For 125 years, hansgrohe has been at the forefront of water innovation. From its humble beginnings in a small Black Forest workshop, the company has consistently asked one vital question: how can water better serve people? This curiosity has driven hansgrohe to transform everyday bathroom fixtures into intelligent, user-focused solutions that combine engineering, design and sustainability.

A legacy of innovation

Hans Grohe, the company’s founder, prioritised hygiene and wellbeing from the start. Transitioning from watch parts to sanitary goods, hansgrohe revolutionised showering in 1932 with the shoulder shower. By 1934, the first automatic bathtub drain and overflow set was introduced. In 1953, the Unica height-adjustable shower rail set a new standard for bathroom design, while the 1968 Selecta hand shower showcased adjustable spray types, proving that innovation could enhance daily rituals.

Design meets functionality

In the 1970s, Klaus Grohe steered the company towards blending engineering excellence with aesthetics. Bathrooms became spaces for experience, not just function. The Tri-Bel shower launched in 1974, introduced colour and multiple spray types, earning hansgrohe its first design award. The AXOR line, launched in 1993, brought collaborations with renowned designers like Philippe Starck, demonstrating that functionality and emotional resonance could coexist.

Revolutionising showering experiences

The company continued to challenge norms with groundbreaking products. The Allegro range in 1981 redefined single-lever mixers, while innovations like the Shower Temple and mobile Cocoon system reimagined bathing experiences. The 2003 launch of Raindance combined the luxury of overhead showers with the practicality of hand showers, creating a new category in modern showering.

Simplifying installation

The iBox universal, introduced in 2001, revolutionised installation processes. This single flush-mounted unit offered flexibility for multiple applications, simplifying construction and renovation for professionals and homeowners alike.

Sustainability at the core

Long before sustainability became a global focus, hansgrohe led the way with water-efficient technologies. The 1987 Mistral-Eco was the first water-saving hand shower on the market. Innovations like RainAir technology enriched water with air, creating softer droplets while reducing consumption. In 2023, hansgrohe unveiled the Green Vision Beyond Water concept, capable of cutting bathroom water use by up to 90%. These advancements highlight hansgrohe’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

A future of innovation

Today, hansgrohe remains a hub for thinkers and pioneers, balancing technical intelligence with human needs. As Klaus Grohe stated during the centenary, the company’s mission is to create innovative, environmentally friendly and design-led products.