MHZ Hachtel GmbH & Co. KG
Sindelfinger Straße 21, Musberg D-70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen
Company culture
Having grown up in poverty, Wilhelm Hachtel experienced an extremely high degree of social responsibility from his apprenticeship master, Mr Renz. This motivated him to be just as benevolent in his dealings with the people around him.
Market
Germany is suffering from the global economic crisis. 6 million are out of work. The furnishing trade operates via regional networks of craftsmen.
Brand
The MHZ brand is born as an abbreviation for a newly invented product called the 'Mechanischer Hachtel Zug' (The Mechanical Hachtel Curtain Draw).
Innovations
The internal track and the new kind of roller on which the MHZ was hung were a great success.
Company culture
After the War, basic needs were lacking. MHZ quickly established its own works canteen, and every Thursday a movie was shown in a room set up specifically for the purpose.
Market
Germany is recovering from WWII. The German economic miracle begins. Society is focussed on achievement and is full of hope.
Brand
'Für Gardinen MHZ Schienen' (For curtains, MHZ rails). MHZ is promoted consistently in the trade and to consumers as an innovative brand with a focus on customer service.
Innovations
Over the course of the next 20 years, hundreds of products are invented, all associated very closely with curtain rails.
Company culture
After some difficult economic times, management lead the staff on to success by acting with consistency, confidence and care.
Market
The market is reaching saturation point. Consumers are changing their buying habits. A lot of products migrate to DIY. Many interior decorators make the appealing switch to becoming home furnishings advisors.
Brand
The MHZ brand is carefully modernised. The internal and external sunshade product lines are repositioned under the umbrella brand.
Innovations
There are lots of new products, e.g. roller brackets with integrated chain drives, roman blinds with a cantilever shaft, 10 mm steel poles, modular pole systems and modular aluminium rails.
Company culture
Social systems are changing rapidly and people are looking for a focus and a foothold in their community. Staff-organised events take place, such as a summer festival, football tournament, Christmas parties and motorbike and bicycle outings.
Market
The industrial society is facing a fundamental structural change, producing worries and concerns about the future. Many people fear a decline in their living standards and react by holding back on consumer purchases. The home furnishings market has yet to find a solution for the dealing with this crisis.
Brand
The MHZ brand is enjoying its best ever level of awareness in the retail trade, standing for quality and aesthetic appeal. MHZ is regarded as a credible business partner for the trained specialist retailer.
Innovations
Attentiveness and constant new development enable MHZ to bring out new items in all product areas. Here are just a few examples: New roman blind systems, cassette awnings, coaxial shade systems, TwinLine, new panel track systems, S_enn, S_onro and fire and smoke protection systems.
Company culture
Ever since MHZ was founded, we have had some unshakeable basic values: Respect for people and the Chreation, truthfulness, conscientiousness, responsibility, commitment, decisiveness and drive.
Market
Society has changed. It has become more mature. People have learnt that more is not better, but rather that better is more. Personal assistance has become more important, and home furnishers are becoming living space consultants. The customer is again looking for quality.
Brand
Consumers appreciate the personal touch provided by their personal furnishings advisor, who helps them with proven brands and a high degree of personal expertise.
Innovations
We do not yet know if we will achieve it. However, with attentiveness, an inquiring mind, drive and technical expertise, we will try to remain what we have been for 75 years: Technically innovative.
