The story.

1888 - the age of industrialization is in full swing. Chemnitz, the so-called Saxon Manchester, rapidly develops into one of Europe's most important locations for the textile industry and mechanical engineering. The exchange of ideas brings numerous innovations and new company formations. It was precisely at this time that Karl Robert Wagner, a trained locksmith, founded his hardware factory Rowac. With foresight, he succeeded in taking a bold step that led to success: the world's first riveted seating furniture made of light strip steel. It became an icon among Rowac products and made its way into the workshops and classrooms of the Bauhaus in Weimar, Dessau, and Berlin.

A group of Bauhaus students, seated on Rowac stools – 1923, Weimar

The beginning.

Born into poverty, Karl Robert Wagner earned his own living from an early age. As a trained locksmith, he traveled across Europe, greatly expanding his knowledge and skills. Upon his return to Chemnitz, he received good job offers. But he wanted more and eventually bought the necessary tools and a lathe with his saved 400 marks to start his own business. He quickly made a name for himself with his products, such as window latches and openers.

Karl Robert Wagner in 1913

A new way.

The demand for functional yet durable industrial furniture is growing, and sitting at work is becoming increasingly important. With the Model I, Rowac launched the world's first riveted seating furniture made of lightweight steel strip in 1909. Years of experiments, calculations and observations went into the development of optimal seat and backrest shapes; Rowac became a pioneer of ergonomics. A wide range of products for workshops and offices was created, including chairs, tables, toolboxes and cabinets.

Rowac advertisement in the Bauhaus Dessau brochure - around 1927

War and what gets lost in the process.

World War II brought significant restrictions for Rowac in the production and supply to its European-wide customer base. Despite a manufacturing ban on steel furniture, Rowac was initially able to continue operating. However, this was only possible because, on the one hand, the furniture design was altered so that mainly wood was used instead of steel, and on the other hand, Rowac complied with strict government regulations and carried out orders for various state institutions. These were mainly furnishings, e.g., for air-raid shelters, but also ammunition boxes.