Villeroy & Boch

Villeroy & Boch is a German ceramics and lifestyle manufacturer founded in 1748 and headquartered in Mettlach, Saarland. The company is among Europe’s oldest premium brands, known globally for elegant tableware, bathroom, and wellness products that blend craftsmanship, design, and innovation. Villeroy & Boch pieces reflect a blend of practicality and artistry—created not only for formal dining, but for everyday life lived beautifully.

Key Facts

  • Founded: 1748, by François Boch and Nicolas Villeroy

  • Headquarters: Mettlach, Germany

  • CEO: Frank Göring (since 2007)

  • Employees: ~12,000 (2024, after Ideal Standard acquisition)

  • Global reach: 140 markets worldwide

Heritage & Evolution

Emerging from a family pottery in Audun-le-Tiche (Lorraine), the company grew rapidly after the 1836 merger of the Boch and Villeroy families. By the mid-19th century it was exporting ceramics across Europe, Russia, China, and the Americas. Over 275 years, it has evolved from a regional pottery into an international lifestyle group with operations spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Divisions & Products

Villeroy & Boch operates two main divisions: Bathroom & Wellness and Dining & Lifestyle.

  • Bathroom & Wellness includes ceramic sanitaryware, bathtubs, fittings, and furniture that transform bathrooms into “well-being oases.”

  • Dining & Lifestyle encompasses porcelain and bone-china tableware, glassware, cutlery, and home accessories, supplying both households and luxury hotels.

  • The company also produces kitchen sinks and, via V&B Fliesen GmbH, high-quality wall and floor tiles.

Innovation & Sustainability

A pioneer in ceramic technology, Villeroy & Boch introduced materials such as Quaryl® (a quartz-acrylic composite) and CeramicPlus, an easy-clean surface coating. Its factories in Merzig and Torgau comply with European EMAS and ISO 14001 standards, reflecting its commitment to sustainable production.

Cultural Significance & Legacy

Deeply rooted in European culture, the brand symbolizes timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Its products—found in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels worldwide—combine heritage artistry with contemporary design, continuing to shape modern dining and bathroom culture.