World of the Brand
For over 260 years, Gerlach has been accompanying Poles
A tradition built over more than two centuries combines timeless elegance with the highest quality of manufactured products. Today, Gerlach is a dynamically growing company, consistently implementing modern solutions while drawing from its centuries-old, rich experience. In recent years, the Gerlach brand's product range has been significantly expanded, and its consistently high-quality products continue to earn consumer recognition.
For over 260 years, Gerlach has been accompanying Poles
A tradition built over more than two centuries combines timeless elegance with the highest quality of manufactured products. Today, Gerlach is a dynamically growing company, consistently implementing modern solutions while drawing from its centuries-old, rich experience. In recent years, the Gerlach brand's product range has been significantly expanded, and its consistently high-quality products continue to earn consumer recognition.
Mission: We make life easier
Vision: Everyone uses Gerlach products every day
Philosophy: We believe in what we do
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Values:
- By quality, we mean a high standard of products, quality of work, service, and customer care. We leverage the experiences of generations while combining them with innovative solutions.
- We learn from and support each other, building a cohesive team united by a common goal. We care about good relationships with our customers, creating a unique offer for them.
- We understand and accept that each of us is different. We respect diversity because it is our wealth and a source of the company's success. We approach our work, each other, our customers, and the traditions of the company we work for with respect.
Quality.
Relationships.
Respect.
-
Mission: We make life easier
-
Vision: Everyone uses Gerlach products every day
-
Philosophy: We believe in what we do
-
Values:
- By quality, we mean a high standard of products, quality of work, service, and customer care. We leverage the experiences of generations while combining them with innovative solutions.
- We learn from and support each other, building a cohesive team united by a common goal. We care about good relationships with our customers, creating a unique offer for them.
- We understand and accept that each of us is different. We respect diversity because it is our wealth and a source of the company's success. We approach our work, each other, our customers, and the traditions of the company we work for with respect.
Quality.
Relationships.
Respect.
History forged in steel
The history of the Gerlach brand dates back to 1760, when the furnace fire was lit in the Drzewica Forges. Although more than 260 years have passed since then, Gerlach continues to grow dynamically, drawing on the knowledge and experience accumulated over generations.
The photographs are from the publication *"Gerlach: History Forged in Steel"* by Roman Chalasz.
History forged in steel
The history of the Gerlach brand dates back to 1760, when the furnace fire was lit in the Drzewica Forges. Although more than 260 years have passed since then, Gerlach continues to grow dynamically, drawing on the knowledge and experience accumulated over generations.
The photographs are from the publication *"Gerlach: History Forged in Steel"* by Roman Chalasz.
2020
This year, the brand celebrated its milestone anniversary. On the occasion of its 260th anniversary, a unique, commemorative book titled *"History Forged in Steel"* was published, detailing the company's journey from its beginnings to the present day.
2004
The company's shares are fully acquired by private capital. The transformation processes continue until 2006, when Gerlach once again comes under private ownership, with 100% of the shares being acquired by HR Henniger sp. z o.o. (now HM Investments sp. z o.o.), where they remain to this day.
1992
On March 7, 1992, the Tableware Factory "Gerlach" was transformed into a wholly state-owned company. However, the enterprise was struggling at that time. Compared to 3-4 years earlier, production had decreased by about half. The encounter with the new reality in Poland was not easy. Despite the challenges, market research showed that in 1994, the brand still held approximately 70% of the domestic cutlery market. In 1995, the company was transformed into a joint-stock company. That year, the company's turnover reached 28 million PLN, a 40% increase compared to 1994.
1974
The "Gerlach" factory celebrated its 150th anniversary, referencing the founding of Samuel Gerlach's workshop. The state-owned enterprise reported a 34-fold increase in production compared to 1938. Annually, the factory supplied 70 million tableware items and other products to the market, with approximately 12% being exported. At that time, Gerlach employed around 4,500 people.
1960
The demand for Gerlach brand products continued to grow. Therefore, in 1960, the decision was made to expand the factory. The prefabrication department was the first to be completed, and a year later, the tableware department was launched. At the same time, warehouses, a transformer station, and internal roads were being constructed.
1951
After World War II, about two-thirds of the factory's machines were recovered. In 1951, a state-owned enterprise was established under the name "Gerlach" Cutlery Products Factory. In the first half-year of its operation, the factory proudly achieved 148% of its production plan.
1943
Before the war, 60% of the residents of Drzewica were Jewish, and in 1940, they were confined to a small ghetto. In October 1942, the ghetto was liquidated, and approximately 2,000 people were transported to the Treblinka extermination camp. Those who survived joined partisan groups that attacked nearby manors, mills, and post offices. In January 1943, Julian Kaniewski, the leader of one such group, forced the factory's safe to be opened through torture. Gerlach was also robbed of its products, and seven people, including 51-year-old August Kobylański, lost their lives. That same year, Tadeusz Kobylański was arrested, subsequently sentenced, and transported to Auschwitz. The process of liquidating the company began, with machines and workers being taken to Germany.
1939
The outbreak of another war once again slowed down the factory's operations. Many workers joined the military. However, in the autumn of 1939, Kazimierz Kobylański restarted a small-scale production. By 1940, the factory was operating almost normally. The significance of Gerlach's razor blades grew in the market, and by the end of 1943, the factory employed 550 workers and 36 administrative staff.
1928
In order to ensure further development, Samuel Kobylański's sons, Tadeusz and Kazimierz, decided to change the company's structure to make it more transparent for potential business partners. Therefore, the enterprise was transformed into a joint-stock company named "Kobylańscy Joint-Stock Company for the Steel Products Industry and Trade."
1919
After the war, the factory was devastated by a fire, and many workers were unable to return to work. As a result, initial production was minimal. However, it grew dynamically with each passing year, and Gerlach slowly rebuilt its former status.
1914
The Gerlach factory was working intensively and developing. The day before the outbreak of World War I, it employed 174 workers. Unfortunately, the war halted the company's operations. Many employees were conscripted into the Russian army. During the war, the town suffered significant destruction.
1875
Difficult times prevented August Kobylański's company from developing well. It wasn't until 1875 that his son, Samuel, revived the factory in Warsaw, naming it "S. Kobylański, formerly S. Gerlach." In 1886, together with his brother Bronisław, they purchased the Kuźnice Drzewickie lands that were up for sale. This is why the Gerlach brand headquarters in Drzewica is still located on Braci Kobylańskich Street. In 1893, the Kobylański brothers changed the name once again, this time to "Bracia Kobylańscy Steel Products Factory, formerly Gerlach."
1846
Samuel Gerlach passed away in 1839, and his workshop was taken over by his wife, Maria née Kościelska. Unfortunately, after 7 years, the 37-year-old woman passed away, leaving behind seven children. Her eldest daughter, Emilia, was 17 at the time. In accordance with her mother’s last wish, she married a long-time employee of Gerlach, August Kobylański. Together, the couple purchased the Drzewica factory.
1823
In Warsaw, on Podwale Street, Samuel Gerlach established his workshop. The premises were granted to him free of charge by the government. The young craftsman was required to bring in skilled workers from abroad and to train young Poles. Gerlach presented his products at the second national industry exhibition, where, according to the Government Commission, they were well-shaped and beautifully finished. Samuel Gerlach began his business by producing knives and surgical tools. A few years later, in 1829, Tsar Nicholas I, appreciating the quality of Samuel Gerlach's products, granted permission to mark the brand with a crown. This symbol remains in the brand's logo to this day.
1760
In 1760, the Drzewica Forges resumed their operations. The area had already been known for its metallurgical products, but it was around this time that Filip Nereusz Szaniawski, of the Junosza coat of arms, initiated an enterprise aimed at expanding the Drzewica Forges and creating a capable team. This effort was intended to leverage the natural deposits found in the region.
2020
This year, the brand celebrated its milestone anniversary. On the occasion of its 260th anniversary, a unique, commemorative book titled *"History Forged in Steel"* was published, detailing the company's journey from its beginnings to the present day.
2004
The company's shares are fully acquired by private capital. The transformation processes continue until 2006, when Gerlach once again comes under private ownership, with 100% of the shares being acquired by HR Henniger sp. z o.o. (now HM Investments sp. z o.o.), where they remain to this day.1992
On March 7, 1992, the Tableware Factory "Gerlach" was transformed into a wholly state-owned company. However, the enterprise was struggling at that time. Compared to 3-4 years earlier, production had decreased by about half. The encounter with the new reality in Poland was not easy. Despite the challenges, market research showed that in 1994, the brand still held approximately 70% of the domestic cutlery market. In 1995, the company was transformed into a joint-stock company. That year, the company's turnover reached 28 million PLN, a 40% increase compared to 1994.
1974
The "Gerlach" factory celebrated its 150th anniversary, referencing the founding of Samuel Gerlach's workshop. The state-owned enterprise reported a 34-fold increase in production compared to 1938. Annually, the factory supplied 70 million tableware items and other products to the market, with approximately 12% being exported. At that time, Gerlach employed around 4,500 people.
1960
The demand for Gerlach brand products continued to grow. Therefore, in 1960, the decision was made to expand the factory. The prefabrication department was the first to be completed, and a year later, the tableware department was launched. At the same time, warehouses, a transformer station, and internal roads were being constructed.
1951
After World War II, about two-thirds of the factory's machines were recovered. In 1951, a state-owned enterprise was established under the name "Gerlach" Cutlery Products Factory. In the first half-year of its operation, the factory proudly achieved 148% of its production plan.
1943
Before the war, 60% of the residents of Drzewica were Jewish, and in 1940, they were confined to a small ghetto. In October 1942, the ghetto was liquidated, and approximately 2,000 people were transported to the Treblinka extermination camp. Those who survived joined partisan groups that attacked nearby manors, mills, and post offices. In January 1943, Julian Kaniewski, the leader of one such group, forced the factory's safe to be opened through torture. Gerlach was also robbed of its products, and seven people, including 51-year-old August Kobylański, lost their lives. That same year, Tadeusz Kobylański was arrested, subsequently sentenced, and transported to Auschwitz. The process of liquidating the company began, with machines and workers being taken to Germany.
1939
The outbreak of another war once again slowed down the factory's operations. Many workers joined the military. However, in the autumn of 1939, Kazimierz Kobylański restarted a small-scale production. By 1940, the factory was operating almost normally. The significance of Gerlach's razor blades grew in the market, and by the end of 1943, the factory employed 550 workers and 36 administrative staff.
1928
In order to ensure further development, Samuel Kobylański's sons, Tadeusz and Kazimierz, decided to change the company's structure to make it more transparent for potential business partners. Therefore, the enterprise was transformed into a joint-stock company named "Kobylańscy Joint-Stock Company for the Steel Products Industry and Trade."
1919
After the war, the factory was devastated by a fire, and many workers were unable to return to work. As a result, initial production was minimal. However, it grew dynamically with each passing year, and Gerlach slowly rebuilt its former status.
1914
The Gerlach factory was working intensively and developing. The day before the outbreak of World War I, it employed 174 workers. Unfortunately, the war halted the company's operations. Many employees were conscripted into the Russian army. During the war, the town suffered significant destruction.
1875
Difficult times prevented August Kobylański's company from developing well. It wasn't until 1875 that his son, Samuel, revived the factory in Warsaw, naming it "S. Kobylański, formerly S. Gerlach." In 1886, together with his brother Bronisław, they purchased the Kuźnice Drzewickie lands that were up for sale. This is why the Gerlach brand headquarters in Drzewica is still located on Braci Kobylańskich Street. In 1893, the Kobylański brothers changed the name once again, this time to "Bracia Kobylańscy Steel Products Factory, formerly Gerlach."
1846
Samuel Gerlach passed away in 1839, and his workshop was taken over by his wife, Maria née Kościelska. Unfortunately, after 7 years, the 37-year-old woman passed away, leaving behind seven children. Her eldest daughter, Emilia, was 17 at the time. In accordance with her mother’s last wish, she married a long-time employee of Gerlach, August Kobylański. Together, the couple purchased the Drzewica factory.
1823
In Warsaw, on Podwale Street, Samuel Gerlach established his workshop. The premises were granted to him free of charge by the government. The young craftsman was required to bring in skilled workers from abroad and to train young Poles. Gerlach presented his products at the second national industry exhibition, where, according to the Government Commission, they were well-shaped and beautifully finished. Samuel Gerlach began his business by producing knives and surgical tools. A few years later, in 1829, Tsar Nicholas I, appreciating the quality of Samuel Gerlach's products, granted permission to mark the brand with a crown. This symbol remains in the brand's logo to this day.
1760
In 1760, the Drzewica Forges resumed their operations. The area had already been known for its metallurgical products, but it was around this time that Filip Nereusz Szaniawski, of the Junosza coat of arms, initiated an enterprise aimed at expanding the Drzewica Forges and creating a capable team. This effort was intended to leverage the natural deposits found in the region.
Gerlach is, above all, about the people...
An engaged team, whose relationships are based on mutual trust and understanding, is the foundation of our company. Our team consists of professionals who, with passion and dedication, strive for excellence, creating products that have been cherished for generations.
Gerlach is, above all, about the people...
An engaged team, whose relationships are based on mutual trust and understanding, is the foundation of our company. Our team consists of professionals who, with passion and dedication, strive for excellence, creating products that have been cherished for generations.
At Gerlach, we believe that success is the result of teamwork and mutual support. Our company is not just a workplace but also a community where every team member feels valued and motivated to take action. This enables us to create products that meet the highest quality standards, provide comfort in both the kitchen and dining room, help in crafting beautiful interiors, and accompany you during life's most important moments.
Did you know that, just like nearly 190 years ago, the company has been managed by a woman—Hanna Modrzejewska—since 2004? You can learn more about the company's history, the brand, and the people who make Gerlach in the specially published book "Gerlach: History Forged in Steel." You can find it HERE.
At Gerlach, we believe that success is the result of teamwork and mutual support. Our company is not just a workplace but also a community where every team member feels valued and motivated to take action. This enables us to create products that meet the highest quality standards, provide comfort in both the kitchen and dining room, help in crafting beautiful interiors, and accompany you during life's most important moments.
Did you know that, just like nearly 190 years ago, the company has been managed by a woman—Hanna Modrzejewska—since 2004? You can learn more about the company's history, the brand, and the people who make Gerlach in the specially published book "Gerlach: History Forged in Steel." You can find it HERE.
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