Since SCHOCK was founded in 1924, the company has been on the forefront of making kitchen sinks more than a functionality. Innovative, colourful products and sustainable solutions have enabled the company’s granite composite sink, which was established in 1979, to overtake more and more of the market shares that once belonged to stainless steel sinks. The company’s aim, according to CEO Ralf Boberg is “to produce the most beautiful sinks in the world”.

Using granite composite has a lot of advantages compared to other common materials used to design sinks. Firstly, the material is incredibly hard and durable and, as Ralf Boberg says, “it offers a high variation of designs and colours.”

As the pioneer in selling granite composite sinks, SCHOCK is able to provide years of experience and know-how. Marc Nover, CEO of SHOCK North America explains, “we continually innovate and improve both upon material and our product portfolio.” Nowadays, the company offers more than 200 different designs that are available in over 40 colours.

A modern product needs to be one thing above all - sustainable. Therefore, SCHOCK has long approached their business with sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions in mind. The CRISTADUR Green Line takes the sustainable approach one step further as the whole range is made from up to 99% natural, recycled or renewable raw materials.

Furthermore, the company has implemented their SINK GREEN strategy in 2020, which includes comprehensive measures to ensure environmentally friendly procedures are implemented all throughout the company. Head of Marketing, Susanne Zeitlhöfler, claims: “SINK GREEN is our path leading us into the future”

Many of the milestones have already been reached, as the company already changed their electricity supply to 100% green power made of hydrogen in 2021. Due to this and other measures, including the compensation of the emissions that cannot be prevented, the company as well as all the sinks have reached net neutrality.

“We want to create products that are designed nicely and are produced in a responsible way,” says Susanne Zeitlhöfer about the company’s mission.

The on-going success of the company has enabled expansion. Besides the headquarters in Regen in Germany, a new production site is being built in Martinsville, Virginia to produce regionally for the growing North American market. By reducing overseas shipping, the expansion beyond the European borders is another measure to ensure more sustainability across all business areas.  

Though they are located on different continents, one thing is sure to connect all of the company’s employees: the “SCHOCK-Spirit”, which is felt both in the production site in Germany and will soon be carried over to the United States.

“Behind SCHOCK’s success is a diverse team consisting of experienced experts,” claims Susanne Schmid, Head of Human Resources.

Ensuring every single employee along the entire value chain is appreciated, and that their feedback is listened to and implemented to ensure a happy workforce, is what makes SCHOCK a special place to work at. “Only if all parts of the company work together, we can produce those high quality and beautiful products,” explains Susanne Schmid.

“Our sinks will become the new standard,” says Ralf Boberg as the company continues its mission of bringing more colour into the kitchen and being part of the kitchen sink’s journey from a commodity to a lifestyle accessory.