HÄFELE : a passion for innovation

[INTERVIEW WITH : Chérif Lehlour, GM of HÄFELE France]

A world leader in hardware for furniture and buildings, HÄFELE sets itself the ongoing mission of diversifying and innovating to stay one step ahead of market trends. Their maxim: to offer products that are innovative and visionary but always remain simple to use for outfitters and end users alike. 

« Today’s key requirement in the fitting out trade is to think in terms of optimizing space. It’s a worldwide phenomenon, a powerful trend that sets the market direction ».

This requirement has led HÄFELE to develop innovative products, like their multifunction bathroom mirror, which incorporates LED lighting, anti-fog controls, and sound in a single product whose sleek touch buttons make it intuitive to use. Another recent example of HÄFELE diversification with integrated functions is the new Loox range of LED lighting for incorporation into furniture.

« The products in this family, which we started designing from scratch five years ago, account for 15% of our yearly sales in France,” Lehlour tells us. “We’ve also developed smartphone applications to control and programme them, which more and more customers are into ». In HÄFELE’s view, all of tomorrow’s furniture will be fitted with remotely controllable light fittings and play a major role in space lighting.

Digital and customization 

Digital technology opens up possibilities at the core of the company’s developments. Our new electronic access control solutions are an example of this. They can provide hotel guests with access to their rooms without even passing through reception, giving a seamless customer experience. “For these products (Dialock DT700 range), we work directly with hotel chains and property developers to jointly assemble custom solutions. We are manufacturers and can therefore adapt our production process very quickly to meet specific requirements, which gives us a major competitive edge.” Even more so in the French market, where the competition mostly comes from distributors.

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Ease of use and installation

For its customers—jobbing and craft firms, fitting out contractors, joiners, industrial furniture manufacturers, fitted kitchen specialists, regional distributors—HÄFELE has always sought to offer solutions that feature quick, easy installation. Clever, tool-free assembly systems for furniture panels (SC8/25, SC8/60, or the Dresscode range). Levelling tools (Axilo) for furniture that avoid back strain and cut fitting times in half, LED lighting with “plug and play” insertion, practical innovation is HÄFELE’s signature characteristic.

« Our heads of product work hand in hand with the furniture industry throughout the whole chain, from conception of new furniture to delivery to the end customer. This top-quality service coupled with our inborn innovative streak puts us at the forefront of innovation in our market. ». 
In February, 2020, HÄFELE will be present at Eurobois « with a much bigger stand this time because we consider this platform ideal for communicating and showcasing our innovations ».

It’s a date !