See highlights from the NKBA Global Connect German Haus Fair Tour. By Loren Kessell
Kuchenmeile, an annual open house event hosted by German kitchen manufacturers that connects buyers with factories and showrooms, is underway, and the NKBA was invited to attend the fair September 20-24. A select group of NKBA designers, dealers and showrooms was invited to experience Kuchenmeile, Area30 and tour factories and showrooms. The intention of the tour is to provide these 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 could not be possible without tour sponsor companies Poggenpohl, nobilia, Miele and Hettich.
“The intention of the tour is to provide NKBA members with exposure to some of Germany’s most iconic brands, offering design solutions and new products.”
The event kicked off 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 started 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.
Tours will continue on September 22-24 at Poggenpohl and Miele. For more information about Küchenmeile, go here. To learn more about Area30, go here.
