History of bathrooms and International Sales at Hansgrohe AG
MBA-IM visits headquarters in Schiltach
Ever wondered about the creativity and innovation that goes into your morning shower? Is it possible to take a shower as if you were walking in the rain? The answers to these questions and many more amazing insights were shared by Hansgrohe, at their headquarters in Schiltach. Hansgrohe AG is one of the leaders in the sanitation industry with specialization in showers and bathroom solutions for every home. Also 5 star luxury hotels and cruise ships all over the world furnished their bathrooms with products from Hansgrohe AG.
The MBA students spent a day at Schiltach, deep in the Black Forest, understanding the business model and functioning of this industry. Hansgrohe has dedicated a unique museum ‘Aquademie’ to highlight the importance of water and also to display the designer ranges of its products. It shows that modern faucets and showers can save up to 60% of water while adding air to the water – another effect is that it makes the water feel very soft as if you were standing in the rain forest. There is also a possibility to experience Hansgrohe products by taking a shower at the ‘Showerworld’. The Aquademie also exhibits bathroom designs by internationally renowned designers like Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio, Jean-Marie Massaud etc. Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola has developed a unique bathroom fittings and ambience for a bathroom concept that gives the feeling of walking through a bamboo forest. The students also had a guided tour of the museum that explained 700 years of the evolution of bathrooms, from the Middle Ages till today.
The business presentations were focused on the growth potential of Hansgrohe. Sales Director Julian Henco (on the right) discussed the strategies used to penetrate growing markets. “Do your SWOTs!”, was his advice to the students. All the different analytical tools they learned in the lectures are put into practice here and are useful for market analysis and development. This was followed by an intense discussion with the students regarding market entry modes and the idea of brand creation in such a niche market. Thomas Stopper from Corporate Business Development and Head of the interdisciplinary “Global Speed Task Force” shared his views on the career path at Hansgrohe and the challenges and opportunities available for the students.
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