Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy & Boch came from humble beginnings of earthenware including plates, cups and tableware.

Jean-François Boch and Nicolas Villeroy were competitors in early 18th century Germany. In 1836, they merged their companies to form the "Villeroy & Boch" company. Villeroy & Boch started expanding their product range in 1843, including glasses and glassware.

In 1882, there was a shift in th Mettlach factory, the company's home from earthenware to the production of washing vessels intended for all of society. The plates, cups and tableware items were moved to other facilities, and the plant was redesigned. Sanitaryware including sinks, bathtubs and toilets became the prime production from the factory. This was the start of the company's entrance into mass market consumer products.

Villeroy & Boch were always on the lookout for new ideas, and in the 1930s and the revolution from the Bauhaus school reflected in the products coming out of the factory.

During the second world war, many of the factories were damaged. Post-war, the focus of Villeroy & Boch shifted to become a worldwide organisation. The Japanese were seen as a market to break into, and vitreous porcelain was shipped to the country.

In 1942, children from the two families were married, further strengthening the two houses. The product range grew, to today's offerings including plastic baths and shower trays, floor and wall tiles, crystal, cutlery and more.

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