tod von Gerd Bulthaup: Der Raumkünstler |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/kultur/gerd-bulthaup-nachruf-1.4550001 |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=Süddeutsche Zeitung |language=de}}</ref> and consolidated various divisions within the new production facility at Bodenkirchen-Aich.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Kietzmann |first=Norman |date=2008-06-02 |title=Als die Werkbank die Küche eroberte |trans-title=When the workbench conquered the kitchen |url=https://www.baunetz-id.de/stories/als-die-werkbank-die-kueche-eroberte-10293837 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.baunetz-id.de |publisher=BauNetz |language=de}}</ref>
=== Collaboration with Otl Aicher === In 1980, Bulthaup began working with Otl Aicher, one of the founders of the Ulm School of Design.<ref name=":7" /> According to Aicher, kitchens should invite people to prepare meals together and kitchen tools should be kept within easy reach and visibly stored. In 1982, he published the book “Die Küche zum Kochen”.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Aicher |first=Otl |title=Die Küche zum Kochen: Werkstatt einer neuen Lebenskultur |publisher=Ökobuch |year=2005 |isbn=978-3-936896-18-3 |edition=unchanged new edition, 1st |location=Staufen bei Freiburg |language=de |trans-title=The kitchen is for cooking: Workshop of a new culture of life |author-link=Otl Aicher}}</ref><ref name=":8">Henning Peitsmeier (2020-01-06). "Die Bulthaup-Küche ist analog". ''Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung''. No. 4, p. 21.</ref> In the same year, Bulthaup launched the kitchen furniture program ''system b'', which was inspired by Aicher's studies. In 1988, the ''Kitchen Workbench'' ''KWB'' followed, a combination of stainless steel cooking area, sink, and work surface that adopted design elements from professional kitchens. It was awarded several design prizes.<ref name=":8" /><ref>"Zum Tod des Unternehmers Gerd Bulthaup". ''Welt online''. 2019-08-03.</ref><ref name=":2" />
=== 1990s === thumb|Bulthaup System 25 with Bulthaup exhaust hood und Duktus furniture (1992) thumb|Bulthaup System 20 (1997) 1992 the company introduced the ''System 25''. Its modular structure and diverse components enabled flexible kitchen designs.<ref name=":2" /> The name ''System 25'' was derived from the 3D 25 × 25 × 25 mm grid the range was based on.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Krichbaum |first=Jörg |title=Deutsche Standards. Produkte und Objekte in Deutschland, die als prominenter Teil für das Ganze stehen. Namen und Begriffe, von Aspirin bis Zeiss in Bild und Wort |publisher=Arcum press |year=1995 |isbn=978-3930912049 |edition=extended edition, 7th |location=Cologne |pages=134 |language=de |trans-title=German Standards. Products and Objects in Germany that stand out for the entirety. Names and terms from Aspirin to Zeiss in picture and word. |chapter=bulthaup system 25}}</ref> Items that needed to be particularly hard-wearing could be produced using stainless steel, combined with glass, wood, or laminate surfaces.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Andritzky |first=Michael |title=Oikos : von der Feuerstelle zur Mikrowelle, Haushalt und Wohnen im Wandel |publisher=Anabas press. |year=1992 |isbn=9783870381691 |edition=1st |location=Giessen |pages=136 ff |language=de |trans-title=Oikos – from the hearth to microwave. Household and living in transition}}</ref> The new Bulthaup extractor, whose form and function were based on those used in professional kitchens, won several awards. During this period, Bulthaup also developed and launched ''Korpus'' and ''Duktus'' seating. In 1997, Bulthaup launched the mobile ''System 20'', with its wheeled containers and freely moveable elements. Each item could be combined as the customer wished and placed anywhere in the room where there was an electricity and water supply.<ref name=":2" />
=== 2000s === In 2003, Gerd Bulthaup stepped down from the day-to-day management of the company.<ref name=":7">Scharrenbroch, Christine (2019-10-01). "Gerd Bulthaup: Ein Pionier in der Küchenwelt". ''Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung''.</ref> For the next seven years, it was led by external managing directors.<ref>Dostert, Elisabeth (2021-12-16). "Luxus wird gerade ersetzt durch ein neues Ideal". ''Süddeutsche Zeitung''.</ref> In 2004, Bulthaup launched the ''b3'' kitchen line, working in collaboration with designer Herbert H. Schultes.<ref name=":6">"Mehr mit weniger". ''inside wohnen.'' 2012-04-26.</ref> In 2008, the company introduced the ''b2'' concept, an open kitchen designed in the style of a workshop.<ref>"In Niederbayern wird die Küche neu erfunden". ''Bayernkurier.'' 2014-04.</ref> At the end of 2009, Marc O. Eckert, the founder's grandson, rejoined the company's leadership, bringing a family member back into management. In 2010, he was appointed the company's sole managing director.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Knieps |first=Stephan |date=2022-04-12 |title=So erobert Bulthaup die Küchen der Reichen |trans-title=How Bulthaup conquers the kitchens of the rich |url=https://www.wiwo.de/my/unternehmen/dienstleister/edelkuechenbauer-so-erobert-bulthaup-die-kuechen-der-reichen/28234700.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.wiwo.de |publisher=WirtschaftsWoche |language=de}}</ref>
=== 2010s and 2020s === Due to the ongoing economic downturn, the company was forced in March 2010 to transfer 114 of its more than 550 employees to an employment and training company or to dismiss them. After a one-and-a-half-year period of short-time work had already come to an end, the employees were required to take up new employment following a nine-month retraining and support program.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010 |title=Wer führt? |language=de |trans-title=Who leads? |pages=62 |work=dds - das magazin für möbel und ausbau |issue=6}}</ref>
In 2014, the new ''b Solitaire'' range was presented at the Milan trade fair.<ref>"Bulthaup Solitäre in Mailand mit neuem Designkonzept". ''Studio5555''. 2014-04-14.</ref> The line includes freestanding kitchen elements in a minimalist design.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suzuka |first=Dilara |date=2017-11-01 |title=bulthaup b Solitaire: Luxus für Küche und Wohnen |url=https://www.kuechen-design-magazin.de/bulthaup-b-solitaire-luxus-fuer-kueche-und-wohnen/ |access-date=2025-08-28 |website=Küchen&Design Magazin |language=de}}</ref> In 2018, Bulthaup further developed a new kitchen concept, ''b.architecture'', from its previous flagship system ''b3''. It moved the focus away from the stove to the water and placing a greater emphasis on the preparation of cooking.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thiels |first=Gabriele |date=2018-11-09 |title=Kochen in der Zukunft: Bei Bulthaup denkt man die Küche neu |language=de |trans-title=Cooking in the future: Bulthaup rethinks the kitchen |work=DIE WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/iconist/design/article183349980/Kochen-in-der-Zukunft-Bei-Bulthaup-denkt-man-die-Kueche-neu.html |access-date=2024-07-09}}</ref>
In the summer of 2023, the company opened its own steel and aluminum manufactory in Bodenkirchen.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Maerzke |first=Susanne |date=2024-05-04 |title=Bulthaup erfindet sich neu: Lego statt Luxusküchen |url=https://www.kuechen-design-magazin.de/bulthaup-erfindet-sich-neu-neuheiten-2024/ |access-date=2024-07-23 |website=Küchen&Design Magazin |language=de-DE}}</ref>
In 2024, Bulthaup presented a new kitchen system at the Milan Furniture Fair, departing from the previously neutral and seamless construction and instead using solid materials such as wood and stainless steel.<ref>{{cite news |author=Susanne Maerzke |date=May 2024 |title=The End of Gravity |work=Der Küchenplaner |pages=34–39}}</ref> Susanne Maerzke wrote afterwards in the ''Küchen&Design Magazin'' that Bulthaup had completely transformed its product range, moving away from the minimal aesthetic towards a more "human" kitchen. In the process, the kitchen workbench from the 1980s was also reissued.<ref name=":5" />
== Corporate structure == thumb|Bulthaup showroom (2014) The Bulthaup GmbH & Co. KG is the parent company of the group.<ref name="Consolidated Financial Statement 2020">{{Cite news |title=Bulthaup GmbH & Co KG: Konzernabschluss zum Geschäftsjahr vom 01.01.2020 bis zum 31.12.2020|date=2021-11-23|trans-title=Bulthaup GmbH & Co KG: Consolidated Financial Statement for the financial year from 01.01.2020 to 31.12.2020|publisher=Bundesanzeiger|language=de}}</ref> The managing director of Bulthaup is Marc Oliver Eckert. In 2023, the company generated revenues of approximately €103.8 million and employed 542 people. About 83 percent of this revenue was earned abroad.<ref name="Consolidated Financial Statement 2023" /> Bulthaup is a family-owned enterprise, with around 90 percent of its shares held by Marc Eckert.<ref name=":3" />
Bulthaup operates its own stores and maintains 250 partner stores worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jouhar |first=Jasmin |date=2024-04-25 |title=Der Küchenhersteller bulthaup in Mailand |url=https://www.baunetz-id.de/stories/kreislauf-als-chance-21591312 |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=BauNetz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tuma |first=Thomas |date=2020-05-10 |title=Küchenikonen-Chef Eckert sieht auch Chancen in der Krise |work=Handelsblatt}}</ref> The company also has subsidiaries abroad.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wermke |first=Christian |date=2015-04-24 |title=Na Logo |work=Handelsblatt |pages=54}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |}
== Products == thumb|Bulthaup faucet (2014) thumb|Bulthaup b2 kitchen (2014) thumb|Bulthaup b3 kitchen (2014) Bulthaup manufactures three different product lines: b Solitaire, b2 and b3.<ref name="Consolidated Financial Statement 2022">{{Cite news |date=2024-01-05 |title=Bulthaup GmbH & Co KG: Konzernabschluss zum Geschäftsjahr vom 01.01.2022 bis zum 31.12.2022 |trans-title=Bulthaup GmbH & Co KG: Consolidated Financial Statement for the financial year from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2022 |publisher=Unternehmensregister |language=de}}</ref> Under the b Solitaire product line, Bulthaup produces products for the entire living space, which also extend beyond the kitchen.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ledesma |first=Bea |date=2017-08-11 |title=The future of homes will be modular, open-plan |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/270515/future-homes-will-modular-open-plan/ |access-date=2024-07-09}}</ref> The b2 product line is designed to combine all essential kitchen functions in one element. The kitchen is therefore reduced to the three central elements of workbench, work cabinet and tool cabinet. These are not dependent on static walls and can therefore be freely combined in the room. And the interior of the cabinets and the workbench both have a modular design.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schwarz |first=Suzanne |date=2011-04-14 |title=Philippe Starcks aufregender Stilmix |language=de |trans-title=Philippe Starck's exciting mix of styles |pages=75 |work=Handelszeitung}}</ref> Under the b3 product line, Bulthaup manufactures a multifunctional kitchen and room system that can be put together individually and changeably.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-05-12 |title=bulthaup zeigt "Kochen als kommunikativen Akt" |language=de |trans-title=bulthaup shows "Cooking as a communicative act" |pages=4 |work=Oberösterreichische Nachrichten}}</ref> Instead of the classic floor plan, this system includes a multifunctional wall that means that the living area and kitchen are no longer so separated from each other.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-09-29 |title=Küchen für Anspruchsvolle |language=de |trans-title=Kitchens for the discerning |pages=13 |work=Lübecker Nachrichten}}</ref> In addition, Bulthaup also offers kitchen accessories and utensils independently of the product lines.<ref name="Consolidated Financial Statement 2020" /> Since 2024, the new line of kitchen furniture is made from solid materials such as solid wood and stainless steel. The range includes multiple furniture pieces, and instead of working with multiple lines as before, the new products are part of the "Bulthaup System". All accessories of the brand are designed to be hung on the metallic railing system of the furniture pieces. The induction and gas cooktops are produced by Bulthaup itself.<ref name=":5" />
== Awards == * 1997: The European Commission presents Bulthaup with a Lifetime Achievement Award and the European Design Price<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=1997-02-19 |title=Ästhetische Annäherung an den "Mittelpunkt des Lebens" - Europäischer Designpreis 1997 für bulthaup Einbauküchen |trans-title=Aesthetic approach to the "centre of life" - European Design Award 1997 for bulthaup fitted kitchens |url=https://www.baunetz.de/meldungen/Meldungen_Europaeischer_Designpreis_1997_fuer_bulthaup_Einbaukuechen_1289.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.baunetz.de |publisher=BauNetz |language=de}}</ref> * 2003, 2006, 2012: IF Product Design Award<ref>{{Cite web |title=iF Design - bulthaup Spülenbaukasten |trans-title=iF Design - bulthaup sink construction kit |url=https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/bulthaup-spulenbaukasten/22944 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=ifdesign.com |publisher=International Forum Design |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=iF Design - bulthaup 5 Sinne |trans-title=iF Design - bulthaup 5 senses |url=https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/bulthaup-5-sinne/28058 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=ifdesign.com |publisher=International Forum Design |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=iF Design - 53H45VZA |url=https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/53h45vza/85152 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=ifdesign.com |publisher=International Forum Design |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=iF Design - 50 HA 120 DS 128 |url=https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/50-ha-120-ds-128/85151 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=ifdesign.com |publisher=International Forum Design |language=de}}</ref> * 2010: The b2 system receives the German Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany<ref>{{Cite web |title=Designpreis Deutschland |trans-title=Design Award Germany in gold |url=https://www.eoos.com/cms/?id=181 |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.eoos.com |language=de}}</ref> * 2013: The rotary sliding door fitting ''50 HA 120 DS 128'' receives the ''German Design Award''<ref>{{Cite web |title=50 HA 120 DS 128 |url=https://www.german-design-award.com/en/the-winners/gallery/detail/18613-50-ha-120-ds-128.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.german-design-award.com |publisher=German Design Council |language=en}}</ref> * 2013: The full extension tall cabinet ''53H45VZA'' receives the ''German Design Award''<ref>{{Cite web |title=53H45VZA |url=https://www.german-design-award.com/en/the-winners/gallery/detail/18614-53h45vza.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.german-design-award.com |publisher=German Design Council |language=en}}</ref> * 2013: Bulthaup's ''interior/ functional prisms receives'' the ''German Design Award''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Innenausstattung/ Funktionale Prismen - Special Mention - Küche und Haushalt |trans-title=Interior Design/ Functional Prisms - Special Mention - Kitchen and Household |url=https://www.german-design-award.com/en/the-winners/gallery/detail/12159-innenausstattung-funktionale-prismen.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.german-design-award.com |publisher=German Design Council |language=en}}</ref> * 2013: The Bulthaup b3 receives the ''Good Design Award'' in the category kitchen/kitchen utensils from the Art Institute of Chicago<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeBellis |first=Lauren |date=2013-01-10 |title=Bulthaup Receives Good Design Award |url=https://interiordesign.net/designwire/bulthaup-receives-good-design-award/ |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=interiordesign.net |publisher=Interior Design (magazine) |language=en-US}}</ref> * 2013: ''Wallpaper Design Award''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bertoli |first=Rosa |date=2022-09-19 |title=Design Awards 2013: best of the rest |url=https://www.wallpaper.com/gallery/design/design-awards-2013-best-of-the-rest |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=wallpaper.com |publisher=Wallpaper |language=en}}</ref> * 2014: ''Architects Partner Award'' in Gold from the AIT<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-06-02 |title=Nolte Küchen belegt Platz zwei |language=de |trans-title=Nolte Kitchens takes second place |work=Westfalen-Blatt}}</ref> * 2014: The German Design Council presents Bulthaup with the German Design Award in the category ''Personality''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gerd Bulthaup - Personality |url=https://www.german-design-award.com/en/the-winners/gallery/detail/18493-gerd-bulthaup.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=www.german-design-award.com |publisher=German Design Council |language=en}}</ref>
== Bibliography == * Aicher, Otl (2005). Die Küche zum Kochen: Werkstatt einer neuen Lebenskultur [The kitchen is for cooking: Workshop of a new culture of life] (unchanged new edition, 1st ed.), Staufen bei Freiburg: Ökobuch, ISBN 978-3-936896-18-3. * Andritzky, Michael (1992). Oikos: von der Feuerstelle zur Mikrowelle, Haushalt und Wohnen im Wandel [Oikos – from the hearth to microwave. Household and living in transition] (in German) (1st ed.). Giessen: Anabas press. pp. 136 ff., ISBN 9783870381691. * Krichbaum, Jörg (ed.): bulthaup system 25. In: German Standards. Products and Objects in Germany that stand out for the entirety. Names and terms from Aspirin to Zeiss in picture and word. 7th, extended edition. Cologne: Arcum press. 1995. p. 134, ISBN 978-3930912049.
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} * [http://www.en.bulthaup.com/ Official Website] {{Authority control}}
Category:Kitchen manufacturers Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1949 Category:Furniture companies of Germany Category:Manufacturing companies of Germany