The Midlands is synonymous with manufacturing excellence ; widely regarded as the birthplace of the industrial revolution . Both the geographical location and the region ’ s rich heritage of mills and factories have made it the historical heart of British industry but also a contemporary cornerstone for innovation and invention .

It therefore seems no coincidence that the Midlands is also home to HOPPE ( UK ) and so it seems to go without saying that no MidlandsView would be complete without HOPPE . Here , Ged Ryan , CEO discusses how HOPPE ( UK ) has taken its German roots and planted them in the middle of the UK , always putting quality at front and centre of everything it does ( in more ways than one )…

The history of HOPPE

HOPPE ( UK ) has been established for more than 30 years but the full story spans seven decades of experience and expertise , when you count its international history . And it ’ s a heritage centred around one core value : quality . Crucially however , this is quality that ’ s accessible across commercial and residential sectors .

Having high standards , maintaining them and nurturing them over the years and across product ranges is the linchpin for everything HOPPE does and makes . These high standards that are built into the products themselves – from design through development , specification to application , appearance and performance – may be uncompromising , yet they come with added values as well as allowing the customer to achieve value for money .

To truly understand HOPPE ( UK ), we need to go right back to the beginning . Born in Germany in 1952 , the HOPPE Group was started by Friedrich Hoppe , as a door and window hardware manufacturer . HOPPE grew quickly ; just as many post-war businesses enjoyed a ‘ Golden Age ’ of success throughout the 1950s and 60s , and continued to endure past the recession of the early 70s too . The company remains in Hoppe family to this day , and leadership has been passed down to the next two generations : Wolf and Christoph Hoppe , Friedrich ’ s two sons and , Christian Hoppe , Wolf ’ s son and Friedrich ’ s grandson .

HOPPE now has a global presence , with manufacturing and distribution centres in Germany , Italy , North America , China and , of course , the UK .

HOPPE ( UK ) first opened its doors in 1988 . The site was initially set up as a handle distribution centre but later began to supply hardware and door furniture such as letterplates , numbers and knockers .

In 1999 , HOPPE ( UK ) found a new home at Gailey Park , Wolverhampton . This address – approximately 20 miles from Birmingham and a stone ’ s throw from both Willenhall and Walsall – means that its UK HQ is not only right in the middle of the country ’ s original manufacturing ‘ belt ’ but it is also nestled neatly in what has become a haven for some of hardware ’ s biggest and best-known brands and businesses .

The move didn ’ t only signify a change of location however , it was pivotal to two key areas of business : firstly , meeting fabricator needs ; to become their hardware supplier of choice , and secondly , delving deeper into the architectural sector . This was concurrent with the growth of ARRONE , which was launched in the mid-1990s and has continued to thrive ever since .

Striking the right balance

Crucially , HOPPE ( UK ) has found , and fostered , the knack of creating products that are not only functional but also meet the aesthetic and performance needs of different industries , and niche sectors ; including fire . Even under the umbrella of ‘ commercial ’ or ‘ public sector ’, there are very specific considerations when it comes to healthcare , education , retail or leisure facilities , for example .

Aesthetics are equally important in today ’ s market . HOPPE ( UK ) understands that appearance can greatly influence product

choice ; specification and application . From the form of door furniture to its finish , HOPPE ( UK ) has proved that there never needs to be a compromise on the appearance of a product for a care home , or the performance of a product for a front door – both can look beautiful , be fit for purpose and stand the test of time .

Part of the family

HOPPE ( UK )’ s term ‘ Handle of Excellence ’ is a fitting one , and not just when it comes to products . HOPPE builds quality into its internal and external relationships – from the inside out . Family values are at the core of this company . And , your surname doesn ’ t need to be ‘ Hoppe ’ to experience this . The company ’ s leadership , steeped in a rich family history , hangs on respect , collaboration , and support .

Employees aren ’ t just ‘ workers ’; they are part of a larger family that ’ s committed to excellence . This commitment to people is wellknown throughout fenestration , and reaches far beyond the Midlands . From ongoing training and development opportunities to offering a supportive and inclusive environment where every team member has the opportunity to contribute to the company ’ s success .

Significant investment in training makes sure staff are multiskilled , and qualified in highly-respected accreditations from organisations such as the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers ( GAI ). Also , last year , HOPPE ( UK ) launched its bespoke door certification training for staff to ensure they ’ re complying with and giving advice in line with the latest regulations .

www . hoppe . com