Gabriel 150 years - Flipbook - Page 49
Boligtekstiler A/S, was reduced. Carpets, wallto-wall carpets and a wide range of curtain fabrics were discontinued during ±∫π∂ and ±∫π∑.
New designs in wool, an export
success
Gabriel designated Germany as its growth
market. In ±∫π≥, Jørgen Kjær Jacobsen made
his first visit to Germany as sales manager and
exhibited Gabriel’s designs all over the country. The German furniture manufacturers praised the quality, but described the patterns and
designs as: “too Scandinavian for our market.”
The furniture makers were most interested
in the quality and appearance of the design,
Dundee, but were not quite satisfied with its
colours and durability. Colours were selected
in cooperation with the first big customers,
and efforts to improve the structure of the yarn
were eventually successful.
The pyramides were torn down, and SAS got a new
image. In ±∫π≥ SAS chose Gabriel as their fabric
At that time, wool had a rather “dusty” image,
supplier. A visibly proud group manager presents
and Gabriel’s intense efforts to create a new
the finished result.
range of colours led to a breakthrough for the
company’s woollen upholstery fabrics. Wool
Another of Kjærs Mølle’s popular designs
was shown to have the best possible properties
was Bolivia; this orange-coloured, high quality
for the office and conference furniture sector,
woollen fabric was used in SAS planes in the
where new standards had to be met regarding
±∫∏∞s.
durability and the fire resistance of the fabrics.
This created a fine opportunity for market-
Supplying material for uniforms to the manu-
ing the unsurpassed properties of wool as ad-
facturer of uniforms for the Danish military,
vantageous to the user, who could enjoy better
Statens Konfektion, was a constant source of
seating comfort as well as more durable and
difficulty. Despite numerous attempts, it prov-
fire-resistant upholstered furniture. The manu-
ed impossible to alter either agreements made
facturers were prepared to put their stake on
with the supplier of yarn or the customer.
higher quality and wanted to show their furni-
Although the uniform material comprised ap-
ture with wool instead of the uninteresting,
prox. DKK ±≤ million of the ±∫πµ-π∂ turnover,
cheap synthetic fabrics then in general use.
the decision not to make a new bid for this
In October ±∫πµ, Gabriel participated for
contract was easily made and quickly improved
the first time in the international contract
Gabriel’s earning ability.
furniture fair, Orgatec, in Cologne, Germany.
In the years following the merger, the pro-
Good contacts to German customers were
duct range of the former wholesaler, Gabriel
made from a modest stand measuring ±≤m≤,
1984-2001
50
