HISTORY
1873
Over 145 years of history and expertise have shaped the success and continuity of Dietiker – but also its desire to innovate and challenge traditions. Dietiker found the balance between the past and out of the box thinking. This philosophy has given life to pioneering developments that have become authentic classics over the decades.
Wooden Dietiker chair from 1909
The originally small manufacture, founded in 1873, developed into a considerable factory for almost 40 years. Johann Peter Dietiker, a wealthy young man, bought the company in 1918 and gave it his name, which we know as today’s brand.
Until the end of the forties, Dietiker can rely on its organic growth. The products have always been solid and quality work in every aspect.
In the fifties the golden post-war period began. The classic modernity has been established but in rural Stein am Rhein, the traditional style was still maintained.
60s
In 1959 the company was acquired by Migros. Edlef Bandixen, the new director was a newcomer from the far north of Germany, unencumbered by local traditions and open to a fresh start in every respect. Bandixen was not only a managing director but also a gifted designer. Together with Willy Guhl, a talented designer they launched the second generation of Dietiker. Guhl focused on the innovative design of the furniture. His first chair, the Model 3100, became the birth chair of a new era.
The duo Guhl / Bandixen characterized the next 30 years and led Dietiker to further successes with new talents like Bruno Rey.
1959: Dining chair model 3100 designed by Willy Guhl
The chair became an instant success during the Migros era of Dietiker, which encompassed about 40 years. The original version had a black stained beech frame with a Jonc mesh seat.
1958: Saffa chair by Hans Eichenberger
Designed for the «Swiss Exhibition for Women’s Work» in Zurich Tubular steel frame, upholstered seat in leather, back rest wrapped with jonc cord. As a sweeping Saffa chair, it has entered Swiss design history.
60s
In 1959 the company was acquired by Migros. Edlef Bandixen, the new director was a newcomer from the far north of Germany, unencumbered by local traditions and open to a fresh start in every respect. Bandixen was not only a managing director but also a gifted designer. Together with Willy Guhl, a talented designer they launched the second generation of Dietiker. Guhl focused on the innovative design of the furniture. His first chair, the Model 3100, became the birth chair of a new era.
The duo Guhl / Bandixen characterized the next 30 years and led Dietiker to further successes with new talents like Bruno Rey.
1959: Dining chair model 3100 designed by Willy Guhl
The chair became an instant success during the Migros era of Dietiker, which encompassed about 40 years. The original version had a black stained beech frame with a Jonc mesh seat.
1958: Saffa chair by Hans Eichenberger
Designed for the «Swiss Exhibition for Women’s Work» in Zurich Tubular steel frame, upholstered seat in leather, back rest wrapped with jonc cord. As a sweeping Saffa chair, it has entered Swiss design history.
70s
1963: Launch of the Bandixen chair, a classic chair characterized by its timeless design and formal reduction
The new direction that Guhl’s Model 3100 symbolized, was later accentuated by Edlef Bandixen’s own design. For the first time it was a mixed construction of tubular steel feet and molded plywood elements. Seat and frame consisting of only one piece.
Bandixen created the term «original design» as an imprint in the formal and creative appearance of the company. Original design represents the intrinsic value of a designed object, usually associated with an invention. The credo also symbolizes an anti-attitude against short-lived fashions, hectic production cycles, consumption and disposable mentality. Bandixen always focused on working with designers.
1971: Modell Rey33 designed by Bruno Rey
It is the first «screwless» chair with patented aluminium console. Today still. it is the most sold chair in Dietiker’s history and probably the most successful in the Swiss furniture market over all. Plywood seat and bending wood backrest. A die-cast aluminum console connects the feet to the plywood seat. For this purpose, detailed studies on the formation of the attachment points were necessary and a suitable adhesive had to be developed.
70s
1963: Launch of the Bandixen chair, a classic chair characterized by its timeless design and formal reduction
The new direction that Guhl’s Model 3100 symbolized, was later accentuated by Edlef Bandixen’s own design. For the first time it was a mixed construction of tubular steel feet and molded plywood elements. Seat and frame consisting of only one piece.
Bandixen created the term «original design» as an imprint in the formal and creative appearance of the company. Original design represents the intrinsic value of a designed object, usually associated with an invention. The credo also symbolizes an anti-attitude against short-lived fashions, hectic production cycles, consumption and disposable mentality. Bandixen always focused on working with designers.
1971: Modell Rey33 designed by Bruno Rey
It is the first «screwless» chair with patented aluminium console. Today still. it is the most sold chair in Dietiker’s history and probably the most successful in the Swiss furniture market over all. Plywood seat and bending wood backrest. A die-cast aluminum console connects the feet to the plywood seat. For this purpose, detailed studies on the formation of the attachment points were necessary and a suitable adhesive had to be developed.
80s
1979: The new building of the factory on the left side of the Rhine
Dietiker always made tables since its beginning. With the «Diagonal Massif» another new development was released, which in this case represents a manufacturing principle. «Diagonal Massif» is the answer to the question of how solid wood residues from industrial furniture production can be meaningfully recycled. The gluing of fish bone pattern solid wood elements, resulted in a semi-finished product, which is suitable as a material for table tops but also doors and cabinets.
80s
1979: The new building of the factory on the left side of the Rhine
Dietiker always made tables since its beginning. With the «Diagonal Massif» another new development was released, which in this case represents a manufacturing principle. «Diagonal Massif» is the answer to the question of how solid wood residues from industrial furniture production can be meaningfully recycled. The gluing of fish bone pattern solid wood elements, resulted in a semi-finished product, which is suitable as a material for table tops but also doors and cabinets.
MILLENNIUM
2000: The chairs Oneman/Twomen as well as Monâne by Greutmann Bolzern are introduced
2001
A new change takes place. The economic crisis and an internal reorganisation of Migros led to the sale of the company in 2001.
The management succeeded to get the former success maker at de Sede and Vitra, Dr. Phd. Urs Felber, on board. Since then Dietiker is a family company.
2001: The Felber family acquired the company.
After a career as industrialist and design pioneer, building up what we today know as De Sede and opening the US market for Vitra, Urs Felber brought a new vision to the company.
2010 New generation takes over the management.
2004-2008
2008: Introduction of the wooden chair family ONO by This Weber, Studio Wettstein
The Ono family is where tradition and knowhow meet contemporary design at the highest quality standards. The iconic Ono chair is an ideal solution for cafeterias and dining scenarios.
2014-2018
2014: Launch of the FELBER Collection, a platform concept offering 1001 possibilities.
The hyper-modular furniture concept enables a generation in search of ways to express its individuality, to give their creativity free reign.
2018: Felber Collection goes Outdoor.
Felber C18 is now ready for the outdoors. This lightweight stacking chair from the Felber Collection looks as good on a private balcony as on a terrace of a restaurant or a café.
