In the globalised world, things that are individual are regaining importance. Instead of fast-moving consumerism, an increasing number of people are opting for handmade quality. The number of manufactories, which make high-quality products according to traditional craftsmanship, is increasing particularly in the cities. “Urban manufacturing” is how the Frankfurt Zukunftsinstitute (Future Institute) describes this trend, which is attracting more and more followers.
SetraWorld Magazine
A trip into the world of exclusive aesthetics.
Manufactories: products with unique character.
A trip into the world of exclusive aesthetics.
Manufactories: products with unique character.
The German Manufactory Road takes us on a trip through the traditional world of handicraft. This almost 2,500-kilometre-long road winds across four routes to very different manufactories in Germany – from the Baltic Sea to Lake Constance right across all 16 federal states. Whether it is exquisite home accessories, fine delicatessen, wines and chocolates, handmade furniture and musical instruments or made-to-measure clothing and extraordinary watches: the Manufactory Road provides surprising insights into the variety of exclusive craftsmanship.
Coffee aroma and shoemaking.
In Hamburg, it takes you to the elbgold roasting house among other things. The gourmet coffee brand refines the finest Arabica beans traditionally by hand. In this respect, the company attaches value to sustainable farming and fair, direct trade. elbgold not only stands for the highest coffee quality, but also for a new scene of small roasting houses that have developed in the coffee metropolis of Hamburg in recent years. The Hanseatic city is home to lots of different manufactories generally. New start-ups and old established handicraft businesses serve the needs of their growing customer base. And this in no way consists merely of well-off over 50s, as master shoemaker Benjamin Klemann reports: “Around 30 years ago, it was predominantly older people who wore handmade shoes. That has changed considerably in recent years. In the meantime, we have much younger customers who are interested in our made-to-measure shoes.”
“We have a big fan community in Switzerland, the USA and Japan. At the moment, a lot of customers are also coming from Scandinavia to have their shoes made.”
One of the reasons, according to the shoemaker, is the sustainability aspect, because hand-stitched shoes last many years and can also be easily repaired. The main motivation, however, for buying the unique products are the feet. “Most customers come to us because they have problems with shoes off the shelf, for example because their feet are particularly big or small, wide or narrow. Over and above that, however, there are also plenty of people who like traditional craftsmanship and take pleasure in perfectly fitting shoes.” And not only in Germany: Benjamin Klemann supplies his welted shoes made of box calf and other types of leather to 20 countries around the world. “We have a big fan community in Switzerland, the USA and Japan. At the moment, a lot of customers are also coming from Scandinavia to have their shoes made.”
At home with German nobility.
The Bremen-based silverware manufactory Koch & Bergfeld, our next stop on the German Manufactory Road, also supplies its products abroad – first and foremost to Austra and Switzerland. Above all, however, the fine silverware can be found on German tables, at the homes of the nobility among others. “Since the company was founded in 1829, we have been supplying the German aristocracy. The families have been using our cutlery for generations – they appreciate that replacements can be bought at any time. Because we guarantee that most of the more than 300 different models will be available for eternity,” reports Wigmar Bressel, a partner at Koch & Bergfeld. The handmade silver cutlery expresses the artistic style of different eras – from baroque and rococo to classicism and art nouveau through to art deco.
The highest standards of quality, style and aesthetics unites Koch & Bergfeld with other German manufactories. Wigmar Bressel, who at the same time is the chair of the Association of German Manufactories, explains: “We want to promote traditional and high-quality products, support our handicraft culture and make sure a qualified new generation emerges. As different as our members and their products are, they have one thing in common: they all stand for highest quality, which starts with the careful selection of raw materials. With lots of attention to detail, firms make exclusive, durable consumer goods.”
“We want to promote traditional and high-quality products, support our handicraft culture and make sure a qualified new generation emerges.”
Sustainable accents from Europe.
The term manufacture comes from the Latin manus for hand and facere for make. From processing the raw materials through to the finished product, the whole production takes place under one roof. Whether it is a serial product or one-off, handmade products have a particular appeal for the customer. Just like Benjamin Klemann, Wigmar Bressel also emphasises: “Sustainability is a key issue. Manufactories play an important role here. What is more, they also make people a bit more satisfied and happier. We see that every day.”
That certainly applies to all manufactories, whether they make culinary specialities, made-to-measure clothing, fine porcelain, handmade bags, spectacle frames, shaving brushes or writing utensils. Just how wide the range of handicraft businesses is, is made clear by the German Manufactory Road amongst other things. And this trip into the world of craftsmanship by no means ends at the national borders. In Austria, for example, the “Meisterstrasse” (Masters’ Road) runs through the workshops of centuries-old purveyors to the royal court, well-known luxury producers and small handicraft businesses. In Italy, the island of Murano is world-famous for its unique vases, jewellery and glass sculptures, which to this day are made by hand, whilst Naples is seen as the Eldorado of made-to-measure suits. France, on the other hand, stands for haute couture not only in the fashion industry: in the traditional porcelain town of Limoges, small manufactories produce extraordinary cups, plates, vases and bowls. Made with creativity and skilled craftsmanship for all those who love something special.
