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OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM GERMANYM.I. Hummel figurines find new home at old locationRodental, 6 February 2009 -
Investor takes over manufacturing facilities and rights for M.I. Hummel figurines by Goebel
Newly founded Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH plans to resume M.I. Hummel production in February, initially with around 30 employees.
The reorganisation of Goebel Porcelain Factory is now complete
Rodental/Frankfurt-Hochst, 06 February 2009. M.I. Hummel figurines have found a new home in an old location. Starting in February, the production of M.I. Hummel figurines is to resume in Ršdental after ceasing in October 2008. The figurines have been popular throughout the world for over 70 years and are based on designs by Maria Innocentia Hummel. The resumption of production is possible thanks to a new owner who has taken over all the necessary rights and manufacturing facilities from former manufacturer Goebel Porcelain Factory. Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH, which has been newly founded for the purpose, plans to resume operation initially with around 30 employees and will continue the tradition of M.I. Hummel production in Ršdental. "We have completed our restructuring by selling the M.I. Hummel business. Goebel is now exclusively focussed on our very successful glass and porcelain accessories for the home and as gifts," says Kay Michel, Managing Director of Goebel Porcelain Factory on signing the contract of sale with Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH.
The experience and expertise of M.I. Hummel employees in demand
"Our aim is to return to the high standing that M.I. Hummel figurines used to enjoy with fans and collectors in their heyday. We aim to emphasise originality, excellence and quality rather than quantity," says Jšrg Kšster, owner and managing director of Manufaktur Ršdental.
Kšster plans to make use of the over 70 years of experience available on location in Ršdental when the company resumes M.I. Hummel production. Newly founded Manufaktur Ršdental GmbH will thus be able to rely on all the manufacturing facilities, shapes, colours and rights belonging to Goebel Porcelain Factory's former "M.I. Hummel" business area, which made
M.I. Hummel figurines famous throughout the world. The quality of form and colour that is characteristic of M.I. Hummel figurines is dependent for the most part on the ability and skills of employees during production. To preserve continuity and quality in this area, the workforce of Manufaktur Ršdental are being recruited from the former M.I. Hummel team. "It was important to us to be able to build on their wealth of experience," says Kšster. He is a familiar face in the industry. When he took over Hochster Porcelain Factory in Frankfurt in 2001, he took on a difficult task. Nevertheless, he succeeded in gearing this historic brand to the spirit of the times and in reaching new target groups with high spending power.
M.I. Hummel Club to be continued
Manufaktur Ršdental is based at the old site on the Goebel premises, for which it has concluded a long-term rental contract. For the approximately 130,000 members of the M.I. Hummel Club worldwide, there is yet more good news. "We will retain the service for lovers and collectors and, given the opportunity, expand it further," Kšster announced.
More information about Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur:
Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur has designed and manufactured handcrafted figurines, crockery and ornaments in porcelain since its founding in 1871. In 1935 the first porcelain M.I. Hummel figurines were produced in Ršdental and were manufactured there until the end of October 2008. As part of the company's reorganisation, which is designed to safeguard its future, Goebel has since concentrated exclusively on accessories in the gift and home area. With its Artis Orbis, Adam & Ziege, Bianco e Nero, Nina & Marco, Paradise Garden, Rosina Wachtmeister and Teatime Treasures product lines, and its own Goebel brand, the company has been able to position itself well in this market.
More information about Hochster Porzellan-Manufaktur:
Hochster Porzellan-Manufaktur was established in 1746 by decree of the ruling prince, making it the second oldest porcelain manufacturer in Germany. Ever since, the Mainz wheel has been the trademark of Hochster Porcelain. Its range includes the manufacture and production of hard porcelain of the very highest, handcrafted quality (biscuit porcelain, white glazed and painted porcelain) for gifts and accessories as well as figurines and sculptures. It also makes reproductions of historic porcelain art, exclusive special developments, limited editions, collectors' items and contemporary porcelain art. Since 2002, the "Transparent Manufactory" has been open to groups of visitors. For the last six years, the factory has concentrated on modern design in shape and decoration, and sees its focus as high-quality gift and home accessories. Some of its new products have already been awarded design prizes.
http://www.goebel.com/pressroom.asp
