Salamander? Don't they make shoes?
This question opens up a conversation about values that shape generations.
Salamander has been a success story for more than 120 years
For more than 120 years, the brand Salamander has stood for durable, high-quality products focusing on customer needs. Pioneer spirit, quality standards and consistent commitment to sustainability have always been our hallmarks - both then and now.
Explore how we transformed from a visionary shoe manufacturer to an innovative leader in window and door systems: Salamander myWindow.
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Innovation in our DNA – Since 1903
In 1903, visionaries Jacob Sigle, Max Levi and Rudolf Moos transformed the shoe industry by introducing high-quality leather shoes with sophisticated designs to the mass market at affordable prices.
Their groundbreaking manufacturing innovations led to the first Salamander shoe priced at just 12 instead of 20 Reichsmark – marking the dawn of industrial shoe production.
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Innovation drives sustainability - Since 1923
It was this pioneering spirit, which revolutionized shoe production, that paved the way for further milestones: In 1923, Salamander developed a patented process for recycled leather using the precious leather scraps from shoe production - and continues to lead the global market in this field to this day.
The commitment to sustainability was also reflected in our energy supply - from the very beginning, Salamander relied on environmentally friendly power generation through its own hydro energy power plant.
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Customer-centered - Since day one
In 1937, Salamander transformed the shoe shopping experience with the introduction of Lurchi: While the children were caught by the exiting adventures of the lovable salamander, their parents could shop undisturbed.
Ahead of its time, the company built its own parking facilities and established a nationwide retail network - ensuring maximum accessibility and convenience for customers.
Quality. Sustainability. Innovation.
Values that defined our journey - for more than 120 years.
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Innovation creates added value - Vertical integration since 1973
When fashion demanded higher heels in the 1960s, Salamander turned to PVC injection molding—a technology that not only revolutionized heel production but also laid the foundation for successful vertical integration.
The construction boom of the 1970s provided the perfect opportunity to transfer this expertise to new markets. In 1973, Salamander launched its first PVC window, also setting new standards with the whitest white, the highest gloss level, and the most impermeable surface.
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Owner-managed family business success - Since 2004
Following the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Salamander's monopoly position in Eastern Europe came to an end, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the publicly listed Salamander AG in 2004.
Dr. Heyo Schmiedeknecht acquired the window division and transformed Salamander Industrie-Produkte GmbH into a medium-sized, owner-managed family business specializing in premium window and door systems.
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Tradition in our heart - Vision in sight - Since 2017
In 2017, on the 100th anniversary of the Türkheim site, Götz and Till Schmiedeknecht took over the company and set a new direction:
Moving away from purely technical industrial products towards Salamander myWindow - an approach that makes windows an experiential product, individually tailored to each building owner's needs.
In doing so, Salamander creates windows that inspire people to realize their vision:
mySpace. myVision. myWindow.
Share your story with us
We’d love to know how Salamander has accompanied you on your journey. Share your favorite Salamander memories and become part of our story.
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