The rich history of Ahrend

How it all began

It all started for Ahrend in 1896, with the typically Dutch entrepreneurial spirit of Jacobus Ahrend. Today, we are continuing to build on a unique history, enabling us to see past the issues of the day and shape the future of work. Discover the rich history, the remarkable projects and the legendary designs that have been created by Ahrend over the years.

1896: The beginning

Found by Wed. J. Ahrend & Son

Jacobus Ahrend, at under 18 years of age, founded Ahrend with the help of his mother. The first products were sold from the living room in Amsterdam: a drawing board and a passer box.
1926

First office furniture sold

The first office furniture is added to the collection of office supplies.
1941

Ahrend takes majority stake in The Circle

Already established, Ahrend aquiries De Cirkel who design and produce steel furniture. This aquistion marks the start of in-house production for Ahrend.
1953: A revolution

Friso Kramer's Ahrend Revolt chair

The Revolt chair, designed by Friso Kramer, was introduced to the market. A breakthrough in industrial design and mass production.
1958

Result chair by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld

The Result chair, designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld, is successful installed in schools and living rooms and inspires graphic designers and photographers. Kramer and Rietveld's designs are rewarded with the prestigious Signe d'Or.
1967: Production, commercial and design

Merger with steel furniture manufacturers

Ahrend, and the steel furniture manufacturers ODA and 'The Circle' were brought together under one roof.
1972: Leading in vitalising

Introduction of the mehes furniture system

Introduction of Mehes (Mobility, Efficiency, Humanisation, Environment, Standardisation), a design by Friso Kramer, in line with the popularity of open-plan offices.
1984: Global impact

Ahrend targets HSBC in Hong Kong

Ahrend won the largest furniture contract worldwide with the establishment of the Hong Kong Banking Corporation (HSBC) headquarters which included 6,500 Mehes workplaces. A building designed by architect Sir Norman Foster.
1990

Environmental health takes shape

Ahrend is at the forefront when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the integration of environmental policy into the business objectives. For example, energy and water consumption are drastically reduced. 30 years later, we consume 90% less water and produce our own energy.
1994: Sustainable design

Ahrend 220 office chair with eco design

Introduction of first eco design product: Ahrend 220 office chair. The best-selling office chair in the Netherlands, characterised with its distinctive 'letterbox'.
1996: Royal Ahrend

The company receives the predicate 'Royal'

Ahrend celebrates its 100th anniversary and the company receives the title ‘Royal’.
2005: Market leader in Eastern Europe

Acquisition of TECHO

After several years of successful collaboration, Ahrend takes over its partner TECHO. TECHO is active in the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and the United Kingdom. Ahrend becomes one of the most significant office designers in Europe.
2010: Ergonomics and sustainability

Ahrend introduces the Ahrend 2020

Clear lines, a luxurious look and ultimate seating comfort. The Ahrend 2020 is characterised by a timeless design, which is completely durable and meets the highest ergonomic requirements.
2011: Leading in sustainabilty

Ahrend becomes the first Cradle to Cradle company in the office industry

Ahrend is awarded the Cradle to Cradle Company Award. Ahrend is first and only company in the industry to win this award, something we are extremely proud of!
2015

The start of the Ahrend Innovation LAB

The Ahrend Innovation LAB is founded and develops products and services to personalise the workplace, improve ergonomics and increase productivity.
2015: A socially engaged company

Ahrend acquires social workshop Presikhaaf School Furniture

Ahrend acquires Presikhaaf School Furniture with 190 employees in Arnhem. At Presikhaaf, individuals with a disadvantaged position in the labour market are given the opportunity to work. Through this collaboration Ahrend combines the production of innovative school furniture with social policy.
2015: A longer life span

Ahrend introduces the Ahrend Balance

Ahrend Balance is designed with the principle that the product lasts longer than one lifecycle. The Ahrend Balance wins the prestigious Mixology award in the category 'Product of the Year – Furniture' in 2016 and is Cradle to Cradle certified.
2015: Further international growth

Creation of Ahrend APAC

Ahrend expands its global reach opening offices in Dubai, Shenzen, Shangai and
2015

Ahrend acquires Gispen

With the acquisition of Gispen, Ahrend becomes the market leader in the Benelux and leading player in Europe. In the Dutch market, Gispen and Ahrend continue to operate independently.
2017: A timeless design

Ahrend and HAY relaunch the classic 1950s

Ahrend and HAY relaunch the classic 1950s Result chair and Pyramid collection in collaboration with the Danish design brand HAY. The original designs of Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld have proved their worth
2018

WELL Collection

The Ahrend WELL Collection combines comfort with a beautiful design that makes users feel right at home. The Ahrend WELL collection is awarded the prestigious Red Dot best of the best award.
2018

CE100 Company

Ahrend joins the CIRCULAR Economy 100 (CE100) network of world-leading companies working on the transition to the circular economy. Ahrend is proud to participate in this prestigious organisation
2019

Call for Silence

Ahrend launches the Silence CALL. The Silence CALL brings silence back to the workplace and facilitates flexible working.
2019

Opening Paris and Marseille

Ahrend is committed to further international growth and opens new branches in Paris and Marseille. Ahrend is currently active in more than 25 countries.
2020: At the forefront of the market

Creating vitalising workspaces

Ahrend creates vitalising working environments that attract talent, increase productivity and encourage employee enthusiasm, all or which are crucial to the success of the organisation.
2020

Hybrid Working Community

In Ahrend's vision, the future working environment will facilitate a journey through a diversity of physical workplaces; both at home and in the office.
2021

Qabin Collection

With the Qabin Collection you can create separate spaces in an open working environment. For example, to make (video) calls, to work together or to work concentrated.
2021

Opening Circular Hub

In our Circular Hub in Veghel, we have brought together all our circular expertise and production facilities on no less than 12,000 m². Here we give a second life to newly used furniture.
2022

Collaboration with Workplace Vitality Hub

In the Workplace Vitality Hub, forces are joined to jointly develop innovations that contribute to well-being and vitality in the workplace.
2023

Ahrend UK and Techo join forces

With the joining of forces of Ahrend UK and Techo, we are strengthening our position in the United Kingdom. In this way, we offer customers one strong brand, with a wide and sustainable range of work solutions.
2024

Launch of new sustainability strategy

With our new sustainability strategy, we are taking concrete steps towards a circular future. From climate goals to social entrepreneurship: together we make a sustainable impact.
2024

Opening of fully automated Wood Hub in the Czech Republic

Our new Wood Hub in Prague is fully automated and circular. Here we combine craftsmanship with technology to produce high-quality and sustainable wood solutions.
2024

Opening of fully automated Wood Hub in the Czech Republic

Our new Wood Hub in Prague is fully automated and circular. Here we combine craftsmanship with technology to produce high-quality and sustainable wood solutions.
2024

Launch of Ahrend Remode

Ahrend Remode is our most sustainable office chair to date. Designed together with UNS and fully circular: reusable, adaptable and future-proof.
2025

Presentation of annual report according to ESG guidelines

For the first time, Royal Ahrend presented our annual report in accordance with the ESG guidelines. In this way, we make our sustainable, social and administrative impact transparent and measurable.
2025

SBTi approval of climate targets

Our climate goals have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. This officially puts us on course for net zero emissions by 2050.
2025

Ahrend Remode wins Red Dot Award

Ahrend Remode has been awarded a Red Dot Award. An international recognition for the innovative, sustainable and aesthetic design of this circular office chair.
2025

Opening showroom Düsseldorf

In the heart of Düsseldorf, we opened a new, circular showroom. An inspiring place where vitality, design and sustainability come together.
2025

Ahrend Cerene Skylight

With Ahrend Cerene Skylight, you bring the feeling of daylight indoors, even in rooms without windows.