
Heritage
Already for 125 years, we build on a strong legacy that inspires us to truly shape the future of work. See the rich history, projects and legendary designs designed by Ahrend over the past century.
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1896: The beginning
Found by Wed. J. Ahrend & Son
Jacobus Ahrend, at under 18 years of age, founded Ahrend with the help of his mother. The first products were sold from the living room in Amsterdam: a drawing board and a passer box. -
1926
First office furniture sold
The first office furniture is added to the collection of office supplies. -
1941
Ahrend takes majority stake in The Circle
Already established, Ahrend aquiries De Cirkel who design and produce steel furniture. This aquistion marks the start of in-house production for Ahrend. -
1953: A revolution
Friso Kramer's Ahrend Revolt chair
The Revolt chair, designed by Friso Kramer, was introduced to the market. A breakthrough in industrial design and mass production. -
1958
Result chair by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld
The Result chair, designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld, is successful installed in schools and living rooms and inspires graphic designers and photographers. Kramer and Rietveld's designs are rewarded with the prestigious Signe d'Or. -
1967: Production, commercial and design
Merger with steel furniture manufacturers
Ahrend, and the steel furniture manufacturers ODA and 'The Circle' were brought together under one roof. -
1972: Leading in vitalising
Introduction of the mehes furniture system
Introduction of Mehes (Mobility, Efficiency, Humanisation, Environment, Standardisation), a design by Friso Kramer, in line with the popularity of open-plan offices. -
1984: Global impact
Ahrend targets HSBC in Hong Kong
Ahrend won the largest furniture contract worldwide with the establishment of the Hong Kong Banking Corporation (HSBC) headquarters which included 6,500 Mehes workplaces. A building designed by architect Sir Norman Foster. -
1990
Environmental health takes shape
Ahrend is at the forefront when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the integration of environmental policy into the business objectives. For example, energy and water consumption are drastically reduced. 30 years later, we consume 90% less water and produce our own energy. -
1994: Sustainable design
Ahrend 220 office chair with eco design
Introduction of first eco design product: Ahrend 220 office chair. The best-selling office chair in the Netherlands, characterised with its distinctive 'letterbox'. -
1996: Royal Ahrend
The company receives the predicate 'Royal'
Ahrend celebrates its 100th anniversary and the company receives the title ‘Royal’. -
2005: Market leader in Eastern Europe
Acquisition of TECHO
After several years of successful collaboration, Ahrend takes over its partner TECHO. TECHO is active in the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and the United Kingdom. Ahrend becomes one of the most significant office designers in Europe. -
2010: Ergonomics and sustainability
Ahrend introduces the Ahrend 2020
Clear lines, a luxurious look and ultimate seating comfort. The Ahrend 2020 is characterised by a timeless design, which is completely durable and meets the highest ergonomic requirements. -
2011: Leading in sustainabilty
Ahrend becomes the first Cradle to Cradle company in the office industry
Ahrend is awarded the Cradle to Cradle Company Award. Ahrend is first and only company in the industry to win this award, something we are extremely proud of! -
2015
The start of the Ahrend Innovation LAB
The Ahrend Innovation LAB is founded and develops products and services to personalise the workplace, improve ergonomics and increase productivity. -
2015: A socially engaged company
Ahrend acquires social workshop Presikhaaf School Furniture
Ahrend acquires Presikhaaf School Furniture with 190 employees in Arnhem. At Presikhaaf, individuals with a disadvantaged position in the labour market are given the opportunity to work. Through this collaboration Ahrend combines the production of innovative school furniture with social policy. -
2015: A longer life span
Ahrend introduces the Ahrend Balance
Ahrend Balance is designed with the principle that the product lasts longer than one lifecycle. The Ahrend Balance wins the prestigious Mixology award in the category 'Product of the Year – Furniture' in 2016 and is Cradle to Cradle certified. -
2015: Further international growth
Creation of Ahrend APAC
Ahrend expands its global reach opening offices in Dubai, Shenzen, Shangai and -
2015
Ahrend acquires Gispen
With the acquisition of Gispen, Ahrend becomes the market leader in the Benelux and leading player in Europe. In the Dutch market, Gispen and Ahrend continue to operate independently. -
2017: A timeless design
Ahrend and HAY relaunch the classic 1950s
Ahrend and HAY relaunch the classic 1950s Result chair and Pyramid collection in collaboration with the Danish design brand HAY. The original designs of Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld have proved their worth -
2018
WELL Collection
The Ahrend WELL Collection combines comfort with a beautiful design that makes users feel right at home. The Ahrend WELL collection is awarded the prestigious Red Dot best of the best award. -
2018
CE100 Company
Ahrend joins the CIRCULAR Economy 100 (CE100) network of world-leading companies working on the transition to the circular economy. Ahrend is proud to participate in this prestigious organisation -
2019
Call for Silence
Ahrend launches the Silence CALL. The Silence CALL brings silence back to the workplace and facilitates flexible working. -
2019
Opening Paris and Marseille
Ahrend is committed to further international growth and opens new branches in Paris and Marseille. Ahrend is currently active in more than 25 countries. -
2020: At the forefront of the market
Creating vitalising workspaces
Ahrend creates vitalising working environments that attract talent, increase productivity and encourage employee enthusiasm, all or which are crucial to the success of the organisation. -
2020
Hybrid Working Community
In de visie van Ahrend gaat de toekomstige werkomgeving een reis faciliteren door een diversiteit aan fysieke werkplekken; zowel thuis als op kantoor. -
2021
Qabin Collection
Met de Qabin Collection creëer je afzonderlijke ruimtes in een open werkomgeving. Om te (video)bellen bijvoorbeeld, om samen te werken of juist geconcentreerd te werken. -
2021
Opening Circulaire Hub
In onze Circulaire Hub in Veghel hebben we op maar liefst 12.000 m² al onze circulaire expertise en productiefaciliteiten samengebracht. Hier geven we een tweede leven aan nieuw gebruikt meubilair.

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