Duravit
ActiveOverview
Duravit AG is a German manufacturer of porcelain bathroom fittings, including sanitary ceramics, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, showers, faucets, and wellness systems. Founded in 1817, it produces under the Duravit and SensoWash brands, distributing products to over 130 countries through sales offices and distributors. The company reported €631.2 million in global sales for 2024, with manufacturing sites in Germany, India, China, Tunisia, and a new climate-neutral facility planned for Canada in 2025.
History
Duravit was founded in 1817 by Georg Friedrich Horn as an earthenware factory in Hornberg, Germany, in the Black Forest, beginning sanitary fixture production in the early 20th century. It expanded in the 1980s and 1990s with bathroom accessories, furniture, and acquisitions including Ceramique de Bischwiller in 1991, MISR TECH in 1999, and stakes in Laufen and Manufacture Tunisienne des Céramiques. Further growth included production sites in China (2003), India (2010), and a Design Center by Philippe Starck.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Ceramics (sinks, toilets, bidets) | Premium porcelain bathroom fixtures | $200 - $2,500 |
| Bathroom Furniture | Modern vanity units and storage | $500 - $5,000 |
| Shower and Bathtubs | Contemporary bathing solutions | $800 - $4,000 |
| Wellness Systems (whirlpools, saunas) | Luxury spa integrations | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| SensoWash Shower Toilets | Electronic bidet seats | $1,000 - $3,500 |
| Faucets and Accessories | Designer bathroom hardware | $150 - $1,800 |
Manufacturing
Duravit operates production facilities in Germany (Hornberg), China (Duravit Sanitaryware Co. Ltd.), India (Tarapur), and Tunisia (majority-owned MTC), with a new climate-neutral ceramic plant in Matane, Canada, set to open in late 2025 using electric kilns powered by hydroelectric energy. Core sanitary ceramics are produced in-house at modern plants, including a 1994 facility in Hornberg.
Notable Products
- SensoWash Shower-Toilets - Electronic shower toilet seats with hygiene and comfort features, showing 3.1% sales growth in 2024.
- Philippe Starck Design Center Products - Iconic bathroom fixtures designed by Philippe Starck, produced at the Hornberg facility.
- Me by Starck Washbasins - Popular minimalist ceramic sinks from the Starck collaboration line.
- Duravit Bathtubs - Freestanding and built-in acrylic and mineral cast tubs for modern bathrooms.
- Faucets Collection - Contemporary mixer taps with 26.8% sales increase in 2024.
Reputation
Duravit is regarded by professionals as a premium brand for high-quality porcelain ceramics and innovative designs, particularly collaborations with architects like Philippe Starck. Enthusiasts praise its durability and aesthetic integration in luxury bathrooms. Criticisms include higher price points limiting accessibility and occasional delays in global supply chains amid market challenges.