History
In motion since 1952
The name Blum stands for innovation, dedicated employees and international market presence. Julius Blum founded the company on 1 March 1952. His first product was a horseshoe stud. Today we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of furniture fittings.
1952
The company is founded by Julius Blum
Julius Blum, a farrier and carriage smith by trade, founds his company on 1 March 1952. His first product is a horseshoe stud which prevents horses from slipping.
1956
Ground is broken for Plant 1
A large, 660 sq. metre (7,100 sq. ft.) hall (today’s plant 1) is built in Hoechst. It is equipped with eight automatic lathes.
1958
The first furniture fitting
Blum makes its first furniture hinge: the ANUBA hinge for doors, windows and furniture. The company takes on its first apprentice.
1964
The first Blum hinge
Blum starts to produce concealed furniture hinges.
1965
First export business
First products are exported to European countries.
1966
The first roller runners
Roller runners are added to the production programme.
1967
First representative offices abroad
First representative offices are set up. Blum takes part in interzum, the trendsetting fair in Cologne, for the first time.
1970
Launch of apprenticeship programme
Blum launches its own vocational training scheme with its own apprentice workshop in Austria.
1972
New plant in Hoechst
Plant 2 is built and put into operation in Hoechst. The first girl serves a technical apprenticeship with Blum.
1976
Plant 3 in Hoechst
The premises of “Alemania” are integrated into the Blum organisation. Plant 3 is opened.
1977
TANDEM
The new TANDEM drawer runner has a roller carriage instead of rollers.
Blum celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The first issue of the employee magazine “Blum News” is published.
First subsidiaries are founded.
Blum presents the MODUL hinge.
1978
First high bay warehouse
Vorarlberg's first fully automated high bay warehouse is put into operation at Plant 2.
1979
Plant 4
Plant 4 is opened in Bregenz.
1981
New assembly devices
The new MINIPRESS drilling and insertion machine and MINIFIX assembly device support customers with manufacturing and assembly. Blum takes part in the international vocational training competition for the first time.
1983
Silver at WorldSkills
Blum’s apprentices win their first medal at the international vocational training competition in Linz.
1984
Production in the USA
Blum USA assembles hinges and drawer runners.
1985
CLIP hinge
Blum presents CLIP, the hinge for tool-free mounting. The company launches its first social campaign at interzum, the international trendsetting show in Cologne.
1987
METABOX
The METABOX box system goes into production.
1989
Global customer benefits
Blum introduces its philosophy of “Global customer benefits”.
1991
Gold at WorldSkills
A Blum apprentice becomes world champion at the international vocational training competition.
Blum is the first manufacturer of furniture fittings to be certified to the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard.
1992
Blum Poland is established.
An additional production facility is set up in Poland.
1993
New TANDEMBOX box system
Blum presents the new steel, aluminium and stainless steel TANDEMBOX box system and introduces the INSERTA assembly method for hinges.
TANDEM full extension is launched on the market.
1994
Apprenticeship scheme based on the Austrian model
Blum USA introduces a dual vocational training programme.
1995
Quality standards in the field of vocational training
Blum is granted the status of “vocational training centre of excellence” by the Republic of Austria.
1996
Easy planning
The first version of DYNAPLAN is launched on the market. The software makes it easy to plan cabinets and choose the right furniture fittings.
1997
Environmental certification
Blum is certified to the international ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard.
The company presents TANDEMBOX plus full extension.
1998
Blum Brazil
A production facility is set up in Brazil.
1999
The CLIP top hinge
Blum presents its beautifully designed CLIP top hinge for fast and easy adjustment and launches the ORGA-LINE inner dividing system for TANDEMBOX.
2000
Storage space planning
Blum focuses on storage space planning and usage in kitchens.
2001
BLUMOTION
Drawers, wall cabinets and doors close softly and effortlessly with soft-close BLUMOTION.
2002
50th anniversary
Blum celebrates its 50th anniversary.
2003
DYNAMIC SPACE by Blum
Blum presents new ways to maximise storage space and provide top quality motion. The company launches special applications such as SPACE TOWER, SPACE CORNER and the sink pull-out.
The Stamping Centre in Fussach (Plant 5) is put into operation.
2005
New AVENTOS lift systems
AVENTOS lift systems and the TIP-ON mechanical opening support system for TANDEM runners are presented for the first time at interzum in Cologne.
“Plangger Coatings” in Gaissau is integrated into the Blum organisation. Plant 6 is opened.
Blum takes on its 1000th apprentice.
2006
SERVO-DRIVE
Blum presents the SERVO-DRIVE electrical opening support system for drawers and pull-outs.
Blum's Logistics and Packaging Centre is put into operation in Poland.
2007
TANDEMBOX intivo
TANDEMBOX intivo, the box system that allows you to personalise side panels and TIP-ON for doors are added to the product portfolio.
2009
CLIP top BLUMOTION
The hinge with integrated soft close is presented for the first time. TANDEMBOX antaro with a rectangular gallery rail and the TIP-ON mechanical opening support system for the AVENTOS HK stay lift are also new to the range.
Plant 7, which has its own rail sidings, begins operations in Dornbirn.
2010
SERVO-DRIVE for lift systems
The SERVO-DRIVE electrical motion support system adds a new dimension to lift systems.
Blum New Zealand is established.
2011
Box system with straight drawer sides
The LEGRABOX box system, MOVENTO runner system and SERVO-DRIVE uno are presented for the first time.
2012
AMBIA-LINE
Blum launches AMBIA-LINE inner dividing systems for LEGRABOX. The company’s Energy Management System is certified to ISO 50001.
2013
European Inventor Award 2013
BLUMOTION for soft and effortless closing wins the European Inventor Award 2013.
SPACE TWIN, the new application for narrow cabinets, is launched on the market. Blum opens a new vocational training centre in Dornbirn.
2014
TIP-ON BLUMOTION
Blum presents a new fittings solution that combines easy one-touch opening with soft and effortless closing - and works on a purely mechanical basis.
2015
4 motion technologies
Whether mechanical or electrical, our four motion technologies can be combined as required. They deliver user convenience to handle-less furniture throughout the home.
The new EASY ASSEMBLY app provides digital support to fitters and installers.
Blum offers CABLOXX, a single locking system for all box and runner systems.
2016
Solutions to meet the latest trends
Blum presents itself as an innovative systems partner that delivers solutions for handle-less furniture.
New colour options for hinges: onyx black is launched on pilot markets.
2017
AVENTOS HK top
Blum presents the new AVENTOS HK top lift system. The company also launches EASYSTICK, the automatic ruler system for drilling and insertion machines.
Blum receives Global Player Award 2017 from the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
2019
MERIVOBOX
The MERIVOBOX box system offers pull-outs to meet every demand. Maximum functionality combined with stunning design.
The new management team consisting of Managing Directors Philipp Blum and Martin Blum, Gerhard Humpeler and Urs Bolter takes the helm on 1 July.
Pocket systems allow you to open up and close off entire living areas. Blum takes on it 2000th apprentice. The company opens its doors to more than 100 new apprentices. The new Stamping Centre (Plant 8) is put into operation in Dornbirn.
2020
50 years of vocational training
Blum celebrates the 50th anniversary of its apprenticeship programme in Austria and the 25th anniversary at Blum USA.
