Traditional company from Dresden gets French owners

The long-established company Deutsche Werkstätten from Dresden-Hellerau has a new owner. After more than three decades at the helm, managing partner Fritz Straub is handing over the majority of his shares to the French group Ateliers De France, as announced by Deutsche Werkstätten. This secures the long-term future of the company.

"The quality of Deutsche Werkstätten is internationally recognized," said Antoine Courtois, President of Groupe Ateliers De France, which specializes in the restoration of historical monuments and high-quality interior and building construction. The company is proud to be able to help shape the future of this traditional brand. "Throughout its long history, Deutsche Werkstätten has shown time and again that tradition and renewal are not opposites," added Straub, who continues to hold shares in the company.

Kretschmer: A gain for our home

At a ceremony to mark the change of management, Minister President Michael Kretschmer spoke of a "gain for our home, for the Free State of Bavaria and far beyond its borders", according to a press release. "Deutsche Werkstätten is a unique example of how tradition can create the future," said the CDU politician.

The company was founded in 1898. In addition to its historic headquarters in Dresden-Hellerau, the company also operates a production center in Großröhrsdorf (Bautzen district). From 1966 to 1989, the popular MDW assembly furniture range was produced in Hellerau. Today, the workshops implement projects in individual interior design, primarily for luxury yachts and private residences.