In the main we are a cottage industry but the landscape is changing with fewer manufacturers and more wholesalers. What’s left of these Australian manufacturing operations generally make between 2 – 5 kitchens per week. So when the opportunity is presented to visit Europe’s largest kitchen manufacturer, TKBB is there.
Nobilia produces 170 kitchens per hour – that’s 2600 kitchens per day and a staggering 560,000 complete kitchens per annum. The company started in 1945 by brothers Johann and Willy Stickling and to this day remains a family owned business. With 2000 different cabinets in its range and 24 working heights in floor cabinets alone, it’s an impressive array.
Nobilia is the powerhouse in European kitchen manufacturing. Its turnover has increased year on year since 2001 when it had its highest sales revenue at 382 million euro,. Last year, despite continuing tough economic times across the world, (Nobilia exports to 69 countries) its turnover reached 920 million Euro. The stats just keep on coming:
150 lorries
520 trailers
200 drivers
4 week lead time for all ranges
And the showroom which comprises over 75 displays is rebuilt each year – completely!
However impressive all of that is, nothing beats the showroom, and it’s a lesson from which every retailer should learn. You can spend time creating beautiful displays but it’s how they are accessorised makes or breaks a good, or great, showroom. With 75 displays mesmerising even the most ardent of designers, it’s apparent that serious attention has been paid to ensure that even the most basic of kitchens shines in entirety.
TKBB took the opportunity to speak to Export Manager (and a seriously good host) Javier Lombardia about the importance of presentation. “It’s something we know has to have our complete attention. Whether it’s a display at Living Kitchen, Eurocucina or our showroom, first impressions count and we recognise our competitors pay the same attention we do. Our customers need to see the product at its very best, and we also need to ensure they do the same in their showrooms”.
Nobilia has just over 30% of the entire German kitchen market, a huge range of product, 2400 employees and a strong business. However the importance of product presentation, especially the accessorising, is a lesson we will all take home.
