Kinnarps: Spaces Where People Thrive
A Proud History Since 1942
Kinnarps was founded in 1942 by Jarl and Evy Andersson in the small Swedish town of Kinnarp, nestled in the scenic Västra Götaland region, just 1.5 hours from Gothenburg. With Jarl's craftsmanship and Evy's attention to detail and sustainability, the company initially produced custom-made furniture for architects. Over time, Kinnarps expanded steadily, maintaining its strong roots in environmental consciousness and craftsmanship.
Innovation: The Blue truck Concept
In the early 1950s, Kinnarps launched its first full line of office furniture and opened a modern factory dedicated to chair production. By 1959, the company introduced its own delivery service using reusable blankets to wrap products, significantly reducing packaging waste. This practice was a cornerstone of the "Bluetruck concept," enabling Kinnarps to optimize its logistics while embracing sustainable practices early on.
Global Expansion and Environmental Leadership
The first Kinnarps showroom opened in Stockholm in 1968, followed by London in 1974, marking the company's expansion into the export market. Kinnarps has consistently prioritized sustainability, from reducing heating oil consumption through innovative heating systems that utilize wood waste to implementing UV varnishing processes that cut emissions by 90% since 1980. Ecological innovation remains central to the Kinnarps ethos.
Industry Leadership in Ergonomic Design
In 1989, Kinnarps became the first company worldwide to introduce an electrically height-adjustable desk, revolutionizing ergonomic furniture design. Alongside its growing portfolio, the company acquired the brands Materia and Skandiform, strengthening its market position. Kinnarps continued its trailblazing path by launching the "Next Office" analysis tool in the early 2000s, offering scientific guidance for designing individualized, adaptable office environments. This was followed by "Next Education" and "Next Care," focusing on active learning and healthcare spaces, respectively.
Expanding in Germany with the Acquisition of Samas
In 2010, Kinnarps acquired the Samas Group in Germany, creating Kinnarps GmbH and establishing a strong presence in Central Europe. Today, Kinnarps remains a family-owned business, led by the children and grandchildren of Jarl and Evy Andersson.
Looking Ahead
For over 80 years, Kinnarps has been dedicated to providing sustainable, ergonomic, and thoughtfully designed furnishing solutions. Its Scandinavian-inspired concepts offer holistic approaches to modern workspace design. With a comprehensive portfolio across six brands, Kinnarps meets the diverse needs of its global clientele through a well-established European network. The company operates six state-of-the-art production sites in Sweden, ensuring that sustainability is upheld throughout the entire production process—from raw material selection to the final furnished space.
Kinnarps is committed to creating spaces where people can thrive, supporting its customers with high-quality, sustainable solutions for the future of work.
Kinnarps stand at Orgatec Hall 9 Stand A020/B029
About Kinnarps
Kinnarps is one of Europe's leading suppliers of furnishing solutions for offices, learning environments and healthcare, with operations in 40 countries. The entire value chain is characterized by high quality and low environmental impact - from raw material to finished solution. Kinnarps was founded in 1942 in Kinnarp, Sweden, and is still 100% family-owned. All production sites are located in Sweden.
Visit: www.kinnarps.com
Editorial queries:
Kristina Hjalmarsson
Press contact Kinnarps AB
Industrigatan 14, SE-52188 KINNARP
T: +46 (0) 706 38 52 87
Email: kristina.hjalmarsson@kinnarps.se