| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Düsseldorf, Germany |
| Employees | 5,400 (2010) |
| Website | www.grohe.com |
Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG is a European manufacturer of sanitary fittings, including kitchen and bathroom faucets, and shower systems.[1] Grohe has roughly eight percent of the world market for such products.[2] The Grohe corporate center is in Düsseldorf, Germany, and it has offices in many parts of the world,[3] including the US headquarter located in Bloomingdale, IL. Grohe has 5,400 employees.[4]
The company got started in 1911 as Berkenhoff & Paschedag, with location in Hemer, Germany. It was taken over by Friedrich Grohe in 1936. The first order for export outside Germany was in 1938. The company was renamed to Friedrich Grohe Armaturenfabrik in 1948. In 1968 Friedrich Grohe sold a 51% stake in the company to International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT). Friedrich Grohe died in 1983; next year his heirs bought back the part owned by ITT. Afterwards Grohe changed ownership a few times. It is currently a private company.[5][6]
Another German plumbing manufacturer is Hansgrohe. It was founded by Friedrich Grohe's father, Hans, in 1901.[7]