Gardena: The European Leader in Gardening Tools and Irrigation
Gardena GmbH is a premier manufacturer of gardening tools and irrigation technology, recognized as the European market leader in its sector. Headquartered in Ulm, Germany, the company provides a comprehensive range of solutions designed to simplify outdoor maintenance and plant care. Since 2007, Gardena has operated as a subsidiary of the Swedish Husqvarna Group, integrating its expertise into a global organization of outdoor power products.
Key Facts
- Headquarters: Ulm, Germany.
- Parent Company: Husqvarna Group (acquired in 2007).
- 2019 Revenue: SEK 8,343 million (approximately 790 million euros).
- Workforce: Approximately 3,000 employees as of 2019.
- Primary Market: Europe.
- Core Products: Garden tools and irrigation systems.
The Evolution of Gardena
The company's journey began in 1961 with the founding of Kress + Kastner GmbH by merchants Werner Kress and Eberhard Kastner. By 1966, the brand evolved into Gardena Kress + Kastner GmbH, setting the stage for a series of innovations that would redefine home gardening.
In 1968, the company introduced the Original GARDENA System, a patented water hose plug-in system. This innovation allowed users to connect various tools easily, with the practical advantage that only the rubber O-rings (small circular gaskets used to prevent leaks) needed replacement if the system leaked. This system became the foundation for an entire ecosystem of gardening equipment.
Following this success, the GARDENA combisystem—an interchangeable handle connection—was launched eight years later. Both the plug-in system and the combisystem were designed by Dieter Raffler, who served as the lead designer for Gardena products for two decades and is now a Professor Emeritus of Industrial Design.
Corporate Transitions and Growth
Gardena underwent several structural changes as it grew. The company went public as Gardena Holding AG in 1996. Between 1999 and 2004, Wolfgang Jahrreiss served as the chairman of the board. In 2007, the private equity firm IK Partners (via the IK 2000 Fund) acquired the company from the founding families.
The company was later delisted in 2003 and renamed Gardena AG. During this period, the company streamlined its operations, which included the sale of its US subsidiary, Melnor Inc., in 2004. In 2007, Husqvarna acquired Gardena for 730 million euros, converting the entity back into a GmbH (a limited liability company). Since 2015, Gardena has been managed as a largely independent division within the Husqvarna Group.
Global Operations and Infrastructure
Gardena maintains a robust manufacturing and distribution network to serve the European market. Its operational structure includes several key subsidiaries:
- Gardena Manufacturing GmbH: Based in Ulm, operating three manufacturing sites in Germany.
- Advanced Plastics s.r.o.: Located in Vrbno pod Pradědem, with plants in the Czech Republic.
- Husqvarna Logistics GmbH: Formerly known as hortus GmbH.
- Gardena Deutschland GmbH: Based in Ulm and responsible for German sales.
In addition to these dedicated subsidiaries, Gardena utilizes the broader sales network of the Husqvarna Group to maintain its presence across various international markets.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Form | Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) |
| Key Executives | Pär Åström (President), Joachim Müller |
| Primary Region | Europe |
| Acquisition Price (2007) | 730 million euros |
| Website | www.gardena.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Gardena?
Gardena is a subsidiary of the Swedish Husqvarna Group, which acquired the company in 2007 for 730 million euros.
What is the Original GARDENA System?
It is a patented water hose plug-in coupling system introduced in 1968 that allows for easy connection of gardening tools and requires only the replacement of rubber O-rings to fix leaks.
Where is Gardena headquartered?
The company is headquartered in Ulm, Germany.
What is the GARDENA combisystem?
The combisystem is an interchangeable handle connection for gardening tools, designed by Dieter Raffler to increase versatility and efficiency in the garden.
How many employees does Gardena have?
As of 2019, Gardena employed approximately 3,000 people.