View highlights from the NKBA Global Connect German Haus Fair Tour. By Loren Kessell
NKBA was invited to attend Kuchenmeile, an annual open house event hosted by German kitchen manufacturers that connects buyers with factories and showrooms, September 20-24. A select group of NKBA designers, dealers and showrooms attended and explored Area30, factories and showrooms. The intention of the tour was to provide NKBA members with deep exposure to some of Germany’s most iconic brands, offering design solutions and products they can bring back to their clients. This tour was made possible by event sponsors Poggenpohl, nobilia, Miele and Hettich.
The event started with a dinner at the Hotel Walhalla Restaurant where Suzie Williford, NKBA’s EVP and CSO, welcomed the participants and introduced NKBA Global Connect consultant Veronika Miller, Founder and CEO of Modenus and Elmar Stump, NKBA Global Connect Consultant.
Factory tours began on September 20 with nobilia, Europe’s largest kitchen manufacturer, as the first stop. Marcus Haderlein, COO for nobilia NA, and Michael Behrs, the company’s International Sales Manager, led the group through the factory and showrooms, topping off with a luncheon with nobilla executives.
Hettich, a family-owned business and leading manufacturer of functional hardware for furniture and cabinetry was the next tour highlight. Hettich’s Managing Director Uwe Kreidel, Regional Sales Manager North America and UK Marko Muller and Event and Travel Manager Kirsten Grundmann demonstrated how the company strives for precision, quality and innovation.
On Thursday, September 22, attendees went to Poggenpohl where they met Bas Mol, Sales Director for Poggenpohl, and learned about the company’s craftsmanship, international reputation and more.
The tours completed on Friday, September 23, at German manufacturer powerhouse Miele. Attendees learned more about the company’s high-end domestic appliances and commercial equipment.
Some of the other tour stops included IDF34, Gut Boekel, and the Marta Herford – Museum for Art, Architecture, Design.
For more information about Küchenmeile, go here. To learn more about Area30, go here.
